Flooding is proof homes should not be built here

Earlier this week, downpours left Watery Lane which runs between Rawreth and Hullbridge, closed for more than a day, and stranded five motorists who had to be rescued by boat.

Floods during heavy rain are common in the area according to residents and councillors, demonstrating why Rochford Council should abort large-scale housing plans.

The council is looking to build about 500 homes on land to the north east of Watery Lane, as well as land in nearby Rawreth Lane for up to 770 homes, as part of its long-term core strategy.

Lyn Hopkins, vice chairman of Rawreth Parish Council, said the plans would be a drastic over development in a place already struggling with flooding.

She said: “The homes just can’t go anywhere they’re suggesting when it’s already got these sorts of problems.

“Adding all these hundreds of houses is just a horrendous idea.

“We know you have to build homes, but we’re saying put them in the right places.”

Alistir Matthews, chairman of the parish council, said the roads would not cope with any extra stress and that whenever Watery Lane floods, it brings traffic to a standstill as drivers divert to Rawreth Lane.

He said: “It just can’t cope, so we’re setting up a traffic survey in March in Watery Lane and Beeches Road.

“Rawreth Lane can’t take any more.

“When the floods happened in Watery Lane on Monday, the traffic wasn’t moving in Rawreth Lane.”

Sue Cushion, 46, is one of two residents living in Watery Lane, and said the road always floods during a downpour, as water rises above the roadside ditches and pours on to the road.

Miss Cushion said the plans for homes would only add to the burden, and endanger the lives of motorists.

Chris Black, Lib Dem opposition leader of Rochford Council, also said the plans should be stopped.

The campaigners said they will be presenting details of flooding in Rawreth at a Government planning inquiry looking into Rochford Council’s plans this May.