NEARLY half of all new builds in Castle Point in the last three years have been built in areas at the highest risk of flooding.

Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government shows that 48 per cent of homes were built in “National Flood Zone Three” between 2013 and 2016.

Statistics from the same department show that about 420 homes were built in total during that timeframe.

This compares with just four per cent for Rochford, 0 per cent for Basildon, three per cent for Southend and 15 per cent for Thurrock.

Campaigners have reacted furiously and are worried it could set a precedent for future development.

Jan Payne, whose home in Waarden Road, on Canvey, was flooded in both 2013 and 2014, says she is shocked by the statistics. Mrs Payne, a borough councillor, has urged for the council to not put future homeowners at risk.

She said: “It really is worrying when you look at those statistics.

“Whilst there are some areas of mainland Castle Point which are at risk of flooding, it is mainly Canvey which is under the greater threat, and most of the building is proposed for the island.

“We still have a huge risk of flooding and can’t take a chance on it. The inadequate drainage is where the threat comes from.”

Barry Campagna, Canvey Independent councillor for South ward, insists it is another example of how the council “has failed to realise the risk to Canvey,”

He said: “It proves again that they shouldn’t be building on Canvey, which is where the flood risk is mainly. The island and any flood risk area in the borough should be left alone, something a government planning inspector will be saying as soon as they look at our housing.”

Jeffrey Stanley, deputy leader of Castle Point Council, insists all developers must provide a comprehensive flood risk assessment plan before building in a flood risk area.

He said: “We as a council will look at every single planning application and ensure the developer has taken the steps to mitigate flood risk.The risk of flooding from the Estuary is a one in a thousand year occurrence, and recent flooding has owed to unusual amounts of rainfall and inadequate drainage. Anglian Water has taken some steps to try and rectify the issue.”