170 new homes in Soham approved despite fears of flooding

The developer says construction at Broad Piece will cut the risk of flooding in half.

Outline planning permission to develop the land was given in February 2022. 

The plans submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council by Persimmon Homes East Midlands, included 166 new homes, with nine self-build plots.

The new homes will be a mix of one to five bedrooms, with 53 homes to be made available as affordable housing, with 41 rented and 12 as shared ownership.

Mike Rose, who lives along Broad Piece, says he and some of his neighbours were concerned about the new development.

He said they already suffer from flooding and said he did not believe the measures proposed to reduce the risk were “adequate”.

Soham Town Council also objected the plans due to drainage and flooding concerns.

Photo: Persimmon Homes East Midlands

However, the developer’s drainage consultant claimed the measures would actually reduce the existing flood risk by 50 per cent.

They explained that water was currently draining southwards, but said the new housing would drain northwards away from the homes in Broad Piece.

They added that a bund will be created and trees planted on the southern boundary to “further protect” the existing homes.

The plans were approved at a council meeting on Wednesday 1 November 2023.