Strategy proposals would reduce flood risk along the Lower Thames

September 22, 2009

Thousands of homes and businesses along the River Thames may benefit from new proposals to reduce the threat of flooding.

The Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy proposes to tackle the risk of flooding to properties between Datchet and Teddington Lock - one of the most populated areas of undefended floodplain in the UK. Thousands of homes are in the floodplain in this area, leaving families vulnerable to the risks of flooding and the negative impacts of climate change.

The draft strategy, which is released for consultation on 21 September 2009, would reduce flood risk to 15,000 properties, of which 7,200 would have the threat of flooding reduced to a 1 in 100 chance in a year.

A combination of engineering works and floodplain management such as directing inappropriate development away from flood risk areas are included within the draft strategy, as well as:

• Raising public awareness
• Encouraging increased flood storage upstream
• Working with local authorities in sustainable development
• Better mapping of the floodplain.

Subject to Central Government funding and planning permission, the engineering measures would include three new flood diversion channels between Datchet and Shepperton. This section has a large flat and wide floodplain with many open areas, making it suitable for this type of engineering works.

Further downstream, from Walton Bridge to Teddington, the floodplain becomes narrower and large diversion channels are not feasible. Here the strategy sets out how the impact of flooding can be managed better by community based measures, which aim to protect individual properties or groups of properties.

Plans to increase the capacity of Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington weirs to transport water during a flood are also included within the draft strategy. We are also proposing to widen Desborough Cut by 3 to 4m on the southern bank, between the river and the road. This would improve the flow of water, whilst still maintaining public access.

The proposals included within the strategy would cost £300m or more.

Innes Jones, Area Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We have investigated many options for the Lower Thames area over the past four years through in-depth research. Each option has been assessed against a range of economic, environmental and social factors to ensure the best solution for everyone.

“The reality, unfortunately, is that we can’t stop flooding from happening all together, but this strategy does set out a wide range of measures for helping to reduce the risk and impact of flooding. These include increasing flood resistance, making people more conscious of their risks and raising awareness about building in the floodplain. This, in conjunction with the proposed channels, can all play a major role in bringing more peace of mind to thousands of people who do have to live with the real risk of flooding every day.”

The proposed diversion channels starts at Datchet with the first channel ending at Bell Weir. The second extends from Egham to Chertsey and the third from Chertsey to Shepperton. These would link up some of the lakes in the area and reconnect with the River Thames. The idea is to provide more capacity for flood water as it passes downstream. The channels will bring long-term benefits to the community and reduce the impact of flooding for thousands of people who are currently living in the area.

We are urging local residents and other interested parties to read the draft strategy and give us their feedback on the plan. The strategy is available for consultation online at from 21 September until 4 December. There will also be an opportunity for people to talk to us face to face about the strategy at our public drop in sessions throughout October.