An Environment Agency scheme to better protect businesses and homes from flooding on two industrial estates in Hexham is taking a step forward with the Final Business Case approved and funding secured for the £5.2 million Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Approximately 90 properties were flooded from the River Tyne at the Bridge End and Tyne Mills Industrial Estates on 5 December 2015, during Storm Desmond.
Businesses on the industrial estates have been contacted with updates on the scheme including the design and construction timescales.
The proposed scheme will reduce flood risk posed by the River Tyne with approximately 600m of flood walls and grass embankments.
The improvement works to the Bridge End Industrial estate include the construction of a new flood defence wall and short sections of flood embankment from the Reiver Sports site to the existing flood embankment at Egger.
In the Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, there will a short length of embankment across the Skinnersburn connecting into a new flood defence wall running along the perimeter of Northumberland County Council’s Tyne Mills depot through to the Peth Head pumping station.
The Environment Agency is in discussions with key landowners to gain agreement for construction access and permissions are being sought from the Local Planning Authority and Local Lead Flood Authority to carry out work on the scheme.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
“We are now entering into the final design stages for the embankment on the Skinnerburn and continue to remain committed to delivering an improved standard of protection for the business on the estates.
“Our ever-changing climate is expected to mean wetter winters, more intense rainfall and, unfortunately, more frequent flooding in future.
“Our proposed scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding at both industrial estates and will protect homes and businesses up to the level of the Storm Desmond 2015 flood event.
“Once planning consent and access agreements are in place, BAM Nuttall, our principal contractor is due on site in Hexham in December 2021, with completion of the scheme running into late summer/autumn 2022.”
Funding for the new schemes is from the Government’s £5.2 billion investment to better protect 336,000 properties across England by 2027 by constructing flood and coastal defences, in addition to contributions from Northumberland County Council.
Up to £193 million of this will be invested in the North East, with flood alleviation schemes planned for Hexham and Team Valley, among others.
Environment Agency progressing plans to protect Worcestershire village from flooding
The Agency is also separately progressing plans for a £1.8 million permanent flood protection scheme to protect homes and business in the Worcestershire village of Severn Stoke.
Floodwater surrounding a church and other properties in Severn Stoke in February 2020
The £1.8 million flood mitigation embankment scheme will provide protection from the devastating impact of flooding to 18 homes and businesses including the Grade II listed 14th Century St Deny’s Church, the 500-year-old Rose and Crown pub and the village hall.
The scheme, which is being developed in partnership with Worcester County Council and Malvern Hills District Council, will also protect the nearby A38, preventing disruption to the busy trunk road.
The community of Severn Stoke has suffered from significant flooding from the River Severn, most notably in 2007, 2012 and February 2020.
Environment Agency Manager for Worcester, David Throup said:
"The Environment Agency is grateful for the support we have received from Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council. This is enabling us to deliver this much needed scheme for Severn Stoke.
"Flooding has a devastating impact which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.”
The design of the scheme, which includes the construction of an embankment around the southern side of the village and raising a section of the village’s Ham Lane, will be completed at the end of this year with construction commencing during 2022.
The Environment Agency is currently completing the required planning obligations for the work.
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