RESIDENTS and a community forum have called on Thurrock Council planners and councillors to be cautious about approving a proposed new development of up to 320 homes – warning that the site is considered at high risk of flooding.

Earlier this month residents of Corringham and Fobbing were invited to a 'Drop in Event' to view a plan outline for a development to green belt land to the north east of Corringham, titled Northland's View. Landowners and planners were on hand to listen to local views, with project lead Danny Woolley-Young talking to Thurrock Nub News.

In the wake of the consultation the development was discussed at a meeting of the Corringham, Fobbing and Homesteads Forum, where a number of concerns were raised.

Residents were critical of the developers for describing the ap0plication as a 'redevelopment' project, saying the land is currently not developed and is in arable use and is being farmed.

There is also considerable concern about flooding on the declared site, saying that parts of it are already classified by the Environment Agency as 'Flood Zone 3', on local mapping and the area is therefore at highest risk of flooding.

Anne Sandu, reporting to the forum on the site says: "Northland's View website is illustrated without any surface water drains and the path and road surfaces are brick paviours which look to provide a soakaway to the adjacent lake.

"This exposes properties in Lampits Lane to increased and greater risk of flooding; likewise the B1420 and homes along Wheatley Roadd. There must also be adjacent homes and roads likely to be affected in any inundation. Climate change and 'rain dumping' in many other parts of the country has been catastrophic.

"We are advised by the government that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk (whether existing or future). Where development is necessary in such areas, the development should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

"I understand the London Assembly, discussing a possible need for a second Thames Barrier, has been advised '… The Environment Agency predicts 59% more winter rainfall by 2050'  - that's in just 25 years time."

"I should therefore, in consideration of the above, ask our councillors for Corringham, Fobbing & Homesteads and Corringham & Fobbing Community Forum to approach Thurrock Council and councillors regarding the above considerations and concerns to ensure correct risk assessments for flooding and related risks, are undertaken before considering any subsequent planning applications concerning Northlands View."

Mr Woolley-Young said: "Our application has been carefully designed to align with relevant planning principles and policies and demonstrates the sustainability of the location and how our application can be delivered."

One of the key parts of the developers' presentation was a plan to improve and make safer a well-used public footpath that runs through the site, linking Southend Road with Lampitts Hill and that drew praise from many of those who attended the presenation.