Locals say they fear 51 newly-approved homes near Lincoln will be at risk of flooding.
The scheme for affordable homes on Brant Road in Waddington was given the green light by North Kesteven District Council on Tuesday (June 2).
Developer Lindum Group Ltd said there was huge demand for cheaper properties in the area, with dozens bidding on each one which became available.
However campaigners from Say No to Overdevelopment in Waddington say they worry experts have under-estimated the likelihood of flooding.
Paul Bainbarrow said after the meeting: “I am disappointed in the decision and by some of the statements that have been made about flooding.
“I have lived next to the site since 1981. It might not be at risk of flooding from the River Witham, but it definitely does when it rains. There have been three instances in the last four years.”
172 residents had submitted objections to the plans.
51 affordable homes – ranging from bungalows to four-bed homes – are proposed for Brant Road in Waddington, just outside Lincoln -Credit:Lindum Group Ltd / Longhurst Group
Councillor Mike Gallagher of Waddington Parish Council spoke against the proposals, saying: “I used to see this area completely flooded from the top of the double-decker bus on Brant Road.
“Residents believe it will happen again and people will have to pick the tab up. I want lessons to be learnt before a flooding event, not after.”
Councillor Tom Dyer (Con), who represents the area on Lincolnshire County Council, claimed assessments were looking at “best case scenarios” and ignored wetter weather in recent years.
However, no concerns were raised by any of the organisations responsible for flooding, and the fields are in the lowest zone for flood risk.
Council officers say it wouldn’t be affected by one-in-a-hundred-year flood events, even with the impact of climate change.
Mark Bassett, speaking for Lindum Group Ltd, said many people in the area were clamouring for cheaper homes.
“The root of the housing crisis is access to affordable homes, which are delivering far below requirements,” he told the meeting.
“There is high demand in Waddington, with at least 110 people seeking affordable places to rent and more in the Lincoln urban area.”
The plans were approved by six votes to five, with several councillors saying it was “finely balanced”.
The homes would range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom semi-detached properties, all priced cheaper than market rate.
A home on Brant Road will be demolished to create a larger access to the new estate.