Lavish Estates refutes ‘any allegation of wrongdoing’ amid flooding worries at Lemuel Burt Way in West Winch
A developer has refuted “any allegations of wrongdoing” despite concerns from villagers that their street could be flooded this winter.
Residents of Lemuel Burt Way in West Winch are worried the “dreadful state” of a pond on their street could lead to their homes being damaged by water.
They believe that recent work to cut down surrounding reeds and trees has been insufficient as they have been “dumped” in the pond - and claim that draining grids have been fitted incorrectly.
However, Lavish Estates, which is responsible for the homes, has denied being at fault - and insists the grids are in place to prevent children from entering drains.
A spokesman for the developer said: “Our clients take their reputation seriously and refute any allegations of wrongdoing.
“All drainage works at the site in question were undertaken in accordance with an agreed specification which was approved by Anglian Water.
“Our clients have fully complied with any drainage requirements and have cooperated with Anglian Water’s inspections - none of which have raised any concerns.
“A final inspection will take place in due course following which the drainage system will be adopted by Anglian Water. Highways (Norfolk County Council) have also confirmed that the road meets its required standard.”
Despite this, residents remain concerned.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had been advised that the grids fitted were “not the correct ones”.
“There is a high risk that, like last year, houses close to the pond will once again flood,” she said.
“These areas were not properly maintained for two years at which point the developer attempted to hand over responsibility to the residents.
“Now four years on the pond is in a dreadful state despite the recent work carried out as all the reeds and trees which were cut down have just been dumped in the pond.”
Cllr Alex Kemp, who represents the village, says she has spoken to a number of Lemuel Burt Way residents about their worries.
She says the pond was installed to prevent flooding at the 20 houses, but is no longer doing its job.
“If you don’t have proper arrangements in place, then there can be flooding,” she said.
“Last September, water went into two houses. This was within two years of being built - brand new houses.
“With all the rain we got last week, they were concerned about potential flooding.
“We are in a situation where residents are moving into brand new homes they have bought or rented and they are at risk of flooding. It is a complete shambles.”
However, Lavish Estates has dismissed the claims.
The spokesman added: “To the extent that flooding has occurred, we understand this was only in relation to one property and was a result of a blocked drainage system. Our clients promptly resolved the blockage after which point the drainage system functioned correctly.
“Our clients do not accept that the wrong inlet/outlet gates have been used. The gates in place are locked to prevent children from entering the drains. To use an ‘open’ drain as suggested poses a significant health and safety risk.
“Our client remains open to productive discussions on this matter but will rigorously defend any false allegations of wrongdoing.”