Developers behind plans to build a small housing estate on land prone to flooding claim no homes will be put at risk.

Residents in Lydden, near Dover, say the 23-home scheme is “certain” to flood – but those leading the project say measures have been proposed to avoid such an event.

A planning application for the development along Church Lane – named Church Vale – has been submitted on behalf of Quinn Homes.

It will see a mix of three- and four-bed homes built on the agricultural land, including seven affordable homes.

An excerpt from planning documents describes the scheme as having “a true sense of place”, with many of the properties fronting landscaped areas.

However, the location of the development has sparked concern, with 43 official objections made to Dover District Council.

Stonehall resident Michael Whitton told KentOnline said: “I am concerned about what effect building on that land will have in terms of flooding.

“I don’t want to come across as yet another village resident who says ‘we need homes, but not here’, but it really is like that.

“I don’t see how the developer can mitigate the flood risk effectively despite what they claim, and if further down the line it turns out they can’t back up what they have said then it will be far too late to do anything about it.”

Rebecca Yates, who says she regularly walks in the area, says it is often waterlogged.

“The pond just down the road often acts as a soakaway, but I could see it being overwhelmed very easily,” she said.

“It’s right at the centre of the valley, so it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the water goes.”

Among those to have written to the council objecting is Rose Hall, who describes the plans as “short-sighted”.

“Why would anyone want to build on an area that is prone to flooding?” she said.

Alaine Saunders added: “Historically Church Lane/Canterbury Road junction floods frequently, even covering part of Canterbury Road, causing flooding of path and driveway to the three properties opposite Lydden Garage. Lydden Garage has also been flooded.

“[The development has] no benefit to Lydden Village at all, only for the developers and other interested parties.”

Ben Geering, the development director for Quinn Homes, highlights that the land is identified for housing in DDC’s Local Plan, adding the scheme will provide “much-needed new homes” and affordable housing.

“These new homes will help meet the needs of local people and help sustain the vitality of Lydden,” he said.

“We note villagers’ legitimate concerns. The application site has been subject to a flood risk assessment, as discussed with local people at the public consultation ahead of submission.

“The scheme has been designed to provide surface water flood management which will control flood water flows and include flood water storage to meet legislative requirements. No housing will be at risk of flooding.

“The scheme also includes planning for the impacts of increased rainfall through climate change and ensuring that flood risk does not increase off-site.

“The application will be subject to full consultation with experts at both the Environment Agency and Kent County Council, who will advise Dover District Council as to the suitability of the mitigation measures proposed.

“We would be happy to meet with local residents to discuss the mitigation strategy proposed and explain how this alleviates their concerns.”