PLANS to create a tidal marsh could have serious consequences for a major city commuter route.

Bridge Hill, said to be one of the busiest minor  roads in Devon, is a major route into Topsham. But the land which surrounds it could be allowed to be reclaimed by the River Clyst under proposals to cease management of its banks.

This has the potential to create up to 200 hectares of marshes which would be influenced by the tides.

The scheme is part of a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), by South Devon and Dorset Coastal Advisory Group and its member agencies, which include county and district councils, the Environment Agency, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Network Rail.

The group says realignment of the banks could reduce flood risk and boost biodiversity.

The plan, drawn up to manage the coastline from Durlston Head, just east of Swanage, Dorset, to Rame Head, just west of Plymouth, was the subject of 18 months’ consultation.

But landowners in Topsham say they were not properly consulted about the scheme, which has only just come to their attention.

They held a public meeting at Dart’s Farm  — near the affected area — to discuss the matter.

Caroline Cheffers-Heard, from the Bridge Inn, said: “More than anything else, we are upset by the absolute lack of consultation.

“Having on previous occasions been assured that we would be kept informed of any plans,  nobody at the meeting knew anything about it.”

There were concerns expressed that increased flow of tidal water could potentially damage the Bridge Inn and Fishers Mill, which are all listed buildings. There are also fears that the bridge itself could be damaged.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, who represents Topsham and St Loye’s on Devon County Council, said the meeting had been well attended and raised substantial concerns.

He said: “The county council is very concerned about the potential loss of the road past Dart’s Farm.

“Ultimately, council tax payers will have to pay for it.

“It has been kept rather quiet and I would say there could have been greater consultation about the plan.”

Comments from the county council are due to be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting of the council’s cabinet.

The authority, which is responsible for the road, said: “The management realignment policy in this area has serious consequences for the viability of the highway.

“If the route was compromised significantly, it would have an impact on local road connectivity and the associated network.

“The potential cost of a revised highway scheme is high.

“While recognising the undoubted environmental benefits of the policy with regards to habitat creation, the county council cannot support this policy without further discussion to establish, in sufficient detail, the impacts and possible highway solutions in the area.”

Story on the This is Exeter website