Why ban building here?

From the archive, first published Monday 23rd Apr 2007.

A COUNCILLOR has voiced his frustration that development on Canvey is being blocked by Government guidelines.

The Environment Agency is objecting to development on a flood plain on the island, until it can be satisfied new buildings are not at risk of flooding and people in them have a safe way out.

However, Tory borough and county councillor Ray Howard, who also represents Essex on the Anglian Flood Defence committee, believes the agency's stance is too tough.

He says official guidance is stopping any planning applications being approved - even though the island's sea defences are perfectly sound.

He raised the issue at a meeting of the committee last week.

Mr Howard said: "Planning applications are being refused in flood plains all across the country.

"On Canvey, people are not getting their planning permission, yet we have the best internal drainage system in the country and the best sea walls. It is causing people some hardship."

Castle Point Council chief executive David Marchant, agrees.

He said: "The way the guidance is being interpreted, the effect is that you couldn't allow planning permission on any

property in a flood risk area.

"What we have to do is make representations to the Environment Agency, so we can work out what is the practical solution to this.

"The flood defences on Canvey are the best in the country and this should not disrupt regeneration work on the island."