Bexhill housing site flooding, parking worries remain

Barratt Homes is currently building more than 100 homes on land off Pebsham Lane.

Robert Budgen, of Alford Way, warned about the risk of flooding before Christmas and now believes he has been proved right after seeing soggy site on Sunday and Monday.

“As soon as they put the foundations does they get water back on top but then pump it out, but where does it all go? It baffles me,” he said.

“That water’s got to go somewhere. I’m keeping a pictorial history of it all as I can see a few years down the line it all flooding down here.”

Barrett was given planning permission by Rother District Council in May last year to build 108 homes, together with associated car and cycle parking, open space and play areas.

Construction manager Gerry Rice denied there was a flooding issue and said the heavy rain had caused a ‘wetter-than-usual’ site.

“We have been made aware of residents’ concerns about drainage but the local community can be can be fully assured that the construction will in no way lead to an increase in flooding,” he said.

Residents raised concerns last month about the builders parking dangerously on the surrounding streets.

Despite promises workmen would park safely, it seems they are not as Brian Giles, of Pebsham Lane, said residents are planning to form an action group to make them stop.

Mr Giles is also angry about the mess caused by muddy vehicles around the site entrance which has left the roads brown and grass verges damaged.

Mr Rice apologised and suggested residents got in touch with any concerns they have.

“We apologise to residents for any inconvenience caused by vehicles visiting the site,” he said.

“In the last few days we have made space available for all staff to park on site to relieve the need to park in neighbouring roads.

“We are also using a road-sweeper and have put in place a wheel wash system so that every vehicle which comes on and off site has its wheels cleaned.

“These approaches should minimise mud on the roads.

“Any local residents who wish to alert us to problems during construction can call us on 01483 505533.”

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