A group of Sharnford residents say the village “will drown” if planned developments go ahead in the area. They have concerns “more and more planning applications” are being sent to Blaby District Council (BDC) looking to build on farmland.
The villagers said more development planned for the area “risked the safety of existing properties and the safety of residents”. Recent rainfall which flooded the village almost a year to the day of the last “devastating floods” had added to their fears.
The village is no stranger to planning applications, with recent schemes including a proposed 134-home development at the edge of Sharnford. Part of this land was left “marsh-like” following last week’s floods.
READ MORE:Woman fears she’ll be ‘swimming in sewage’ after 11th flood in just 12 months
Land flooded in Sharnford
(Image: S. Lee of Sharnford)
Further applications for the area include 19 homes off Butler Close, and three further homes on Chapel Lane. It has left many villagers fearful for the future of Sharnford.
Jen McDermott is among them and said: “Sharnford will literally drown, if greedy developers and governments continue to tarmac over our open land. Building on land that is already marsh-like, is a recipe for further disaster. Concrete over land that already struggles to absorb rainfall and where does that water go? Land drains, drain away systems and soakaways won’t be sufficient in an area already repeatedly suffering flooding.
“New home owners and existing home owners in the community will be trapped, with unsellable properties with extortionate home and contents insurance costs, alongside the misery and expense each time properties and businesses flood. Developers should not profit at the expense of a community; it’s people’s lives, livelihoods and safety that they are dabbling with.”
Other residents hit out at drains in the area being left “blocked”. Villager Maria Swift said: “The sewage comes out of the drain in our driveway into our garage and into the park when there is heavy rain”.
Leicester Road, Sharnford
Alex Cooney, Leicestershire Waste Team Manager at Severn Trent, made clear the water company had no say on whether developments were approved or rejected. He said: “While water companies can raise concerns and request changes to planning applications for new developments, we have no say as to whether a development can go ahead or not.
“However, we look into what impact any new developments may have on our network, and if we feel there are any concerns, we will discuss this with the developer, while considering if any network upgrades are needed. We do not believe that the Sharnford pumping station is inadequate. It is operating as designed and in line with its permit.”
Mr Cooney said Severn Trent had also “upgraded” the pumping station so it could “move more wastewater” to better help the situation. He added: “Once the flooding from the brook has subsided, a team will cleanse the local wastewater network to reduce any sediment and ensure its operating at its best capacity.”
Park view, children’s play field, Sharnford
A spokeswoman from BDC said: “We understand concerns raised by residents in relation to flooding which can have devastating impacts on communities. When planning proposals are submitted we work closely with Leicestershire County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority to understand any potential flooding impact for residents, and what mitigation is possible.
“Developers are required to take into account any flooding risk when submitting planning applications and offer alleviation measures which are rigorously reviewed by both ourselves and Leicestershire County Council. And while as a District authority we are not responsible for major infrastructure elements we do work with developers and other agencies to ensure community needs are met when any new planning application arises.”
A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said they did not comment on active planning applications.
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