brentwood.gov.uk

I do not specifically object to housing development on this site. Rather wanting to raise concerns about the already appalling drainage situation and flood risk in that area, which significantly impacts myself and my neighbours.
In June 2016, the debris which the watercourse running through the area of woodland behind the proposed site picked up, caused a blockage to a culvert at the rear of 35 Middleton Road. This in turn caused the water to run through the night into our property and our neighbours in Worrin Road. The properties were immediately uninhabitable for over 6 months while buildings were dried, reinstated and refurnished. We were in rented accommodation for over 4 months while the houses were not habitable. I am aware that this type of flooding has occurred here prior to us moving here in 2010. We are lucky at the moment to have a vigilant neighbour at no 35 Middleton Road who has, at his own expense, installed a CCTV camera. He is regularly digging out the culvert in downpours to try to prevent a recurrence, sometimes several times a week, sometimes several time a night. the debris blocking the grate on the culvert causing the flooding is picked up by the watercourse flowing through BCC owned woodland. Having made representations to Adrian Tidbury about this problem, the councils response is that they can do nothing to improve this system which is clearly unfit for purpose. Bcc say they do not own the culvert and do not know who does. Waterboards do not know who owns it. Land registry do not know who owns it. It appears to be on a piece of unregistered land. Adrian Tidbury has confirmed that BCC will not be applying for a grant from Essex CC to improve the watercourse following Essex CC watercourse expert Tom Palmers Recommendations.
Adrian has commented that he cannot implement improvements that may flood BCC woodlands. Personally, I cannot compare your woodlands being flooded to our houses being flooded...............
So, in summary, mine and my neighbours concerns relate to the fact that the drainage for these proposed dwellings is NOT added into the system at the rear, into the woodlands. This would highly likely cause a devastating effect to our houses, (although your woodlands would probably be ok, which appears to be your main concern). Also, if the development goes ahead and drainage is updated and improved, is it likely or possible that the system that is there at present, which is clearly unfit for its job, can also be looked at and improved? I am surprised so far at BCC lack of concern at our situation. It seems that historically, as development has been added to in the Crescent Drive area, there has been little thought about where the extra water goes. Particularly run off from the large expanse of concrete car park at the community hospital and blood bank. Also the lack of maintenance to the water system, storm drains and pipes that are regularly blocked in the woodland area behind these areas and up to Worrin Close and Brentwood School.
I would therefore hope that particular consideration is given throughout this process to making improvement to the systems that are currently in place before adding to our problems.
Thank you.