Government watchdog the Environment Agency says the risk of flooding is too high but developer Prudential Property Investment Managers says this can be remedied.
Prudential would raise part of the site to take it out of the flood plain and divert flood water to a nearby lake so that adjoining areas would not be in harm's way. Extra flooding protection would be added for existing homes on the edge of the flood plain, and no building would take place on the nearby meadows, a wildlife haven.
A spokeswoman for Prudential said: "Even allowing for the current predictions of climate change impact, the properties would be protected to a level well in excess of that required by insurers."
But a spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said raising the land above flood level would just send the flood water elsewhere.
She said: "The proposed diversion to an existing lake would only provide storage for a finite volume of water in a much smaller area.
"Additional flood water would have to go elsewhere at possible risk to other properties."
West Berkshire council needs 500 more affordable homes and the village outside Reading, dubbed Kennet Valley Park, is likely to provide a large number.
The council usually asks for up to 30% of homes on a scheme to be affordable.
But Kennet Valley Park's proportion of affordable homes could be lower because the developer may have to contribute to the large amounts of infrastructure required.
A rapid transport system and new railway station are included in the proposals.
Privately, some local councillors have concerns. One said: "It may help in dealing with substantial chunks of housing allocation for West Berkshire but is this site really the appropriate place for them to go?"
Prudential said it would submit a planning application in May or June of next year for Kennet Valley Park. It held an exhibition last weekend to canvass local opinion.
Source
Housing Today
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