A HOUSING developer has been given the go-ahead to build nine houses in Fenton subject to drainage testing after residents expressed several concerns about the impact of the construction on flooding.

Citadel Homes Ltd have sought permission to undertake the residential development of nine bungalows on land at Fenton Farm in the village, around four miles south-west of Brampton, for which Cumberland Council Planning Committee members have recommended for approval.

Permission in principle for development on the site had previously been granted on four occasions between 2004 and 2019.

The planning committee report said: "The principle of development was established at that point in time.

"The applicant proposes to change the house type to bungalow and to reposition them within the site.

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"That being said, the total number of dwellings proposed remains unchanged.

"The principle of residential development remains acceptable."

Eight objections were raised by nearby residents regarding flooding.

The planning report states: "The objectors raise concerns that the raised level of the building site would mean that any local flash floods in the area would force water to enter gardens and houses that sit on a lower ground.

"Concerns were also raised regarding the culvert under the road being not big enough to take the full volume of water when a local flash flood occurs."

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The report says that the Lead Local Flood Authority officer indicates that they have records of 'minor surface water flooding to the south of the site', and that Environment Agency surface water maps do not indicate that the site is in an area of risk.

The report said: "According to the applicant, the raise in the ground level within the site is to assist with the on-site drainage.

"The change to the levels will blend into the levels to perimeter of the north-eastern and south-eastern boundaries of the site and it will have no landscape impact.

"The change in levels will have no impact on the dwellings to the southwest."

The approval was given subject to a number of conditions, including ‘further drainage details and provision of trial test location and calculation'.