THE Environment Agency's 'Rolls-Royce' of a flood defence scheme in Teignmouth has won warm approval from Teignbridge planners.

Planning committee members on Monday voted unanimously in favour of the £4 million scheme to protect the back beach and Teignmouth town centre.

It is designed to minimise flood risk to 413 properties, plus an additional 256 above ground level. The dockyard, fish and new quays, and property frontages, are to be incorporated into the defences.

The proposals include new flood defence walls, building on top of existing walls and using existing property frontages to increase protection. The ten new floodgates, an essential part of the defences, will be operated by the town council.

'After several years of discussions with the town and district councils and local residents, we are delighted that our plans have been approved and building work can now go ahead.

FULL STORY IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION