Developers, the local planning authority and the Environment Agency are all facing the threat of legal action from residents of a West Yorkshire housing estate that was flooded earlier this year. The development, by Miller Homes, lies on a site near the River Spen and the building programme was approved by Kirklees Council.

Properties at Weavers Gate in Liversedge were damaged by water contaminated with sewage on 25 June.

The owners are claiming that the houses were inadequately designed with defective drainage. Miller Homes, however, says “The development has continued to be built in accordance with planning regulations which includes flooding levels and defence.”

The householders are represented by law firm Irwin Mitchell. In a statement, the firm’s spokesman said: “The residents are now planning to go to court in a landmark legal action to find out why their houses were built on a flood plain and why flood defences on this entirely new development were not adequate, despite claims by the residents that specific assurances were given.”

The firm added that proceedings could be widened to include council planners and the Environment Agency.