AN action group is opposing plans for 77 new homes in Whalley because of the risk of flooding.

The Save Whalley Village Action Group is concerned that the development, which would be on land just off Accrington Road and is for 37 bungalows and 40 retirement apartments near to the River Calder, might result in more frequent flooding for the existing homes.

But a risk assessment presented to Ribble Valley Council by developers Oakmere Homes said careful design of levels throughout the site would ‘ensure that exceedance flows are directed away from building thresholds’.

The application will be discussed at a planning and development comm-ittee meeting tomorrow and is recommended to be deferred.

Janet Higgins, from the Save Whalley Village Action Group, said: “The bottom end of the village had been flooded many times.

“The developers will say it is not always going to be like that, just a one in a 100 year event, but if you are in the house when that happens, you are in trouble.

“The Environment Age-ncy has produced a map showing the area where they will ring you if you are at risk and this site is in it.

Nick Walker, chairman of the group, said there was also an issue over parking. He said: “The car park is a real carry on.

“We have 15 spaces planned for 40 residents and no visitors’ spaces, with a 25 space public car park which will make up for the shortfall.

“It will just mean parking up Accrington Road will get worse.

“People call us ‘nimbies’ but we are talking about quality of life here.”

Oakmere director Chris Middlebrook said: “There is no question of us build-ing new homes with a risk of flooding.

“We have put a lot of resources into development plans for the site which specifically address any potential flooding issues, along with other factors such as environmental factors and traffic management.”