AHEAD of work starting on South West Water’s major scheme in Dawlish, questions are being asked about the possible affect on the town’s Conservation Area status.

Resident Graham Tapper has written to Teignbridge Council asking why it has had no involvement in the project.

In his letter, he said: ‘I am surprised to learn that TDC has no involvement in the matter and I am at a loss to understand why SWW, as a private company, is seemingly not required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment to the planning department.

‘Dawlish town centre has specific planning restrictions influenced by its designation as a conservation area.

‘This status aims to preserve or enhance the area’s special architectural and historic interest.’

Testing work has been carried out on the Lawn over the last few months in preparation for the multi-million pound scheme to improve water quality in the town.

The team carrying out ground investigations have now completed the testing and a review of the results is currently underway.

The wider scheme is aimed at tackling problems of insufficient capacity in Dawlish due to rapid growth with additional homes being built along with climate change, creating more pressure on the system.

The testing will help design a tailor-made solution to best meet the town’s needs while minimising disruption as much as possible.

But the work will involve ground works on the Lawn and at Sandy Lane where two underground storage tanks are to be situated up to 45m deep.

The exploratory drilling was to give a better idea of the most suitable construction method and a clearer timeline for the project.

It involves constructing a separate drainage system for rainwater to reduce reliance on storm overflows.

However, the scale of the project has raised concerns about the wider impact on the town.

Mr Tapper is questioning whether the district council as the planning authority should have involvement.

He said: ‘I am hoping that my objection will be heard and listened to before it becomes too late to alter the proposals from SWW to put their large storage tank beneath the Lawn.

‘It is my understanding that water companies must align with local development plans and policies where their work impacts residential areas, traffic, or local amenities.

‘Furthermore their proposed works will significantly impact the town of Dawlish for a significant period between now and well into the year of 2026.

‘For the reasons outlined above I now request the TDC review this matter and let me know if there is not anything more to be done to preserve the town centre of Dawlish.’

South West Water said the plans are yet to be finalised.

Teignbridge Council has been asked for a response.

As well as the two tanks, there will be associated pipework along the main streets in Dawlish including High Street, Exeter Road, The Strand, Brunswick Street and Sandy Lane.

Fixing problems where surface water is wrongly seeping into pipework, putting additional strain on the network, is also part of the project.

Work will take more than a year and is expected to cause major disruption.