Paignton and Preston residents have say on sea defence plans

Torbay Council is seeking public feedback on plans for a sea defence scheme at Paignton and Preston.

The £4.6m first stage is part of the Paignton and Preston Seafront Masterplan, which was approved by cabinet in January.

It will involve building new defences along both seafronts to protect Paignton town centre from flooding.

The council will use the feedback to finalise the sea defence plans which will be submitted this autumn.

Councillor Chris Lewis, cabinet member for place services and economic growth, said: "The masterplan for the seafront areas in Paignton and Preston has been developed to ensure we protect and improve the precious open spaces along these seafronts.

"The most important part of these plans is to protect Paignton town centre from flooding.

"Thank you to those that took part in the previous engagements, which have now helped shape the scheme."

Previously, the council released a video showing the potential impact of flooding from climate change.

It has been estimated that the total number of properties at risk of flooding is more than 350.

The authority is inviting people to share their opinions through an online consultation closing on 18 June.

The plans can also be viewed at the Paignton Club on Wednesday from 15:30 BST to 20:00, or paper copies can be obtained from Paignton Library from Wednesday.

Peter Sherwood-Clarke, who lives on Marine Parade in Paignton, said the plans had excluded his property and those nearby.

He said: "When we get a high tide or an easterly winds, the water actually comes over the promenade, so we get washed already.

"In 50 years time, I'm sure we'll get a bit more than a wash.

"So we are really disappointed that we're not even included.

"There's a flood gate so all that's going to happen is water is just going to be funnelled up towards Marine Parade."

Torbay Council said in a statement that modelling works, which looked at a one-in-200 year storm event plus climate change to 2065 "informed us about what areas need protecting".

"The results showed us the paint and town centre and the areas around it will be most impacted," it said.

"Regarding Marine Parade, the modelling showed us that it was only the road that is at risk of coastal flooding, not the properties behind it."

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