Eel Pie Island, a historically rich community in the River Thames, faces significant challenges due to impending changes in local planning regulations. Residents fear that their homes will be reclassified as flood zone properties, which would hinder their ability to mortgage or insure their homes, thus impacting local businesses as well. Longtime island resident Celia Holman stresses their community's historical ties to the river and their preparedness against floods, which have been carefully managed through extensive defences in place for years. The outcome of planning inspectors’ evaluations could reshape the community's future.
“We've been working with water for hundreds of years here,” said Celia Holman, an island resident, emphasizing the community’s strong connection to the River Thames and their flood preparedness.
The islanders believe a change to the local plan will classify their homes as being in a flood zone, jeopardizing their ability to secure mortgages and insurance.
Collection
[
|
...
]