A decision on plans to build affordable homes in the New Forest has been delayed again amid fears the scheme will increase flooding problems.

A controversial proposal relating to agricultural land at Bartley was due to be debated at a meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

The English Rural Housing Association is seeking consent to build ten properties on land behind the Haywain pub.

Hampshire County Council, the local flood authority, is one of the bodies being consulted about the scheme.

Daily Echo: The English Rural Housing Association is seeking consent to build affordable homes at BartleyThe English Rural Housing Association is seeking consent to build affordable homes at Bartley (Image: ArchitecturePLB)

The application was due to be debated at this week's meeting of the NPA's planning committee but was deferred after the council asked for more time to consider new information.

The decision follows a similar move at the September meeting of the committee.

READ MORE: Plan to build ten affordable homes on field at Bartley spark flooding fears

As reported in the Daily Echo the scheme has sparked 40 objections. Critics of the proposed development claim the scheme could exacerbate problems faced by people living in homes bordering the site.

Neighbouring streets include New Inn Road, which often floods after heavy rain.

Daily Echo: The English Rural Housing Association is seeking consent to build affordable homes at BartleyThe English Rural Housing Association is seeking consent to build affordable homes at Bartley (Image: ArchitecturePLB)

Residents say the land currently slopes downwards, allowing floodwater entering it to drain away. They claim the planned recontouring of the site would result in water flowing towards nearby properties instead.

John Goodwin, of Chinham Road, has raised concerns about the scheme.

Speaking in September he said: "A high-quality sustainable drainage system can deliver multiple benefits but needs to be integrated within the layout of buildings, roads, and public open space of new developments to ensure the efficient use of the land.

READ MORE: Plan for 60 homes on rural land between Totton and M27 motorway given the go-ahead

"What is now proposed, whilst technically acceptable, is undoubtedly a poor-quality solution."

Asked about the scheme as a whole he added: "I'm not against it - I just want it done properly."

Daily Echo: The entrance to the land at New Inn Road, BartleyThe entrance to the land at New Inn Road, Bartley (Image: Newsquest.)

An NPA report presented to the September meeting conceded that "significant" concerns had been raised about surface water run-off.

It added that the applicant's initial proposal was not supported by the local flood authority but added: "Further survey work was conducted and an existing ditch within the site was identified.

"The drainage strategy was revised to make use of this ditch, into which surface water run-off already drains, and the concerns have been overcome."

A report prepared for this week's meeting of the committee said the application was deferred in September "solely in relation to flooding and surface water run-off".

Since then, a new report setting out extra information had been submitted by the applicant.