From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 25, 2007

DEVON County Council has approved plans to move the road at Slapton Line, should the existing route be damaged by storms.

The Council's Development Control Committee yesterday agreed that the two most vulnerable sections of the A379 near Kingsbridge can be moved 21 metres further inland if the route is wrecked by the elements in future.

Part of the carriageway at Slapton Line was re-aligned after it was devastated by south easterly storms six years ago. Now two sections adjoining that route are also thought to be at risk.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "It will provide peace of mind to residents to have the permission for these road alterations in place as a contingency plan should the road be breached again in future. It's good stewardship on behalf of the County Council to have this standing by."

The road was closed for several months in 2001, leaving locals facing a considerable diversion on minor rural roads and affecting local businesses. Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Councillor for Kingsbridge and Stokenham, said the new plans would help prevent a repeat of the problems.

He said: "This is good news for the local community and shows the County Council's commitment to keeping the road open.

"It's one of the main routes between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth but it could be hit by storms at any time so it's important that if necessary it could be re-opened without much delay."

The Slapton Line Partnership, made up of Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Natural England, has looked at the re-alignment as part of its plan to respond to coastal erosion in the area.

Chairman Ruth Bagley said: "We're obviously delighted with this decision. For users of the road, it means that if a breach does occur at one of the vulnerable points, the road could be opened for use again quickly, within a matter of weeks.

"Of course this is by no means a permanent solution to the threat to the road erosion, but it will assist us in our work to maintain the route for as long as possible.

"Although the risk of permanently losing the road is hoped to be many years away, it's important that we have as much time as possible to use all available resources to prepare, including the £245,000 Defra grant awarded this month."

Outstanding consultations into the application will have to be carried out over the next seven days. As the scheme is a departure from the structure plan policy it will then go before the Secretary of State for approval.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384

Councillor Julian Brazil 01548 511109