A PUBLIC consultation on proposals to improve flood protection in Modbury has begun.

Flooding in the town has been a regular occurrence in recent years, with major floods in July 2012, November 2012 and December 2015 affecting many properties and businesses.

These recent floods coupled with community concerns and a predicted future increase in the severity of rainfall, means that flood protection measures need to be considered.

The town sits in a steep sided valley and there are a number of routes for water entering the town, with streams behind the Exeter Inn and Burns Lane, as well as flows onto Brownston Street from the fields above.

The existing drainage system running through the town is inadequate to cope with high rainfall, with water overflowing onto the surface entering buildings and properties.

The proposals would reduce the frequency of flooding and the number of properties affected in the event of a flood.

The proposals include landscaped earth embankments to hold back flood water in land off Back Street; a landscaped earth embankment to hold back flood water in fields east of Burns Lane; a new ditch around field boundaries above Traine Villas to reduce water running onto Brownston Street; a review of existing trash screens located in the watercourse upstream of the existing Burns Lane culvert; larger gullies and improved drainage in Broad Street and minor surface changes within the town to direct water away from properties.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways and flood protection said: ‘Flooding can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and these proposals would reduce the frequency of flooding and the number of properties affected in the event of a flood.

No flood defence can provide 100 per cent protection, but measures to reduce the likelihood of flooding will have ongoing benefits for local people and businesses.’

Councillor Richard Hosking, the county councillor for Yealmpton, including Modbury said: ‘We are interested to hear local people’s views on whether you think the flood prevention is necessary, that our proposed scheme is reasonable and, with local knowledge, any improvements you think need to be made to plans.’

Devon County Council are encouraging those interested to examine the proposals and ‘have their say’ online at devon.cc/modburyfloodrisk.

Two public consultation exhibitions will be held in the Pavilion at the Queen Elizabeth II ground in Modbury, where DCC staff will be on-hand to discuss the proposals.

The exhibitions will be held on Friday, November 18, between 2pm and 8pm. And Saturday, November 27, between 10am and 4pm.

Devon County Council have stated ‘comments and suggestions will be carefully considered and used to shape the scheme’s design where possible.’

Following the public consultation, the council hope to submit a planning application in early 2017. If this application is successful, and subject to agreement with the landowners, they hope to start construction of these improvements in late 2017 or early 2018.