PLANNERS have approved plans to develop a former farm in Waltham Chase despite fears of flooding.

Seven houses have been approved for the Old Barn, Jhansi Farm, off Clewers Lane.

The scheme, proposed by T Goss, would see the demolition of a barn which has been used to make wooden structures.

Margaret Jones, chairman of Shedfield Parish Council, raised concerns about flooding. She told the planning committee: "Clewers Lane has seen great change and development and over-development. Waltham Chase has a growing problem with flooding, surface and sewage. The infrastructure is not coping with the expansion. We fear an already boggy village green will be increasingly wet with the site run-off.

"We have a continual problem at the bottom of the village and have had property flood at the bottom of Forest Close and the main road. We have been told system is not enough for the amount of houses we have at the moment."

She also raised road safety concerns telling the committee that a child was injured recently on nearby Clewers Hill.

Cllr Jones said Waltham Chase was coming under development pressure with a proposal for a commercial and residential development for 78 homes.

Supporter Alfie Goss said the scheme had been revised after discussion with city council planners and neighbours although not with the parish council.

Cllr Mike Read said: "On drainage I have some concerns. Whilst this application will not be cause of a problem with drainage it may well add to an existing problem. I hope we have got this right and our drainage expert has the powers that he wants."

Committee chairman Therese Evans chided the applicant over the consultation. She said: "It's just seven houses but Waltham Chase has had a lot of new development. I think it would have been courtesy to have had a formal consultation certainly with the parish council. Verbal consultation are not really worth having. I would have appreciated the developer having a better community consultation than they did. They say they listened to concerns and adjusted things."

A report from planning officers recommended approval: "The proposed development is an effective use of land and the dwellings can be accommodated without a significant or detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area or the residential amenities of occupants of adjacent properties. The proposal is therefore in accordance with policies of the Development Plan."

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plan.