Cornwall Council has rejected an alternative plan put forward to protect a town for flooding.

The proposal was submitted by the Save the Banjo Pier group but has been turned down by those working on the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme.

The council said a three-month investigation found that the alternative scheme did not meet the required viability tests and struggled to meet safety requirements.

Aimed primarily at protecting the Banjo Pier, the proposed scheme would have principally involved constructing a breakwater at the mouth of the river and low-level flood walls.

Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change Martyn Alvey said: “We have worked closely with the Save Banjo Pier (SBP) group to assess their option and would like to thank members of the group for the positive way in which they have engaged with us.

“Unfortunately, the analysis has shown that the SBP option does not meet the required viability criteria and so will not be taken forward to the next stage.

“This means that work will focus on developing the outline business case based on the shortlisted tidal barrier with breakwaters and the tidal barrier only options which will deliver the aims of the scheme. This is currently due to be submitted to the Government in the spring.

“We recognise that the SBP group will be disappointed by this outcome. However, we hope that they will work with us to develop and support the business case and help to secure the funding needed to protect Looe from increased flooding over the next 50 to 100 years and promote economic growth in the town and the wider East Cornwall area.”

The Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme is being led by Cornwall Council. 

The council is also liaising with a number of organisations, including Looe Harbour Commissioners, Looe Town Council, Looe Development Trust, West Looe Town Trust, East Looe Town Trust and the RNLI. 

Under the scheme, the Banjo Pier could be greatly extended to help prevent flooding.

Cornwall Council says that while the key aim of the flood defence scheme is to protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding, the project also needs to demonstrate how the preferred option will promote economic growth. 

Making the economic regeneration case will be vital to securing the funding needed to deliver the scheme, says the council.