Environment Agency says demolished buildings can be replaced as long as they don't increase flood risk.
The Environment Agency has given the go-ahead for rebuilding work in the flood-hit Cornish village of Boscastle, but has warned that any proposals which increase flood risk will be strongly opposed.
The recommendations come in an Environment Agency report into the flooding, which occurred last August. Four buildings were demolished in the incident, and several others were damaged.
In its report, the agency has advised the local planning authority that in most cases the replacement of damaged structures should not be prevented on flood-risk grounds. However, it added that every rebuilding case would be considered on its merits, and that the agency would “strongly oppose” any proposals which increased the flood risk.
The agency said that work was continuing on flood defences on the River Jordan, as well as on further flood risk measures in the area.
Boscastle was flooded after three inches of rain fell in two hours, causing a three metre wall of water to crash through the village. The Environment Agency report said although the risk of a similar sized incident was small - one in a 400 - lesser floods could still cause problems.
