PROPERTY prices in parts of Canvey could plunge because of an environment watchdog's advice on building in flood risk areas, a developer has claimed.

Castle Point Council is strictly adhering to advice by the Environment Agency warning against development in high flood risk areas like the southern part of Canvey if other less risky sites are available.

But developer, Chris Payne, says the outcome would be disastrous for Canvey, causing house prices in the north and east of the island to plummet.

He is appealing against a decision by Castle Point Council not to grant him permission for flats in May Avenue because of flood risk.

He said: "As an owner of a number of such sites, this seems a very bleak scenario.

"Obviously I would not be alone in this predicament.

"Hundreds of residents who have worked all their lives to pay for a home only to see its value drop as a going concern, but also for their children as an inheritance, will feel very aggrieved if this were to come to pass."

Stuart Rickards, planning liaison officer for the Environment Agency, said: "Castle Point Council consults us on all planning applications in the flood zone and they do take flood risk very seriously.

"They have to consult the agency for advice on applications, but it is their decision to make based on their own flood risk assessment.

"We would advise against an application in a high-risk area and ask if there are other areas of less risk where it could be built.

"What the Government has said in its national policy is that the lowest risk areas are to be built on first but obviously Castle Point has limited space."