Consequences of Storm Babet Raise Concerns Over City Housing Development
The aftermath of Storm Babet has instigated concerns over a proposed major city development in Lincoln. On Friday, October 20th, Lincolnshire was subject to heavy rainfall leading to widespread flooding, affecting multiple homes and properties.
Western Growth Corridor Project Under Scrutiny
Of serious concern is the planned Western Growth Corridor development, an initiative of the City of Lincoln Council which involves erecting a total of 3,200 homes. Located off Skellingthorpe Road, the project also includes provisions for a neighbourhood centre, a business park, and transport infrastructure.
Initial Housing Project Faces Uncertain Future
There has been a proposal to commence the construction with a set of 52 houses. Flooding at the Swanpool site, however, has instigated concerns about the project's potential for similar disruptions in the future, casting doubts over the adequacy of the flood and drainage strategies in place.
"Urgent reassurance is needed on what exactly will happen if such a storm with similar rainfall levels occurs again," raised Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. "This also includes what the impact will be of displacing any excess water that in the future would have flooded that area? Where will it then go – will it lead to flooding elsewhere in Lincoln and across the rest of the County?"
City Officials Provide Assurance
City officials have been quick to alleviate concerns. Jo Walker, Assistant Director for Growth at the City of Lincoln Council, mentioned that robust flood and drainage strategies are in place for the development, ones that have undergone extensive examination and consultations.
"The attenuation tanks and drainage system which will be installed will have more than enough capacity to deal with the volume of water left on the field after the weekend’s heavy rainfall," Walkers added. "This complete new drainage system will be built as part of the scheme and, at each stage of the development, the flood and drainage strategy for the upcoming work will be agreed by relevant bodies, such as the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and the Internal Drainage Board."
The plans for the first set of homes have been submitted, and the council is working in conjunction with Lindum Group to carry out the development.