The site is located within flood zone 1 of the Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning. This means that it is assessed as being at the lowest risk of flooding. There is a small area of localised surface water flood risk in the southwestern corner of the western field parcel, however no development is proposed in this location.
A sustainable drainage system incorporating a new drainage basin is proposed as part of the proposals. This will manage surface water run-off from the development and ensure the site and surrounding area is not at risk of flooding. With appropriate planting, the basin will provide new more varied habitat, contribution to net gains in biodiversity on the site.
The sustainable drainage system for the new neighbourhood will also provide biodiversity benefits through the provision of wetland habitat.
Foul water
The foul water connection pipes from each residential house will discharge to a below ground carrier drain. This carrier drain will discharge into the existing Severn Trent Water (STW) foul sewer which crosses the western part of the site. Severn Trent Water will be consulted directly in relation to this. The road alignments will follow the existing route of this STW foul sewer to avoid any significant sewer diversion works.
The opportunity to connect Meon Medical Centre directly to the foul water mains is also being explored, as the Medical Centre currently relies on a septic tank which requires regular emptying.