Questions have been asked about how the drainage system of a new housing estate near the NDR will be kept moving in the long term.

Eleanor Laming, who represents the Green Party for the Brundall ward on Broadland District Council (BDC), has raised concerns having seen the landscape and ecological management plan application from Allison Homes.

The plans were submitted to BDC for its Oaks development off Smee Lane, Postwick.

Building work has started on the 315 homes after full planning permission was granted by BDC in April 2021 - along with outline permission for an additional 205 homes.

Allison Homes has now bid to release a condition relating to its ecological and management strategy which involves a large three-metre deep drainage basin.

Norwich Evening News:

However Mrs Laming is concerned about who will be in charge of the system in the long term, particularly as it may attract insects. 

She explained: "These bodies of water are good habitats for insects. With the climate getting warmer that is the sort of weather that insects including mosquitoes like."

An Allison Homes spokesman said the drainage scheme reflected national and local policies which apply to all new developments across the country.

A management company will also be in charge of maintaining The Oaks' open spaces but who it will be is yet to be identified.

Mrs Laming added: "Homeowners need to pay private companies a certain sum. What happens if the private company goes under?

"If costs rise significantly (as they are likely to in the future with current economic predictions) it could be difficult for homeowners to change to a more competitive management company."

She accepted more developments were being run by private management firms because local authorities had funding challenges.

An Allison Homes spokesman said: "As is increasingly the norm, the open spaces will be managed by a resident management company. This gives control to the residents who will decide how they look after their natural spaces in perpetuity.

“We would welcome a chance to talk to Mrs Laming about how we can maximise the benefits for nature and residents."

A Broadland spokesman said a drainage basin was a recognised solution to dealing with surface water drainage with ecological benefits. 

He added: "Each application is considered on its own merits and all potential impacts are assessed."