ERA calls for design statement for Colony

THE Colony flooding debate sparked up again after residents received a letter warning them they are in a flood zone.The letter, sent by the Environment Agency, warned residents to be prepared for a flood and to take steps to guard their home if the River Exe burst its banks.Residents said the debate is part of a bigger problem though - over-development on The Colony.They said the strain of houses being converted into flats would not only put more residents at risk, but also put a strain on the sewers.In a letter to the Environment Agency, resident Ann Prior said: "Those of us who have lived here in the estate have been prepared for some time."What we do not understand is why the authorities continue to allow the conversion of single use properties to multiple uses."Exmouth Residents' Association is backing the fight to stop over-development.Chairman Geoff Morris said: "We would urge councillors to resist any planning applications which would increase the present population density or change the character of the area from family homes to tenanted flats and apartments." "We believe that it would be a pity to see the distinct character of the Colony lost as a result of indiscriminate planning decisions."The group is encouraging residents to draw up a Design Statement, such as The Avenues has, and which can be used by district planners as a guideline.The Colony is built on reclaimed marshland - at high tide the water rises under the houses, which can be seen between the floorboards.A spokesman for the Environment Agency said they had distributed the leaflets but it didn't mean there was suddenly an increase in risk, but is simply part of an information service intended to raise awareness.If you would like to know what you can do to protect your home from a flood visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.To get involved with the Design Statement contact Pauline Cutter on (01395) 276782 or Geoff Morris on (01395) 222280.