PLANS to solve flooding problems in Calstock could lead to a popular walking route being diverted way from the River Tamar.

Officials from the Environment Agency revealed plans at a meeting of the parish council on Wednesday last week (June 14).

They are proposing moving the embankment back from the river, allowing fields close to the river to flood naturally. This is aimed at preventing flooding of the village car park and some homes upriver of the village.

Parish clerk Sue Lemon, though, said the proposals would be likely to cause concern among locals, because they meant moving the path that ran along the embankment.

‘Every time there is a spring tide or a very high tide the car park floods, because the river is higher than the land there,’ she said.

‘The Environment Agency has got to move the path because they are are going to let the river flood the farmers’ fields. I think there is going to be some opposition though because Calstock doesn’t like change, and people would rather have the path there.’

Dan Boswell, from the Environment Agency, said: ‘The existing flood embankment provides an important role in reducing floor risk in Calstock but surveys have shown that it is in a poor condition. Therefore, the Environment Agency is exploring options to develop an affordable scheme to continue the standard of flood protection to properties within Calstock.

‘A key consideration to ensuring that the embankment can be maintained in a good condition into the future is its location. For this reason it is likely that options will consider moving the existing embankment inland away from the river, where it will be under less pressure from erosion. As a result it may be necessary to permanently divert the existing permissive pathway.

‘We are still in the early stages of developing the proposals and when these are further developed we will be arranging a community drop-in session in Calstock.’

During September 2017 the Environment Agency will undertake ground investigation and topographic surveys to help it develop suitable proposals.

‘When we have developed the proposals we will arrange a drop-in session in Calstock for the community. This is likely to be during September 2017.

‘The solution will look to work with local partners to meet local recreational needs (partners will be vital to ensure the continuation of the permissive right of way), and protect the environment and visual landscape of Calstock and the Tamar Valley.

‘Moreover we believe that a scheme may bring opportunities to further enhance the environment, as the land that is reconnected to the river is likely to attract additional wildlife to the surrounding area.’