COUNCILLORS say there is nothing they can do to stop development of a Hampshire paddock, even though neighbours say it is prone to flooding.

Winchester City Council’s planning committee could only approve a 33-home scheme by Croudace Homes off Spring Gardens on the edge of Alresford because a planning inspector granted permission in 2011 after a public inquiry.

The committee heard that the Environment Agency regarded the area as prone to serious flooding only once every 1,000 years.

Of the 33 units, 12 will be affordable, with nine available for rent and three on shared equity.

There were six letters of objection from local people but they mostly raised issues that had been overtaken by the granting of planning permission last year.