Swaffham councillors raise concerns over flood risk for Barratt homes development

Flood concerns have been expressed for a reserved matters application which will see more than 180 homes built in a market town.

Barratt Developments [BDW] has submitted the application for land south of Norwich Road in Swaffham following outline permission for 185 homes.

The application was discussed by Swaffham Town Council’s planning committee on Tuesday in which concerns over garden space being converted into car parking was discussed.

Councillor Lindsay Beech said this could increase the flood risk at the site, which committee chairman Les Scott agreed with.

He said: “The more tarmac concrete, the more surface water run-off you have, and then there is more need for drainage features. Car parking areas could be green space similar to what is used in the church.”

Mr Scott continued: “There is a question with the front gardens in the planning papers where the officer asked Barratts to provide more garden space and less parking in it by introducing possible terrace.”

Town clerk Richard Bishop said grasscrete is the material used for driveways. This is a cast-on-site cellular concrete system with voids created by plastic formers.

Concerns were also raised over the density of the site but Mr Scott said nothing can be done about this as Breckland Council has essentially set the density for the site at the outline planning stage.

The design and access statement by BDW says: “Our vision is to create a distinct, high quality residential place, which will make a positive contribution to Swaffham. The scheme provides development and connections in line with the approved masterplan.”

It states there will be a broad mix of housing and traditional architectural style.

"We want to contribute to wider political objectives by making our designs safe, walkable, and generally more environmentally friendly," the statement continues. "Our designs must address the sustainability agenda, properly responding to flood risk, creating new biodiversity, and creating robust places which will stand the test of time."

Councillor Beech claimed the developers "do not listen" to what the council has to say during the meeting this week.