Published: April 7, 2008
Burnham MP quizes Environment Agency over flood zone changes

Burnham-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory expressed "concerns" on Monday (April 7th) at plans by the Environment Agency to change flood zones in the town.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory has written to the Environment Agency asking for an explanation after several concerned Burnham residents wrote to him regarding changes in flood risk zoning of their properties - from Zone 2 to Zone 3.

This, says the MP, has the effect of preventing individual house owners building on adjoining brownfield sites on their property.

Mr Heathcoat-Amory has asked whether this change of flood risk, which affects a very large area in his constituency, is supported by a Flood Risk Assessment.

In a letter to Richard Cresswell in the Agency's South West Regional Office, he states: "I have been contacted by a number of residents in the Burnham and Highbridge area about an apparent change in zoning of properties by the Environment Agency."

"This has the effect of preventing development, including by individual house owners wishing to build on an adjoining brownfield site, such as a garden. Such applicants are asked to show to Sedgemoor District Council that a Zone 1 equivalent is not available in Burnham."

"This is almost impossible because of the existing development in that town and the very narrow area that is to be so categorised. I write to ask whether this change of flood risk, which affects a very large area in my constituency, is supported by a Flood Risk Assessment?"

He continues: "What is particularly puzzling is that part of the land in question is defended by sea defences, which are apparently working well. The Burnham sea wall was constructed in 1988 and has worked satisfactorily."

"I am very concerned at this policy change, which will effectively sterilise large areas of my constituency for planning purposes and I would be grateful for more information and an explanation."