Residents say they're concerned about the the risk of further flooding in Langham amid plans for 50 new homes in the village.

Members of Rutland County Council's planning committee heard that the application for the development on land on the north side of Cold Overton Road, Langham, was already approved in 2022 and the site boundary was later modified in 2023. 

At a meeting on Tuesday 16 December, members considered the reserved matters application relating to the 'appearance, landscaping, layout and scale' of the proposed development. 

Resident Caroline Davies warned of an increased risk of flooding in the area. 

She said: "This proposed development is situated approximately a quarter of a mile up stream of the point where the Langham Brook passes under the A606 into the village of Langham.

"I know you will be aware of the significant flooding of residential properties caused by the Langham Brook burst its banks onto the A606.

"There have been numerous such events in the last five years and twice in the last two years this flooding has met the definition of significant harmful consequences on residential property, requiring Section 19 reports."

Ms Davies went on to say that many residents have raised concerns to Langham Parish Council about the "increased risk of flooding" and said the developer and Rutland County Council haven't addressed this issue. 

Justin Johnson, development manager at Rutland County Council, said there are a series of conditions attached to the application to reduce the risk of flooding.

He said: "There is proposed an attenuation pond which will again hold water on site and graduate it into the Brook.

"Notwithstanding all of that, I was speaking to the drainage officer earlier today and there are a number of conditions that are on the outline application that all relate to drainage and require the details to be agreed."

He added that the flood officer will be having "significant discussions" about the flooding concerns raised.

Mr Johnson added: "The flood officer is fully aware of the issues that are happening down stream.

"She has advised me actually that the issues raised earlier today were not related to the Brook overflowing but were related to surface water coming down and pooling at the bottom of the hill.

"So it wasn't directly linked but there are known issues in that area around the Brook."

But Anne Dew, head of planning at Charles Church East Midlands and agent for the application, spoke on behalf of the developer, DLP Planning Ltd.

She said: "Careful consideration has been given to ensure the amenity of residents to the north on the Ranksborough Hall Estate is not adversely impacted.

"The scheme provides a 17 metre landscape buffer along its northern boundary. 

"This will have an ecological focus and be planted with 33 trees alongside extensive areas of species-rich wildflower planting.

"This buffer will not be accessible by the public and would be maintained by the open space management company for the development.

"Alongside rear gardens, the scheme provides rear to rear separation distances, varying from 26 metres to 42 metres."

Ms Dew added that the developer will provide "extensive areas of public open space" and a play area in the southern part of the site. 

Councillors approved the reserved matters application by majority, subject to conditions.