Salhouse bridge flood closure raises fears over new homes

The road running under the bridge in Station Road has been closed next to Salhouse Station for the last couple of weeks.

It has prompted concerns among homeowners nearby as Taylor Wimpey's North Rackheath Masterplan could see up to 3,850 new homes built on land north of Green Lane West.

Peter Boddy, 77, who lives just off Station Road, once put a canoe through the water under the bridge when it flooded in January 2013. 

He said: "New homes will make the flooding even worse as a lot of water will come off the new estate and flood the road even more." 

Taylor Wimpey's masterplan was first set out in 2018 but it has now been refined and is currently at outline planning stages having been submitted in March this year.

The developer has previously considered closing Muck Lane to vehicles west of the Salhouse Station car park.

Many cars have been turning around in the station car park due to the closure of the road under the bridge in recent days.

One motorist travelling from Muck Lane to Station Road on Tuesday afternoon questioned why the road closure sign could not be positioned further down the road.

Adrian Ransome, 72, has lived in Wood Green near the bridge for 30 years.

Mr Ransome said: "At least six cars have been pulled out of the water under the bridge in the last six days.

"One police car went in two years ago and the water was level with the top of the window.

"If the new homes increase the traffic down here then I believe there will be more accidents. It's a hazardous spot."

Jennifer Lemmon, 72, who also lives in Wood Green, said: "We have to go all the way around Rackheath when the road is closed so it is an inconvenience.

"We get lots of cars turning around. It needs a clearer sign." 

Taylor Wimpey has been contacted for comment.

The developer said it would respond later in the week.