TIDAL gates will now be incorporated into the Shaldon flood scheme to improve access to the beach.

The structures will be sited at the Ferryboat Inn and Tom Thumb alleyways, and will also protect the privacy of neighbouring gardens.

It is just one of the concerns to be addressed as the £8.4 million project to prevent catastrophic flooding from the sea, is fine- tuned by the Environment Agency and a liaison group after feedback from villagers.

'There is still some work to be done on the detail of the scheme, and the parish council will carefully need to consider the future of the ferryboat shelter, as the new seawall will have a direct effect on its appearance and future use,' said Ron Evans, from the Shaldon Flood Liaison Group.

He was speaking after the 15th meeting of the group, and confirmed that a planning application will be submitted to Teignbridge Council in the second week of February. The plans and illustrations will be on display at the Over 60s Club tomorrow from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The agency is going to make arrangements for further exhibitions during the three-month period when the application is considered.

'The parish council will also formally consider the plans at a future meeting, so residents will have every opportunity to comment on this important development,' Mr Evans stressed.

'Subject to consent being given, the liaison group will continue to meet to monitor the progress of the project, and deal with any problems or variations that are bound to occur in a development of this size and complexity.

'It is envisaged that work will start in the autumn, with the main construction taking part out of the main summer season. It should be completed before the start of the 2011 summer season.'

Mr Evans added that the threat of flooding from the run-off of surface water during storms was still being addressed by South West Water, the county and Teignbridge councils, and the Environment Agency.

'They will try and improve the current situation, and it must be remembered that the agency has given an undertaking it will at least be no worse when the flood wall is completed,' he said.