Flood Risk & Aquifers The site is officially in Flood Zone 1, but parts of it still flood with up to 60cm of water during heavy rain , which the developer downplays. Their plan to slightly raise the panels and add some drains Will not solve the problem of water running off, soil being washed away, or flooding nearby land. The site sits on top of a sensitive chalk aquifer , which supplies drinking water. Their drainage plans risk polluting the groundwater , which could affect water quality locally.
The developer admit the details of the drainage system will be worked out later — but we can’t judge if it will really work at this stage , and permission shouldn’t be given without a proper, detailed drainage plan. The scheme ignores the cumulative impact of water damage over time — both on the site and on surrounding land and homes. This goes against planning rules that require protecting the countryside from flooding and keeping groundwater safe. 25