Local planning authorities gave the go-ahead for 16 major developments in 2007/2008 including six schemes wholly in areas at the highest risk of flooding.

In every case, town hall chiefs ignored objections from the Environment Agency.

The plans included at least 543 homes, a ferry terminal, office blocks and business park and a primary school.

The Environment Agency's annual report into development and flood risk showed it had objected to more than 6,200 planning applications on the grounds of flood risk.

While around 96% of decisions were ultimately made in line with the Environment Agency's advice, a total of 124 schemes were still given the go-ahead despite objections or with planning conditions that did not fully address the concerns of the Environment Agency.