Details of the proposed multi-million pound Teignmouth flood defence scheme are beginning to emerge.

They include tidal gates and the installation of shutters on waterfront properties.

Delegates at the Teign Estuary Annual Forum on Monday were shown the latest ideas to emerge from the Environment Agency.

Project manager Andy Hohl said that 438 properties, half of them residential, were at risk of a one-in-100-year flooding event.

That number rose to 454 for a one-in-300-year event.

He predicted sea levels would rise by a metre in the coming century and said much of the land behind the Back Beach was in a 'basin' below sea level.

Homes and businesses which could be flooded within minutes had a one in 25 chance of being under water for 12 hours or more.

'Minor' inundations had occurred as recently as March. He showed pictures of water lapping around the New Quay Inn and homes in Teign View Place and Ivy Lane.

Mr Hohl said following rejection by the town of an earlier scheme, the latest idea had been to move the defences back and do without high access ramps.

Water-tight gates would be set back from the waterfront and closed when high tides were predicted.

Where acceptable walls would be raised and homes in Teign View Place would be fitted with either double or triple glazing and shutters.

Listed building consent would be sought to block windows at the New Quay Inn.

The pub, and other buildings, would form part of the barrier.

Mr Hohl said both the tidal gates and shutters could be operated by Teignmouth Town Council, who discussed the matter at Bitton House on Tuesday.

Cllr David Cox said he was worried the Environment Agency was in danger of repeating past mistakes by not consulting widely enough.

He said what was needed was a flood liaison committee with representatives from across the community.

'We need wide representation for the people of Teignmouth,' he said.

His colleagues agreed and the subject will be brought up again next month.

A public exhibition is due to be staged between January 15 and 17.

If public approval is won, and the funding secured, work could start in 2011.