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Flood 'timebomb'
THOUSANDS of new homes on the Fylde could be at risk from a flood "timebomb", according to a new report.
Information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) claims that around 6,000 houses could be built on flood plains or in "high risk" areas.
The number of homes on the Fylde at risk from flooding is almost half the total number at risk in the North West.
Throughout the region, a total of 11,864 new homes are at risk from flooding, says the report.
Today, the Countryside Alliance released figures stating that 5,500 new homes are planned on land owned by Fylde Council – but that council officers had failed to reveal whether they would be at risk.
While in Wyre around 311 new homes are being planned, but planning chiefs are unsure whether they will be built on land at risk from flooding.
Blackpool Council did not respond to the FOI request.
The report comes just a few months after parts of the Fylde coast experienced its worst floods in decades, hittings parts of Thornton, Carleton and Over Wyre – and a new development in Marton where householders spent days wading through water at Mere Farm, near Marton Mere.
Hundreds of homeowners were left stranded as torrential rain and high winds battered the Fylde coast.
Frequency
Fears have also been raised over new developments at Marton Moss and St Annes.
Richard Dodd, northern regional director of the Countryside Alliance, said: "There is no point addressing the problem of affordable housing by building houses that are unsustainable because of flooding.
"Climate change and the increasing frequency of major flooding incidents have led the Government to address the risk of flooding for new development through the planning process.
"The Government needs to carry out a full audit of housing proposed for flood risk areas.
"Allowing inappropriate development in flood risk areas is wrong.
"The alternative is a time-bomb of thousands of un-insurable homes in the North West under constant risk of flooding."
Tony Donnelly, head of planning at Fylde Council, said: "All planning applications for housing are subject to a flood risk assessment which are considered by the Environment Agency.
"I am not aware of any circumstances in Fylde borough where the council has granted planning permission contrary to the wishes of the Environment Agency on this issue."
A Wyre spokesman said the authority would have to get more information from the Countryside Alliance about the whereabouts of homes before it was prepared to comment.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 27 C
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Wind direction: East
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