A RISING water alarm system failed at the site where 29 new homes will be built, it has emerged.

Measures to alert Thames Water when the levels in the Grand Union Canal basin at Royal Quay, Coppermill Lock, rise above a certain level are in place but the system did not work during the recent bad weather and, as a result, water flooded over the area of land between the basin and main canal during high tide.

Site owner Ashill Developments has now confirmed that the site levels on the island part of the site will definitively be raised as part of the redevelopment process. This has already been approved as part of the discharge of planning conditions.

Thames Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sluice gates which regulate water levels in the basin by allowing water to pass into the main canal.

Since the onset of the poor weather and this winter’s periods of prolonged rainfall, Ashill has been in communication with Thames Water to monitor the situation at the site.

Steve Lavers, managing director of Ashill, which took ownership of the site in December 2012, said: “Unfortunately, this winter, the UK has experienced unprecedented extreme weather conditions and record levels of rainfall, which has resulted in flooding in many parts of the country, including a small part of our site at Royal Quay, despite the fact that it is outside of the flood zone.

“Our engineers are working closely with Thames Water to understand the cause of the recent flooding and rectify any faults.”

When plans for Royal Quay were approved, Paul Stone, chairman of Harefield Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “As a resident of Harefield I suppose my only worry about all these new homes is the effect on the infrastructure of the village.”

Thames Water said in a statement: “We will continue to work very closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to assess flood risk across our entire region following what has been the wettest winter in 250 years.”

While preparing its planning application, Ashill consulted with the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and Thames Water, and says it has continued that dialogue throughout the process to gain a thorough understanding of the surrounding waterways.

Plans for the redevelopment of Royal Quay were approved by Hillingdon Council in October 2013.

Ashill has a free information line for submissions about the development. Call 0800 298 7040 or email feedback@consultation-online.co.uk.