REFUSING to grant permission for a caravan to provide holidays for deprived families at Dawlish Warren because of flood risk would be ridiculous, deputy leader Cllr Ray Frost told Teignbridge Council Development Control Committee on Monday.
'There are 300, 400 or 500 caravans in Dawlish Warren equally at risk, which have permission. It does not lessen the risk to the occupants living there at the time. How can we refuse one?' he asked.
Agreeing, Cllr Chris Clarance described the government and the Environment Agency as 'stark raving bonkers mad'. He said:'To be over-topped at Dawlish Warren would be immense. I think we should bite the bullet and grant this one,' The application by the Mothers' Union was to use the caravan in May, June, July, August and September next year, on land adjoining and owned by St Mary's Church Hall.
Chloe Brice, president of the Diocese of Exeter Mothers' Union, said that for 30 years the group had had a caravan at Dawlish Warren where deprived families could enjoy a well-needed break.
'Some of them have never been to the seaside,' said Mrs Brice, who added that the land was now designated a flood plain. 'We have never had a flood. The only flood in the area was when a culvert blocked,' she said. Cllr Mary Mugford said most of the Warren was in a high risk area.
'I am sure some early warning system could be put in operation should there be a genuine concern. I am sure the family could be moved into the church hall,' she said. Members heard that if they did approve the application the government would ask why it had gone against the advice of the EA. Deputy chairman Cllr Anna Klinkenberg said she would have great difficulty approving the application.
'If there was flash flooding, what would people say about us as a committee having granted permission after these risks were known?' she asked. Cllr Vince Fusco asked what the authority's legal position would be if it went against the EA. Council solicitor Simon Barnes said there was some responsibility on the council.
Cllr Humphrey Clemens pointed out that during storms when railway lines were torn up and beach huts smashed to bits, the caravan was not affected. The temporary application was approved 10-7 vote, with one abstension.