"New housing will only exacerbate the real issue of flooding that already exists"

The Wallington Village Community Association and local residents throughout the village deeply opposed an outline planning permission which has been granted by Fareham Borough Council to build up to 29 dwellings on one of the village's only remaining green spaces, very close to the river.

They argued that this “will only exacerbate the real issue of flooding that already exists” - and are fearful that the situation will be made even worse by further plans for another 19 homes.

WVCA trustee and local historian Danny Glavin said: “The same company, Foreman Homes, have also put in another planning application for a further 19 homes in the centre of the village, despite flooding issues caused by an already overwhelmed service water draining infrastructure.

“I know the history of flooding in Wallington is a real issue, with first historical written records dating back to the1800s as detailed in my book. Over recent decades, a whole industrial estate and many homes have been built upon the many water meadows that historically existed in the village.

“It's crucial that the last remaining green spaces where water can drain naturally are kept, not concreted over.

“The flooding issues we've seen (this week) further illustrate the real concerns of Wallington residents to these planning decisions that are being made by Fareham Borough Council. Another WVCA member, Ron Hooper, has also contacted Fareham Borough Council regarding the concerns about the planning decision making process, and is yet to have a response.

“Hopefully Fareham Borough Council will start to take local residents' concerns seriously, as due diligence and common sense really has to start prevailing when these planning decisions are made.”

The News contacted Fareham Borough Council to invite it to comment but has received no response.