A MAN who sold a portion of his land for a new access road to the Sturt Farm development has raised concerns over the road not being built at the height to which he consented.

Duncan Grossart, of Sturt Road, said he sold "a portion" of his land to allow access, on the basis, he says, that he was told "work had to be done - and would be done - to lower the access road and move the mains water pipes".

According to Mr Grossart, two main water pipes run along the road to the Sturt Farm development, and he claims he was told the road running past the frontage had to be lowered for "various technical reasons" - and to improve the view from his home.

He said: "In selling part of my land, the price I was paid was reduced to pay for lowering the access road and water pipe works - not for access to be raised, the water pipes to remain where they are and my outlook to be damaged."

Mr Grossart’s home also saw damage after two days of heavy rain. He said: "You do not have to be an environmental expert to realise that stripping former pasture land of its grass leads to flooding. Locals foresaw run-off inundating Sturt Road if anything was built here and that, as well as flooding me out, is exactly what has happened."

Site owner Stonewater and builder Thakeham said in a statement: "As part of our development to build 123 new affordable homes at Sturt Farm, works are being carried out to the access road by our contractor Thakeham.

"The agreed terms state all surface levels, including the access road, are to align with the proposed highway and existing property features. There are no plans to lower the access road, as it is being constructed to align with the existing level.

"While measures were in place to mitigate any potential flooding risk, the two reported incidents were the result of extreme rainfall on August 7 and 9 which coincided with works starting on site.

"Both incidents were attended by Thakeham ground workers within an hour of being reported, to alleviate the issue. We understand this included creating additional ditches and trenches, as well as using pumps to drain excess water.

"Fortunately, no water entered any of the existing homes, or caused any lasting damage. We do, however, appreciate it was a stressful situation and are continuing to work closely with our development partner and local residents to resolve any concerns."