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. (more…)