Street Parish Council has published the findings of an independent flood risk review - and it raises serious questions about how well Somerset Council and developers have assessed the risks linked to the 280-home scheme west of Somerton Road.

The development, approved in March under reserved matters application 2023/2354/REM, sits on greenfield land already known for flooding. The parish council's report, completed by H Fraser Consulting Ltd and discussed at a Full Council meeting on 17 June, highlights "significant concerns" around groundwater, drainage, and flood mitigation.

The area is already a recognised flooding hotspot, with a history of water pooling at the northern end of the site. In December 2023, surface water and sewer flooding were reported near Petvin Close - just metres from where the new homes are set to go.

The review found that groundwater levels in some parts of the site regularly reach the surface, but that groundwater flooding was not properly assessed in the developer's flood risk plan. It also questioned whether the proposed drainage system—including large basins—would be enough to cope, especially during extreme weather or if the nearby B3151 culvert becomes blocked.

The basins themselves could cause problems, the report warns, by displacing groundwater and removing underground storage space—potentially sending more water towards neighbouring homes.

The council had commissioned the review back in January to get an independent view on:

• Surface water and groundwater displacement
• Risks to neighbouring homes
• The adequacy of documents submitted to the planning portal
• Whether the drainage plan could actually increase flood risk

While Somerset Council signed off the application with added conditions, the report casts doubt on whether those go far enough.

Among its concerns, the report says raising the site by 250mm—a move intended to protect against floodwaters—might not be in line with the actual building layout. It also found no evidence that culvert blockages had been modelled, despite their critical role in draining the area.

Street Parish Council said: "We considers the report's findings highly significant for local residents and will continue to pursue responses from Somerset Council through its Full Council meetings."

Since receiving the final report on 9 June, the parish council has:

• Shared it with Somerset Council planning officers and drainage authorities
• Requested clarification on any actions already taken in response
• Published a summary for residents
• Set up a Task and Finish Group to handle further representations

The council also thanked local flood action groups for raising awareness and pledged continued support.

The land west of Somerton Road has long been earmarked for housing in the Mendip Local Plan, but the report's authors say a full surface water flood management plan - required under the plan - does not appear to have been completed.