PROPOSED homes for the controversial Vearse Farm development are no longer at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency have given Hallam Land Management's revised plans to build 760 homes, a new school and a care home in Symondsbury the thumbs up - but campaigners have labelled the decision as "scandalous".

The Environment Agency had previously objected to the plans over flooding fears, but the organisation now believes the revised plans won't place any buildings on areas at high risk of flooding. It has issued no objection, subject to conditions being met.

Michael Holm, planning advisor for the Environment Agency, said: "We have no objection to this outline application.

"New access roads are proposed to cross the floodplain of the River Simene and tributaries are within flood zones three (high risk) and two (medium risk). However, all houses, commercial units, surface water drainage features etc will be positioned outside of areas at risk of flooding."

He added: "To maintain flood flow conveyance across the floodplain the applicant proposes to construct 23 900mm diameter flood relief culverts constructed within the road embankment.

"Hydraulic model results are included to demonstrate the proposal will not increase flood risk. The flood risk assessment includes details and the location of the compensatory floodplain storage required to mitigate for the proposed road."

Barry Bates, member of the Advearse campaign group, hit out at the comments and called on members of the public to speak out against the plans.

Mr Bates said: "The decision by the Environment Agency not to oppose the development at Vearse Farm is nothing short of scandalous.

"Unfortunately, the powers of the Environment Agency have been cut – it has the responsibility to investigate should a problem arise but apparently has to accept the assurances of a developer at face value."

He added: "For the Environment Agency and then West Dorset District Council to accept these study reports at face value is perverse. It’s like asking someone on trial to state whether or not he’s guilty and then accepting his answer.

"The trouble for the residents of Bridport who know that the Vearse Farm development will increase the frequency and scale of flooding in the area is that the developers will make their money and leave. It is essential that we hold our local councillors to account.

We urge those residents who have not expressed their concerns to register them on the West Dorset District Council website."

Hallam Land Management did not wish to comment until all consultation responses have been submitted. The plans will be discussed at a special planning meeting of Bridport Town Council at the town hall on Tuesday (13) at 7pm.