Newly raised Budleigh road reopens

The newly raised South Farm Road which crosses the River Otter at Budleigh Salterton has reopened to the public.

Work on the raised road embankment and 30-metre bridge began in 2021 as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP).

Once vulnerable to flooding, it is hoped that the new road will not face the same problems.

Dan Boswell of the Environment Agency said: "Historically, the area was vulnerable to flooding and tidal events resulting in the former road being closed to the public for significant periods, cutting off important access to homes and businesses. 

"The raised and improved road means these issues will now be a thing of the past, while also allowing the floodplain to return to a more natural state."

Location of South Farm Road, Budleigh Salterton (Google Maps)

Local resident Judith Beckett said: "As a resident at South Farm, one of the main impacts of the new road will be not having to always keep two weeks' worth of food and fuel supplies in, just in case the road floods and we're unable to get out for several days at a time.

"Many times over the years, we've had to pull out of social commitments at the last minute, fearing that the road is about to flood - it is wonderful to think that is all behind us."

Nick Pyne, owner of Pynes Farm Shop, added: "No more tractor rides to get to the other side. We can now open without the concern of being cut off and stranded for days."

The Lower Otter Restoration Project is due to be completed later this year.

Other works include restoring 55 hectares of wetland habitat, the construction of a 70-metre footbridge, the relocation of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club away from the floodplain, the capping and protecting of an old landfill from erosion, raising and improving public footpaths, and creating wildlife viewing areas.