However a special study has concluded the chance of such a flood recurring was only one in 400, and that the risk was not serious enough to prevent homeowners replacing damaged buildings.

An annual risk of greater than 1 in 75 is considered significant.

"We took the view that whatever decisons needed to be made in the future would need to be made on the basis of sound science to help the village recover and be restored," said Richard Horrocks, the EA area's flood defence manager.

"Given the findings, we can now advise the planning authority that, in most cases, the replacement of damaged buildings should not be prevented on flood risk grounds."

The EA said 200 millimetres (8 ins) of rain fell in 24 hours, most within a five hour period last August 16.

At its peak, the water was rampaging through the village's streets at over 4 metres per second (10 mph).

Residents and holidaymakers were forced to climb onto rooftops and trees to escape the raging swell. About 150 people had to be airlifted to safety including a 16-month-old baby.