Paths left 'impassable' as water flows from work at former Tolladine golf course

Warndon city and county councillor, Andy Roberts, who represents the area where the development in The Fairway off Tolladine Road is taking place, has said the work is "bordering on the negligent" as he claims several popular paths "have been rendered impassable".

Social housing provider Platform Housing Group, which is behind the plans, has blamed the contours of the land and extreme weather for the water overflow, adding a short-term solution was being put in place.

Cllr Roberts said the water run off flowing from the site, had been going on since June.

"It may be the result of the near total removal of vegetation," the councillor said.

"They are putting in 16 dwellings, and to do that they have cleared the whole site, including trees.

HOMES: The layout of the homes on the former Tolladine golf course in Worcester

“Platform are saying once the footings are built the water flow will stop – that really isn’t good enough. They could have provided a little bridge to walk over.

“It will carry on stopping people using what are popular paths at a wonderful meadow. It is bordering on the negligent.

“There were strong objections to the proposal because the application was for 16 residencies on a site set aside for only nine - concerns were raised about the effect on the environment.

"I believe that the decision to allow the site to be developed to such an extent was flawed, and it may be contributing to the problems residents and others are suffering.

"Local people didn’t agree with the planning decision, but most just want to see the work completed with the least possible disruption and environmental damage. They are being sorely tested."

Councillor James Stanley, whose patch includes where the run off is going to, added his frustrations at the work.

SITE: The former Tolladine golf course

“I share the concern of residents expressed to both Andy Roberts and I regarding this development," the Gorse Hill city councillor said.

"The issue of the water flowing down footpaths used regularly by local people is causing considerable frustration. It's fair to say a prompt response would be welcomed."

A Platform Housing Group spokesman said: "We recently acted upon concerns about the flooding these residents are experiencing, through our contractor Tricas Limited who instructed local supplier, Severn Trent to examine the site and ground works completed so far.

"They concluded that no damage had been done to the mains drainage network so Tricas then instructed a drainage consultant, Link, to examine the wider area.

"They concluded that the contours of the land, combined with extreme weather factors, were the main contributor to the overflow.

"Our colleagues at the council have informed us they will also be asking their own land drainage consultant to assess the problem.

"Despite not being liable, the contractor has since offered a financial contribution to enable a short-term solution to be found that can allow members of the public to use the footpaths whilst the works continue.

"When complete, the new drainage system will have a positive effect on the issue as run-off will be connected to the main drainage run.”