Dash's Farm Close Correspondence

Flooding on the Dash's Farm Close site - January 2002

 Francis Jackson Homes of Olney have entered into correspondence with me about the comments on the website about (potential) flooding. Reproduced below are the most recent emails, quoted in full.

Developer

"Dear Sir,

By chance, I happened to click on your site today and yet again I was surprised by the many factual errors.

Can you please publish correct information if you wish to mention this company's activities.

The Dash Farm development has been fully approved by the Environment Agency and Corby Borough Council. The properties have been designed to accommodate
 in excess of a one in ten thousand year flood risk. The E.A industry standard is one in one hundred years.

I would be grateful if you would publish a correction (items 2 and 3) on our behalf.

 Thank you

John Young"

Weldon on the Web replies

Dear Sir,
 
You claim factual errors, but do not explain what they are.
 
If you would care to take each statement in turn that you dispute on the website, then give me evidence that prove they are wrong, I will happily correct the website.
 
F.Y.I. I quote from a document, written by Corby Borough Council,  in my possession:-
 
"....it appears that the Environment Agency is concerned that the area of land proposed for the five houses could be under water in times of severe flood"
 
I assume you are familiar with this document, and do not choose to dispute that it is genuine. You will also be aware that the statement about flooding on the Dashs Farm site given on the front page is taken from this document. I also assume you are aware of the reasons for their concerns. 
I do realise these reasons are not under your control, but they nevertheless effect your development. I have put photos and a description of this problem on the site, and assure you I am no more happy with the increased flood risk than you are.  
 
As for your "one in ten thousand year" flood risk - it is quite amazing therefore that many in the village have seen that land under water to a height that would enter the properties being built there. I do not know any ten thousand year old residents!! I take it this design parameter predated the works undertaken at the balancing reservoir upstream.by Anglian Water.  
 
I sympathise with you that your property near the brook is proving difficult to sell - I believe that one buyer who had placed a deposit has already pulled out after seeing the site flooded - but I still only put on the website what I believe to be true.
If you are aware of any other measures taken to prevent the brook flooding, other than the dredging and clearing I have already mentioned having taken place, then please let me know. If you do not, I suggest you check the level of indemnity your consultants are insured for; it may be needed in a lot less than one hundred years. 
 
Regards,
 
Editor, Weldon on the Web

Developer replies again

"You are a complete nightmare. Not only do you not have a clue what you are talking about but you do not have the intelligence to read my email properly.

The factual errors are items 2 and 3 and my email explains why. It really is so simple.

On the basis that you have yet to say anything remotely accurate in your references to us, I doubt you will have the honesty to correct the website
and print the truth which I summarised previously. But really who cares, no-one I have ever met is remotely interested in your personal views about
Weldon."

Post Script - The gardens of at least two occupied properties in Dash's Farm Close were flooded during the evening of 16th October 2002. I am certain of this fact, as I saw it for myself!!  D. Simpkins