A £1.7-million flood alleviation scheme in Gunnislake is one of 63 proposed schemes in Cornwall and Devon that have been shelved until after 2018 because of funding shortfalls.

The scheme currently qualifies for partial Government funding but only if the shortfall can be met from additional sources.

The Government has given the green light to seven major flood defence schemes but is putting other schemes on hold which are either still in the developmental stage or as yet do not give value for money.

Plans for Gunnislake would reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Gunnislake from the Drakewalls stream — the stream flows beneath Gunnislake through a culvert between Middle Dimson and the River Tamar. The scheme aims to increase the capacity of the existing culvert.

This project would reduce the risk of flooding to approximately 31 residential properties and seven commercial properties, said the Environment Agency.

A spokesperson for the agency said the partial government funding was known as Flood Defence Grant in Aid: 'The project would currently qualify for part funding by our Flood Defence Grant in Aid,' he said. 'It will therefore remain on the programme as a potential scheme to reduce flood risk, however, we can only provide our proportion of the funding if the shortfall could be met from additional sources.'

In November 2006 approximately 20 properties in Gunnislake flooded. Following this the environmental agency undertook flood risk management works to improve two inlet structures on the Drakewalls stream culverts at Middle Dimson.