A NEW estate with almost 100 homes in Wickford, described as a "disaster", will be built after concerns over flooding and crashes were raised.

The development includes the demolition of all existing homes, commercial and stable buildings and building of 97 new homes with open space, landscaping, car parking and associated infrastructure with a main access from Castledon Road. 

It comes after plans for 49 homes to the south of the site were granted around a year ago, which residents also strongly campaigned against.

Local resident Ray Hayden said: "Householders will be given a flood maintenance manual, and the recommendation is that householders sign up to the flood warning system.

They know it's going to flood, so why should residents of Wickford get flooded, resulting in it being a total flood risk area and inability to insure businesses and properties?

These developments are in the wrong locations, and with the subsequent flood risk of the River Crouch and Wickford, no one can predict when the next storm will come, but with climate change, it's on its way and developing this valley will be a disaster. The committee should reject this plan and others in the valley, and if not, it should know it will be complicit when the town gets flooded."

Another worried resident told the meeting: "The planning proposal includes a long pathway between properties 77 and 81 Castledon Road, leading out into Castledon Road.

"I'd like to understand how the planning committee has assessed the matters raised regarding public safety, risk of crime and antisocial behaviour and the impact on the living conditions of the existing residents. The pathway would exit at a particularly hazardous part of the busy high way, which has seen numerous accidents, the envisaged link to the pathway would create a highly dangerous crossing where visibility for pedestrians is very poor, vehicles drive too quickly and lose control.

"With greater footfall, it will be sadly a matter of time before a pedestrian is killed or seriously injured."

The planning documents state: "Development opportunities are: high-quality design to elevate the appearance of the local area, a design to enhance the existing non-vehicular connections to Wickford and the surrounding areas, specifically walking and cycling routes, connecting roads offering a close-knit community feel and multiple routes throughout the development.

"Extension of the riverside walk along the River Crouch to enhance and elevate the natural features of the site, creation of high-quality architectural design to include public open space will be appropriate and visually attractive, need for market housing, encourage a cohesive design response integrating movement, public realm and existing facilities and opportunity to offer a portion of the demand of affordable housing for the area."