A MAN believes that a planned housing development in Weobley could exacerbate the village's flooding problems.

Heritage Developments (Ludlow) Ltd has submitted outline plans to build 40 homes on land off Gadbridge Road.

The site, the developer says, is ideal because it is within easy walking distance to shops and has good access to the main road network.

However, Herbie Knott, who lives in Weobley, says that the village has a poor sewage system and can easily flood - as has been shown during the past week.

"Welsh Water anticipates no problem coping with domestic sewage from the proposed scheme, but in their response to the application, the promoters have been told that they must demonstrate an ability to instal a viable 'integrated' drainage system to cope with surface rain water from the development and prevent any and all of this water reaching the existing public drains serving Weobley," said Mr Knott.

"Water from a culvert could swiftly reach the River Arrow via the Stretford Brook at a point just above Ivington Court, an area frequently flooded."

Mr Knott's concerns are also shared by Weobley Parish Council.

Local members have sent a written objection to Herefordshire Council.

"At a public meeting held to discuss the application, the overwhelming view of the residents was that it must be refused because of the traffic implications," said Lynne Pugh, from the parish council.

"The parish council is aware of the requirements of the draft Core Strategy and of the need for a 14% target growth in the main villages within the Leominster area.

"But, we believe that, for Weobley, this should be a phased process with modest growth taking place gradually."

A date is yet to be set for Herefordshire Council's planning committee to debate the application.