A DEVELOPER has sought to reassure residents amid fears building more houses in a rapidly expanding village could increase the risk of flooding.

Some people in Bowburn, near Durham, are worried if Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) builds 43 more homes, others could be threatened during bad weather.

DVRC, a partnership between Durham County Council and developer Keepmoat, has applied for planning permission for a new estate on land south of Oakfield Crescent, between Crowtrees Lane and Bowburn Junior School.

A public consultation was held at Bowburn Community Centre today (Tuesday, May 21).

Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director with Keepmoat, said the development had been designed so that it would produce no more water running off the surface than a field.

Underground storage tanks would be installed, he said.

Mr Prescott said he had agreed to meet a number of concerned residents to discuss the issues over the next few days.

The estate would include seven two-bedroom, 25 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes for general sale and six two-bedroom and three three-bedroom affordable homes.

Mr Prescott said: “In this day and age, villages need a critical mass to keep facilities open, whether it’s shops, pubs, schools or health centres.

“In other Durham villages that have lost population, facilities have closed.”