ENVIRONMENT AGENCY BLOCKS FLOOD RISK DEVELOPMENT

02/09/2005 - The Environment Agency has successfully opposed a plan to build a new clubhouse complex at a clay shooting range near Cheddar on the Somerset Levels on grounds of safety.
The Cheddar Valley Trap and Skeet Club at Stoke Manor, Rodney Stoke had applied to Mendip District Council for permission to replace an existing clubhouse with a new building including on-site accommodation for a manager.

The Environment Agency objected to the residential part of the development claiming the area was at risk of flooding and therefore unsuitable for a family home. The district council turned down the application. Appealing against planning refusal the club argued that it was necessary for a manager to live on site at all times for reasons of security.

However, this point was rejected at an appeal hearing where a planning inspector said the proposed development could potentially put peoples’ lives at risk as a result of flooding and place an extra strain on emergency services. The scheme also contravened planning policy on developments within flood plains.

‘This is a great result for us and shows that the partnership between the Environment Agency and local planning authorities is working well to stop inappropriate developments in flood risk areas,’ said Tracy Sparrow, for the Environment Agency.