Environment Agency grant to protect Poole from flooding

The Environment Agency has handed over the Flood Defence Grant for tidal flood defences along roughly 1.5km of waterfront at Back Water Channel.

It will protect parts of Poole town centre, the Old Town and new developments in the Twin Sails regeneration area from flood risk for the next 100 years.

If nothing is done it is estimated that damage over the next 100 years could cost £161 million.

Working in conjunction with landowners, developers, the Environment Agency, Poole Harbour Commissioners and other relevant organisations, these plans will complete the provision of permanent flood defences in this area. Currently this remaining undefended water frontage relies on emergency temporary flood defences.

Councillor Mark Andersen, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste said: "The ongoing regeneration of the Twin Sails area was expected to include delivery of the required flood defences to protect the wider flood-risk area within Poole town centre, the Old Town and new developments.

"To date, however, the envisaged regeneration has not fully materialised and recent developments have only included flood defences along discrete lengths, leaving gaps in the defence line.

"There is a significant flood risk both now and with the impacts of predicted sea level rise, so it is excellent news that we have been granted funding enabling this essential infrastructure to go ahead."

Councillor Phillip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration said: "This flood defence scheme is a positive step forward and will support future plans for the Twin Sails regeneration area, helping to unlock brownfield land for redevelopment along West Quay Road. "Last year BCP Council also completed the purchase of the largest brownfield regeneration site in the South West on the Hamworthy side of the Back Water Channel.

"With permanent flood defences on both sides of the channel we can confidently progress with our ambitious redevelopment plans and unlock opportunities to create new homes, jobs and commercial opportunities.’"

The flood defences are adjacent to Poole Harbour which has a range of protected special designations to which careful environmental considerations will be given; including Environmental Impact and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening, which will take place as part of pre-work planning.

This project will help BCP Council continue its commitment to rejuvenate Poole, bringing a vibrant, attractive and sustainable mix of residency, business, hospitality, retail, culture and green spaces to the heart of Poole, the Quay and the area between the two bridges.

For more information go to poolebay.net/project/flood-defences-poole-bridge-to-hunger-hill/