A HOUSE builder has added extra drainage to its latest development in what was described as a ‘belt and braces approach’ after the owners of existing properties raised flooding concerns.

Residents living close to the development of 76 houses on the site of the former Eastbourne School, in Darlington, had raised concerns that the increased ground levels on the school site meant the new houses were overlooking their own.

Concerns were also raised that the sloping design of gardens adjoining existing properties meant there was a risk of surface water run-off causing flooding to the homes and gardens below.

Esh Property Services applied to Darlington Borough Council to allow the ground levels in the development to be changed but, after hearing residents’ concerns at an earlier meeting, councillors held a site visit to see the issues for themselves.

The committee heard that as a result of the concerns, Esh has added a step part way down the new gardens, creating two lower, flat sections, to reduce the risk of rainwater run-off and add more privacy for neighbouring homes.

Extra drainage, in the form of a French drain that is buried underground and will collect excess rainwater running towards the existing properties, has also been added.

Geoff Woodcock, managing director of Esh Developments, told Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee that the ground levels were governed by the drainage systems required by Northumbrian Water for the site.

He added: “We have had to put increased water storage in – the man holes at that site simply have to be raised and the floor levels match that.

“Since this issue with rainwater run-off came about we have redesigned the back gardens. We have done all we can to address residents’ concerns.”

Cllr Ian Hazeldine, ward member for Lingfield, spoke on behalf of residents and acknowledged it was too late to do anything about the overall development now construction is underway.

However, he accused Esh of “arrogance” and noted that the French drains had already been fitted and said residents wanted more heavy duty drains to be installed.

Members of the planning committee agreed that the French drain would be suitable to deal with rainwater run-off, referring to it as a “belt and braces” approach as there was no official evidence of flooding risk.

Chairman Paul Baldwin told residents that if more complex drains were installed the level of the gardens would be increased even further.

He added: “If we go with what you want, you’ll get what you don’t want – you’ll be overlooked. If we leave it as a French drain that will retain your privacy.”