THE Crown Estate has promised stringent and ‘effective’ flood protection after residents living adjacent to one of the proposed sites voiced concern.

Residents of Warren Avenue, which backs onto the Northwich Road site earmarked for 175 homes, were alarmed to find that their properties were deemed to be at ‘high risk’ of flooding from surface water – even before any development.

Following an exhibition of The Crown Estate’s plans – which include another site of around 75 homes and an 18.5-acre business park – those living nearest the Environment Agency’s ‘risk zone’ said they wanted reassurance after developers suggested the site was not considered a flood risk.

Jo Dionysiou said: “I do agree that houses need to be built, and although it’s along the back of my house you can’t be too selfish.

“They said they have an assurance undertaken that it’s not in a flooding area but the Environment Agency says it is – my house is one of eight in a high-risk zone.

“The fields behind us flood, and you can always see the water there. It never reaches my garden, but it’s a metre or two away from it.

“I am not bothered with the development, but they should be willing to make real assurances.”

Plans accommodate a large open space between Warren Avenue and the new homes, but residents fear the soil on the flood-prone field will no longer be able to deal with surface water.

Steve Nixon, also of Warren Avenue, has examined the plans and calculated that to build a suitable ditch of 1.5m depth to cope with the average annual rainfall, a width of between six and nine metres would be required.

Knutsford Guardian:

Steve Melligan, strategic land portfolio manager for The Crown Estate, said: "Our modelling, which is far more comprehensive than the Environment Agency’s indicative online tool, identifies only a small high risk area, but this is only the case in extreme rain storms.

“As part of our technical work we are preparing a detailed flood risk assessment, which will put forward a comprehensive package of measures to manage flood risk across the site and ensure that water is routed effectively through the development and into the drainage system.

"The primary solution is that effective design will ensure all rainwater will be captured in the new development’s pipe network and routed to two basins for storage and safe release from the site through the local surface water sewage network.

“Our plans also include installing a bund on the eastern bank of the basin on the eastern edge of the site, so that there is even more protection for properties on Warren Avenue during rare occasions of severe weather.

“Finally, a buffer of open space on the eastern edge of the site will further support effective drainage and protect existing properties.

"We believe North West Knutsford is a fantastic opportunity to deliver the new homes and business accommodation that the area needs, as well as providing the open spaces, walking routes and cycling routes to ensure the new development is a success.”

Full planning applications are expected to be submitted by The Crown Estate in the coming months.