£11m plans to protect thousands of Hessle homes from flooding
MAJOR PROPOSAL FOR TIDAL DEFENCES ARE A STEP CLOSER
MAJOR plans for tidal flood defences at Hessle, to protect thousands of homes from flooding, are moving a step nearer.
East Riding Council has lodged a planning application for an £11m scheme at Hessle Foreshore.
It follows the tidal surge of December 2013, when homes and businesses in the area were flooded.
Millions of pounds worth of damage was caused, with scores of properties swamped by a metre of flood water.
Plans for a concrete defence wall, with a one-metre high glass panel similar to the one at Paull, would be erected along the southern side of Cliff Road.
It is expected to directly benefit more than 4,000 properties in the area, as well as cut flood risk to the A63, the railway and electricity substations.
Mason Clark Associates, which was appointed by the council to prepare a report in support of the planning application, warns of increased future risk if nothing is done.
It says in its report: “If no action is taken, the impacts of such an event occurring in the future are predicted to be greater due to incremental rises in sea level associated with climate change.
“In addition, updated flood risk modelling outputs for the Humber released in 2014 show a much larger area than previously at risk of tidal flooding in the Hessle Foreshore area, suggesting that a far greater number of residential and commercial properties are at risk, along with the A63 key trunk road and the main railway line connecting the city of Hull, as well as a significant number of electrical substations, water and sewerage assets and other utility infrastructure.”
The scheme is designed to defend thousands of properties in Hessle and west Hull over the next 50 years.
Hessle councillor Phil Davison says the scheme is vital to protect people’s homes and property from tidal surges.
He says: “This is essential work to protect property. These tidal surges are likely to increase in occurrence, so this has to be done.
“People may have to put up with a glass screen, but they will still be able to see the river and the bridge.”
The scheme has been developed in close consultation with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders, such as Natural England.
Mason Clark Associates says the scheme is of strategic importance and is integral to the success of the Humber and Hull Frontage Improvements scheme being undertaken by Hull City Council and the Environment Agency.
Jointly, the schemes will provide strategic tidal flood protection to the urban conurbations on the north bank of the Humber Estuary.