RESIDENTS in Urmston are planning a mass meeting to oppose plans to build 50 homes on one of the area’s floodplains.

The application, which has been submitted by Grays Architecture, on behalf of Trafford Housing and Balloon Street Properties, has raised serious concerns not only among residents, but also in a flood risk assessment, which deemed the site ‘more vulnerable’, if the plan to build at Meadowgate Farm, Cob Kiln Lane, is approved.

The report prepared for planning councillors states: “The overall risk of surface to the site is low. However, a small area around the south west corner of the site is located within the medium to high flood risk with a maximum flood depth of 300mm (1ft) to 900mm (3ft).”

The Enviroment Agency’s flood maps show that the site as a whole lies within its designated flood zone, with a medium probability of flooding.

To alleviate the situation residents would need to be made fully aware of the flood risk and flood warning and evacuation during an extreme event.

The report explained: “If necessary, during a flood event the first floor will provide a safe haven for the residents."

To counter some of the residents fears of flooding the surface run-off would be improved by installing new drainage measures. Other measures include, electric sockets and service meters and boilers for gas, electric and water would be installed above the flood level for ground floors, non-return valves fitted to sewage pipes. underfloor heating on ground floors would be avoided and wiring and cables protected by insulation.

It adds: “This report demonstrates that the proposal will be safe, in terms of flood risk, for its design life and will not increase the flood risk elsewhere.”

The application is also seeking permission to install 98 parking spaces, along with external works and landscaping

The group will meet today to discuss the proposals.