A DECISION on plans for a wetland restoration scheme has been delayed amid claims that the work could result in nearby homes being flooded.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has deferred an application by the Forestry Commission to carry out environmental work on the edge of Lyndhurst.

NPA members demanded more information after opponents of the project claimed it could lead to water swamping nearby properties.

A flood risk assessment carried out by the commission failed to include the potential impact of alterations to a drainage system in nearby Gosport Lane, it was claimed.

NPA Pat Wyeth, who is also a district councillor for Lyndhurst, told fellow members of the planning committee: “We haven’t had a winter yet.

“I don’t think enough time has been allowed to judge whether the recent Gosport Lane scheme will have an impact.

“We should listen to the people who live in the area involved. None of the other wetland restoration schemes in the district are near houses – they are all out in the open forest.”

The scheme also came under fire during a public participation period at the start of the debate.

The Rev Dr Caroline Wilkins, representing Lyndhurst Parish Council, produced photographs that she said showed how waterlogged the land near the houses already was.

Other critics claimed the scheme would increase the risk of flooding by obstructing the flow of water.

NPA member John Sanger said: “The level of risk is too high. In other places there’s been room not exactly for error but for calculations not being entirely right.

“I’m not against the principle of the scheme but I don’t want to take a risk with other people’s properties.”

The Forestry Commission wants to increase water levels in Pondhead Inclosure by carrying out a raft of alterations to the existing drainage network.

Representatives from the organisation said the nearest homes were on raised ground 300 metres upstream and would not be at additional risk of flooding.

NPA chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre warned that a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) would remain in a poor state until the work was carried out.

Planning officers urged the committee to approve the proposal, saying it was critical to the restoration of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and wetlands habitat at Pondhead.

Members stopped short of rejecting the scheme but approved an alternative proposal to defer the application.