WEYBOURNE residents who have suffered flooding four times have persuaded councillors to fight their corner against a flood-zone development they fear could worsen their plight.

Waverley's western planning committee has discounted the advice of planners and the Environment Agency and refused permission to build on open space at Stockwood Way.

The acre of land close to the River Blackwater was left undeveloped in order to lessen the flood risk when 105 homes were built on the adjoining site around 25 years ago.

But the strategy did not pay off for some neighbouring homes, particularly in Brook Avenue, with flooding in 1990, 2000, 2007 and again this year, the committee was told.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.