flash-flooding has put a question mark over plans for 465 new homes at North Site in Malvern.

Malvern Hills district councillor Clive Smith said the Liberal Democrats would meet tomorrow (Saturday) to discuss the issue.

"We are obviously concerned about it and we are going to seriously consider where we go from here," he said.

"I think it is a major factor that has to be considered and put right before any detailed planning permission is given for the development."

The Liberal Democrats, if they acted as a bloc, have the muscle to make a difference to the future of the development.

They hold the majority on the district council and could successfully vote against planning permission.

It is believed one option that could be considered is a full survey of all storm drainage in the area.

Several homes in Malvern flooded as highway drains and sewerage systems struggled to cope with heavy rainfall on Wednesday, August 23, but one of the worst affected areas was Leigh Sinton Road.

Persimmon Homes is awaiting detailed planning permission to build 465 new homes at the former defence base at North Site.

Residents are now concerned about the demands so many new homes would put on the drainage system.

Paula Ridley, of Leigh Sinton Road, said: "We've lived here three years and that was the first time we've had water like that. We didn't realise the effects would be so bad.

"Living next door we're concerned about everything that goes on at North Site. We want them to consider the impact of what they are building and make sure everything is done properly, so the situation isn't made worse."

Henry Meredith, from Bradley Drive, said: "Even for the existing housing, the drainage system appears inadequate to cope with the flood water we get.

"I would suggest the drainage system would have to be totally redesigned to cope with the additional housing."

Lauren Ellis said during the recent floods, water rose high against her house in Leigh Sinton Road.

"I think the new development will put extra strain on the drainage system," she said. "The developers must make sure there is adequate drainage to cope with all the houses they are building. If they don't, the situation is just going to get worse."

Dyson Perrins ward councillor Serena Croad agreed there should be firm evidence that the sewerage system could cope with extra demand before any work begins.

"If Severn Trent tell us, as they have, that the system can cope with 465 extra houses on the site then they have got to prove that to us," she said. "We need to see evidence before they start with any building."

Persimmon land director Steve Roberts said following flash flooding at North Site, Persimmon has installed temporary flood defence measures.

The company declined to comment on the effect or delay a full drainage survey would have on the development, or on the possibility of the Liberal Democrats voting against granting detailed planning permission.