Proposed housing development in Bellingham, Northumberland has stirred up a heated debate as concerns rise over potential flood risks to nearby school children. Despite objections from residents and the parish council, the plans were approved by the Tynedale Local Area Planning Committee.
Northumberland Housing Development Sparks Controversy Over Flood Risk
Plans for a new housing development have raised concerns in Bellingham, Northumberland, with objectors claiming the proposal could endanger the lives of nearby school children due to flood risks. The Tynedale Local Area Planning Committee reviewed plans on Tuesday for constructing 26 new homes on land northeast of Bridgeford Road. Despite council planners’ recommendation for approval, local residents and the parish council strongly opposed the development.
The objections stem from a severe flood incident at Bellingham Middle School last May, when heavy rain caused water and sewage to inundate the school and forced the closure of Hareshaw Linn walking route. Parish councillor Joyce Knudsen highlighted the potential danger of flash flooding, stressing that the new homes could exacerbate the issue and pose risks to students.
Helen Parkin, the council’s flood risk management officer, emphasized that while developments must match the drainage capacity of a greenfield site, they are not required to resolve existing problems. She stated that the flood incident at the school is still under investigation and unrelated to the new housing application.
The committee voted to approve the plans by six votes to three, with two members abstaining.
