THE impact of flooding on the county must be considered before any decisions are taken about building thousands of new homes in south Worcestershire.

That was the message from councillors and officers at a cabinet meeting to discuss flooding held recently.

They fear the way the severe difficulties now affecting the county's road network could have a bearing on plans to create an extra 62,300 new homes before 2026.

As previously reported by your Worcester News, the issue of how to house a growing population is currently under review as part of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy.

People in south Worcestershire have been asked to comment on the number of houses they think the area could sustain and where they would like to see them built. Following a public consultation, details of a preferred option for the region's housing will be developed this Autumn However, at the Worcestershire County Council meeting, director of planning, economy and performance Diane Tilley said: "We have to think about the impact of flooding on our transport infrastructure.

"We suffered a loss of access into Worcester from the south causing congestion around the county. That is something we need to look at when considering any requirements for the preferred option."

After councillors heard it is likely to take two years to restore the road network to its pre-flood standards, cabinet member for the environment Councillor Derek Prodger said: "We must take on board what has happened.

"If we don't that is a serious consequence for the future."