The Environment Agency is accelerating the proposed  Starcross and Cockwood tidal defence scheme on the Exe Estuary in Devon as part of the March 2015 Budget announcement regarding the 6-year flood defence programme.

The project, which was identified as one of the priority schemes detailed in the Exe Estuary Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (EEFCRMS),  will reduce flood risk to over 600 residential and commercial properties.

The coastal villages of Starcross and Cockwood lie on the west side of the Exe Estuary and the area has a history of flooding. With the expectation of increased storminess and sea level rise, the Environment Agency is starting work on a tidal defence scheme for the area.

A number of areas within Starcross and Cockwood have been identified as key flood routes which will be considered as part of the proposed scheme.

The Environment Agency is currently conducting research into flooding mechanisms within the area. The project team will be carrying out walkover surveys and site investigations over the coming months, so as to review the quality and strength of the community’s current defences.

Martin Davies, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor for the Environment Agency, said:

“In addition to managing current flood risk, the scheme will also help to reduce the risk of future flooding resulting from climate change. The proposed timings will see the detailed design stage commencing from autumn 2015.”

The Environment Agency plans to identify a number of possible options to address the risk of flooding in the area. These decisions will be made at the next stage of the project following public consultation. The Agency said that further site investigations and discussions will help it to refine the options and to identify the most appropriate type of defences needed at each location.

Local communities and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the initial proposals for managing flood risk during a public exhibition the Environment Agency is planning to hold on 16 October 2015 at Starcross Pavilion.

According to the Agency, although funding is yet to be secured, the scheme’s justification to receive grant funding from central government is strong.

Proposed project timings are currently as follows:

Summer 2015: project appraisal stage (including seeking internal Environment Agency approval and funding for scheme)

16 October 2015: public exhibition

Future project timings are to be confirmed, however these are the anticipated timescales:

2016: detailed design stage

2017/2018: commence construction