Latest news with #flooddefence
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Oxford: Major River Thames flood defence approved by government
Major flood defences designed to protect more than 160,000 residents at risk of flooding have been approved by the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will be built along the River Thames in Oxford, with the aim of providing reassurance to local homes and Environment Secretary Steve Reed approved the purchase of land by the Environment Agency (EA) despite some objections from Minister Emma Hardy called the estimated £176m scheme "a vital new piece of infrastructure". With a compulsory purchase order of the land confirmed, the EA said construction was expected to start in late County Council previously approved planning permission for the project in July is one of the biggest schemes of its kind currently proposed in England, and comes as the government aims to spend £2.65bn on flood defences over two years. 'Major step' Oxford experienced significant flooding in 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014 and scheme would involve creating a new stream through the existing floodplain to the west of Oxford, diverting floodwater away from built-up 5km (3 mile) stream would begin north of Botley Road and end south of the A423 near Kennington, where it would join the River will be able to walk and cycle alongside the new Director Robbie Williams said: "We're delighted to have received approval to progress with purchasing the land needed for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to go ahead."This is a major step forward for the project, ensuring we can bring this vital flood protection to the city. "As we face increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is more urgently needed than ever."We can now all look forward to starting work on putting the scheme into place." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Southampton City Council forced to halt flood defence scheme
A city council has said it has been forced to halt a major flood defence scheme as it faces significant financial City Council said it remained committed to delivering the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme (RIFAS) despite the economic plans cover the west bank of the river and in December the council estimated it could cost £ local authority said the Environment Agency's (EA) decision to withdraw funding for the project in March, cost increases, design changes and rising inflation rates meant costs for the scheme had almost doubled. The council said more than 150 homes and 250 businesses were currently at risk of have been progressing to reduce the risk over a 2.2-mile (3.5km) stretch along the west bank of the project would stretch from Mount Pleasant Industrial Estate in the north, down to Southampton Water Activities Centre to the south of Itchen EA and Southampton City Council partnered for the RIFAS in 2019, but the agency withdrew its funding on 12 March council said this left it with a funding shortfall that now exceeded £ Leader of Southampton City Council, councillor Lorna Fielker said: "While we appreciate the significant challenges facing the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme, we remain dedicated to finding ambitious, strategic and innovative alternative plans to improve flood resilience for the area." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Work set to start on new flood defences in Derby
Construction work is set to start on the second phase of a major flood defence scheme for Derby. A new flood wall and floodgates are set to be constructed as part of the Derby Riverside scheme, which aims to protect properties along the east bank of the River Derwent from Causey Bridge to Derwent are also set to demolish riverside office blocks in Stuart Street to create a new riverside green area which Derby City Council says will create more space for flood water to pass through the city in "a controlled corridor".Preparatory work has already started on the site, with contractors set to start demolition and construction in June, the authority said. A number of trees will be chopped down along the route, which the council says is necessary to allow the defences to be built and to make sure there are no obstructions in the riverside park which is designed to let flood water flow Derby Riverside scheme aims to protect Breadsall, Darley Abbey Mills Bridge, the area between North Riverside and Meadow Lane, and sites at Derby Junction Railway Bridge, Pride Park, Ambaston and Shardlow from floods. It is part of the wider three-phase Our City Our River project, which aims to protect an area between Alfreton Road Industrial Estate and Alvaston river burst its banks in 2023 and caused widespread flooding along the eastern bank of the Derwent following Storm Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: "These works are crucial as we continue to future proof the city against extreme weather and unlock the potential for regeneration along the river. "We can now look forward to seeing work begin on site in the near future."
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Guernsey housing plans progress after flood defence work approved
Housing plans progress after flood work approved A new housing development in Guernsey is one step forward to getting off the ground after the States approved flood defence work. Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) said it could now begin its master plan for the Parc le Lacheur site near The Bridge, with a planning application for 150 homes set to be submitted at the end of the year. GHA chief executive Vick Slade said getting the go-ahead for flood defence work had been critical to the future of the former vinery and plans included a mix of private and affordable housing. The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure (E&I) said the flood defence plans should "unlock" other development opportunities in the area.
