Flash In The Pan: Councillor Blames Newport Estate For "Endless" Flooding – But Developer Disagrees

(c) Matthew Price/IW Council

An Isle of Wight councillor says repeated flooding is threatening the future of his Newport business – and is blaming a nearby housing estate.

Cllr Matthew Price, who owns Prices Garage, described arriving at his “completely flooded premises” at 5.30am on August 29 after heavy rainfall. He said the latest incident left him questioning whether he could “carry on, really.”

The Fairlee and Whippingham councillor believes the Pan Meadows housing development is to blame, claiming its flood mitigation system is “not working properly” and that the Pan Stream Bridge system is “entirely inadequate.”

Cllr Price said:

• His garage has flooded multiple times since 2013, leading to rising insurance costs, loss of earnings, and the business no longer being eligible for flood cover.

• Flooding on August 29 left him standing in “a foot of water” while nearby attenuation ponds – designed to hold back rainfall – were “empty.”

• Unless action is taken, he fears other properties could also be affected.

Despite the setbacks, he praised his employees for “cracking on” and getting the garage operational again.

Developer responseBarratt Homes, which built Pan Meadows, disputed any link to the flooding.

A spokesperson for Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division said:

“We recognise how difficult flooding can be for residents and businesses.

"The drainage system at Bluebell Meadows and St George’s Gate was designed with Southern Water, approved by the Isle of Wight Council, and works by holding back rainwater during storms before releasing it safely into local streams.

"We are not aware of any issues and will continue working with Southern Water and the council to ensure it operates as intended.”

Council responseThe Isle of Wight Council said it is working with Barratt Homes and other stakeholders to investigate whether the drainage systems are functioning correctly.

“We are sorry to hear of these types of situations and do not underestimate the significant impacts flooding causes to Island residents and businesses,” a spokesperson said.

Guidance and advice for residents affected by flooding is available on the council’s website: Flooding Information – Isle of Wight Council.