RESIDENTS have spoken out against plans for almost 1,000 new houses on land north of Grove.

Council leaders have earmarked the site near Monks Farm, between Grove village and Williams F1, for up to 900 homes.

Liberal Democrat county councillor and Grove resident Zoe Patrick said: “It is totally inappropriate land to be developed, right by the flood plain in the village. If it causes more flooding it would be a great concern.”

Residents say that run-off water from developments along the Letcombe Brook is worsening flooding.

John Divall, 73, of the Green in Grove, is part of the Grove Green Flood Group.

He said: “When it rains the water level in the brook rises much higher than it used to. We are concerned about this development.”

The application by developers Gallagher Estates and Gleeson Homes acknowledged the site was “within an area at risk of flooding” but the Environment Agency said it had no objections on flood risk grounds.