Press & Media Release
Street Parish Council Publishes Findings from Independent Flood Risk Review – Somerton Road Development
Relating to:
Application: 2019/2946/OTS (outline), followed by 2023/2354/REM (reserved matters)
Location: Land at 348795 135704
RELEASE DATE: TUESDAY 1 JULY 2025
STARTS
On 21 January 2025, Street Parish Council resolved to commission an independent hydrologist to assess the flood risk associated with the proposed 280-home development west of Somerton Road, BA16 05X.
The assessment, undertaken by H Fraser Consulting Ltd, aimed to:
- Evaluate the potential impact of surface water and groundwater displacement on the local community.
- Review relevant documentation on groundwater and surface water available via the Somerset Council Planning Portal.
- Provide an independent opinion on the flood risk (surface and groundwater) linked to the proposed development.
- Assess the possibility of groundwater backing up around the basin, the basin’s role in impeding surface water drainage, and the resulting impact on neighbouring properties.
Somerset Council approved application (2023/2354/REM) on 4 March 2025, with additional conditions. The independent report, titled ‘Somerton Road, Street – Groundwater, Flood Risk and Drainage Review’, was completed on 9 June 2025 and discussed at the Full Council meeting of Street Parish Council on 17 June 2025.
Since receiving the report, Street Parish Council has:
- Shared the report with Somerset Council Planning Officers, the Local Lead Flood Authority and Somerset Drainage Board.
- Requested advice from Somerset Council on available options.
- Sought evidence that the issues raised in the independent report have already been addressed—or, if not, requested further clarification on how they will be.
- Obtained permission from the report’s author to share it more widely.
- Prepared a summary of the report’s findings for sharing with residents and planning consultees.
Street Parish Council considers the report’s findings highly significant for local residents and will continue to pursue responses from Somerset Council through its Full Council meetings.
We thank local independent community groups for their valuable work in raising concerns around flooding and affirm our support for the continuation of their efforts.
A Task and Finish Group will be established to address any further concerns regarding flooding or related issues. Representations may be made to the Group via the Parish Clerk.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact:
Jenny Service, Clerk to Street Parish Council
01458 440588
street.parish@street-pc.gov.uk
www.street-pc.gov.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/streetsomersetparishcouncil
Read the whole report via the following link: 31105R1 Street flood risk and drainage review FINAL
Read a summary of the report findings prepared by Street Parish Council here: Street Parish Council Summary of Independent Flood Risk Review
Word version of Press release: FINAL Press Release Flooding Report June 2025 v2