FEARS have been raised that Rochford’s drains can’t cope with the number of houses planned, which could lead to more flooding.

Rochford District Council’s housing blueprint, due in front of a Government Inspector in September, could see 772 homes built in Rayleigh, 500 in Hullbridge and 600 in Hall Road, Rochford.

But following the weekend flooding, there are concerns it could become more common, as new homes will add to the burden on current infrastructure.

Ian Lambert, 82, who lives in Sweyne Close, Rayleigh, said: “It will definitely get worse if they build new homes and they don’t sort it out. If you have more houses in this area then you will get more problems.”

Gary Congram, who lives in Hullbridge, added: “Once again Watery Lane lived up to its name and was flooded at the point where the surface waters from Hockley Road, Hambro Hill and Hullbridge meet. A housing developer wants to build 500 houses 100 yards from here.”

The council’s core strategy sets out where hundreds of homes will be built in the district, between now and 2025, as well as creating the area’s legal traveller site, at Michelin’s Farm, by the A127/A130 junction in Rawreth.

Furious residents have formed the Rayleigh Action Group to oppose the plans.

Adam Priest, who heads up the group, wrote on blog onlinefocus.org: “How arrogant of Rochford Council to simply dismiss the life-changing devastation several of their constituents have suffered, insisting that adding to the problem is for the greater good of the district.”

Keith Hudson, the council’s councillor responsible for planning, said: “Wherever there is new development, there will be a requirement for the developer to provide all necessary improvements to the existing local drainage system.

“If you have a new development near where you live, you can rest assured not only will it not adversely affect your resilience to flooding, it will improve your protection.”