Work starts on £3.8M flood defence scheme in Totnes

Environment Agency start work on £3.8M scheme to reduce risk of flooding to over 400 businesses and homes in Totnes.

Works are underway by the Environment Agency, who has started work on the £3.8M scheme, which involves improving existing flood defences along the River Dart from the mainline railway bridge to Steam Packet Inn. In addition, a new flood wall will be provided within Morrisons car park, raising Ashford slipway.

The resilience measures will reduce the risk of flooding to many homes and businesses in the area.

In January, work began on the section of the scheme which didn’t need planning permission, and now the rest if the scheme has been given the green light by South Hams District Council.

Dan Boswell, for the Environment Agency, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for us and the residents we have been working with to help us shape our designs.

“Since the construction of the original defences flood risk has changed and in recent years there have been at least 2 occasions – 2008 and 2014 – where some properties in the town have come close to flooding from the River Dart.

“We always ask people to stay flood aware.”

Once work is completed on Broadmarsh Industrial Estate, work will move to the areas of New Walk, Throgmorton and the Morrisons car park.

Discussions took place in April 2016 with landowners and properties owners, with  public drop-in sessions in the town. Follow up discussions have been taking place since that time.

The scheme is due to be completed by next winter.

Work is also underway at Steamer Quay to repair the existing flood wall, which is due for completion in April 2017.

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