Flood warning over new homes scheme
May 26 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal
VILLAGERS in one of Northumberland’s most remote areas have met with developers behind a housing proposal that they say is a flood risk.
Milecastle Housing Association is investigating the possibility of building six affordable homes in Hawkhope Hill, Falstone, but some residents say the new houses would suffer from damp problems.
This week representatives from the housing association met with villagers to discuss the plans and the concerns people have.
John Park lives on Hawkhope Hill. He said that some changes had been made but people were still worried.
“The developers have put in a few more parking spaces so there are now about 12 or 15. They are also putting a wall along the back, but I don’t think that will be adequate.”
The plans have attracted controversy because when the original 10 houses were built on the hillside street in 1977 the inhabitants endured years of severe damp problems.
Thousands of pounds were spent rectifying the situation, but residents fear that building in the area again will see history repeating itself.
Milecastle Housing is part of Isos Housing Group, and development director Michael Farr said: “In conjunction with Falstone Parish Council, we held an informal public consultation meeting to discuss Milecastle Housing’s proposal to build six new three-bedroom homes in the village.
“We also discussed issues in respect to flood concerns on the specified land and we will be investigating these issues further before formally applying for planning permission.
“In addition to the discussions, we also asked attendees to complete a questionnaire detailing their favourability for the development. Of the 19 responses, 14 were in favour and five were not.
“We have already carried out a detailed site investigation, which has included assessing factors such as flood risk and will be working very closely with Tynedale Council and Northumbrian Water to develop a scheme which meets the needs of this rural community at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for families to find quality, affordable homes.
“Here at Milecastle we pride ourselves on building quality local housing for local people and can assure all concerned that these new homes will meet all regulatory requirements.”
A Tynedale Council spokesman said: “There is an established need for affordable housing in the area and Tynedale Council is keen to explore with residents what the options for housing might be, and to work with Milecastle Housing to find a suitable site.”
