FLOODING and incessant rain have prompted concerned villagers to repeat calls for an urgent rethink on a controversial housing development.

Burton residents affected by high water levels in the village have again asked Christchurch Borough Council to remove a proposed policy from their emerging Core Strategy, which sets out plans for a 45-house development.

A strident campaign by villagers and Burton Parish Council has already seen a 1,600-signature petition handed to councillors expressing discontent at the plans. Residents fear the development on green belt land will set a precedent for similar schemes, and lead to the loss of the village atmosphere they treasure so much.

Concerns about the impact placed on village services have also been raised with the main worry being the development on valuable green belt and the potential loss of the beloved farm in Salisbury Road.

Now, following the recent floods in the area, campaigners have repeated their appeal to the borough council to address the flood risk issue, which could be further exacerbated by the proposed house-building. Those who signed the most-recent petition said they consider that recent heavy storms and flooding give rise for serious flood related concern for existing properties in the south of the village, especially after houses are built on the flood plain and marsh land.

Residents believe the displaced water from the new homes will have an impact on existing houses in Alder Close, Medlar Close, Gordon Way, Salisbury Road, Stony Lane and Holly Gardens.

The petition was presented to Christchurch council on Tuesday by resident Mike Bailey and Graham Richards.

Mr Richards, who is a Burton parish councillor said: “Residents consider their democratic rights are being ignored and that the Core Strategy proposals will be adopted no matter what and this is the thin end of the wedge, opening the flood gates to further development.

“Burton people do not want CN2 to be adopted.

“They like the village as it is, thank you, including its rural and agricultural character.

“This is why they moved there in the first place.”