KEY evidence has come to light in the fight against a controversial housing development in Seaton.

The trustees of the Copsey family want to build 100 homes on land at Low Seaton and drain surface water into Gale Brook.

But Workington Flood Action Group (WFAG), which has been vocal in raising concerns about the plans, has found evidence that Gale Brook only has a 25-year life span.

The flood action group is fiercely opposing the proposed drainage strategy as the group believes it will increase flood risk.

Amanda Wallace, chairman of WFAG, is also concerned that permission has already been granted to the Copsey family for 100 homes to be built on the land and the new application should be considered in conjunction with that.

She told the planning authority, Allerdale council: “I implore you to deny planning for this site and reconsider the surface water strategy for the previous successful applications given the above information.”

Mrs Wallace added that a CCTV survey carried out on the culverts in Barepot shows sections of the stream are expected to be close to fully blocked in 10 years.

Due to other minor obstructions, other sections are expected to be close to fully blocked in 20 to 25 years.

She said: “In light of this evidence the current surface water strategy is not viable.”

The flood action group believes Allerdale council has three options: to deny permission to build the 100 homes and reconsider surface water strategy for the applications which have outline planning approved; to force the developer to repair culverts in Seaton and re-align Gale Brook in Barepot; and to divert all surface water flows to the River Derwent by way of new surface water system.

And the county council, as local lead flood authority, has rejected the proposed drainage system for a third time.

The applicant had been asked to provide more information earlier this year, but the authority says it still lacks vital evidence to support the proposed drainage strategy.