CONCERNS have been raised about proposals to build more than 50 houses on land local residents say is prone to flooding.

There are also worries that if proposals to build 52 homes on greenfield land on the outskirts of Lanchester is given the go ahead, it will set a precedent for more development in the countryside around the historic village.

Bellway Homes has applied to build the houses on land next to Ford Crescent.

A number of residents, as well as Lanchester Parish Council, have objected to the proposals because of concerns about flooding, traffic congestion and encroachment on the countryside.

The applicants have carried out a flooding assessment and say there is a low probability of river flooding, putting it in the low risk category.

However, people living in Ford Crescent say they have witnessed floods in the area and the parish council says on-line records do not appear to match actual incidents and are not up to date.

Audrey Iveson said it was “incomprehensible” that anyone would consider building on the field, and added: “During 60 years of living here we have seen floods many times almost every year and occasionally more than once each year.

“The small river has been seen to become a lethal raging torrent which has burst its banks many times.”

Concerns have also been raised about the amount of traffic that would be generated and its impact on Ford Road, which objectors say is too narrow and does not have an adequate pavement.

A report by Archaeo-Environment, produced on behalf of applicants Bellway Homes, acknowledges that development around the village has been a contentious issue but adds that the proposed site has been assessed as having “neutral impact”on locally important historic assets and their settings.

A statement prepared on behalf of Bellway Homes says: “The exciting proposals offer a chance to provide a much-needed scheme for housing in this locale, matching the character and nature of the surrounding properties and integrating successfully into the surrounding landscape.

“The proposals will directly respond to the defined housing need as set out by the council’s current housing land supply position.

“The proposals will be complemented by a package of measures to improve local open space, manage traffic impacts and encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport, most notably by improving pedestrian access to the town centre.”