A property developer which plans to build 130 homes and a supermarket off Albert Road has offered a solution to residents in answer to their flooding woes.

At a public meeting on Friday, Quinn Estates’ finance and operations director, Huw Evans, said they could install additional pumps beneath the supermarket’s car park if planning permission is granted.

The offer was dubbed a “sales pitch” by some residents who are sceptical about their ability to deliver.

It came as the residents joined together to get assurances from Southern Water that the authority is taking their concerns seriously.

Mr Evans told the meeting: “We can look at the global system, ensuring that it is effective to handle not only existing but additional capacity.”

But Cllr Pam Hawkins replied: “All these nice words can be said by developers, but once the development starts, they make cutbacks.”

Acknowledging her comment, Mr Evans said he wanted to change the perception of developers by sticking to his word.

Father-of-two Gareth Jones paid out more than £5,000 on damp-proofing, new flooring and plastering to repair his home in Albert Road after the flooding in May 2014.

After September’s floods, it needs to be replaced again.

He said: “The key consideration for any development along Albert Road is to ensure there is an adequate and sustainable drainage system that will protect the entire area from future flooding.

“I am sure that Quinn Estates, in conjunction with Southern Water, KCC and the other authorities, can come up with a solution – however, it was pointed out in the meeting that property developers do not always deliver on what is agreed during the planning stages.

“The residents of Albert Road do not need a sales pitch from developers, we want to see a clear plan for the area and assurances from all parties involved that the proposed development will be of benefit to us, protect our houses and not add extra pressure on what appears to be an already insufficient drainage system.”

MP Charlie Elphicke said: “It was encouraging to hear Quinn Estates make sensible suggestions as to how they could help improve the situation.”

Quinn Estates has been in pre-planning talks with Dover District Council, and is expected to submit a planning application for the homes, supermarket, a children’s nursery and offices later this autumn.