Plans submitted for second phase of £28.5m flood alleviation scheme
Proposals to create a large “aquagreen” to cut flood risk to businesses and homes near Bransholme in east Hull have been submitted for planning approval.
A consultation was launched in September 2020 on the proposals for a green space, south of the old Bransholme Dairy Farm, which will store excess water during a flood and then slowly release it back into the drainage system after the peak of the flood has passed.
These plans have now been revised and lodged with Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
If given consent, the aquagreen will be the second phase of the £28.5m Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme, following construction of the new East Hull Pumping Station, which started earlier last year.
Andrew Barron, Environment Agency flood risk advisor for Hull, said: “We are now in a position to submit our final plans for this scheme, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding for properties in the North Carr and Sutton areas of Hull by storing flood water in the aquagreen.
“Under normal weather conditions, the site will not hold water which gives us an ideal opportunity to create a more attractive green space that people can enjoy spending time in.”
Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods, Community and the Environment at Hull City Council, said: “It is exciting and I’m proud to see this phase of the Holderness Drain FAS progressing to the next stage.
“The scheme offers not just a reduction in flood risk, but also helps the city adapt to the increasing challenges of climate change and provides more reassurance to families.
“It will also provide local people with more opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoor environment, an element that has become so important to us all in the last year, and the value this brings in terms of our health and wellbeing shows that we need to take greater care of our natural environment.”
Stephen Parnaby, chairman of the Humber LEP, added: “We are thrilled this important project to help protect homes and businesses from the risk of flooding in Hull and East Yorkshire is progressing and plans have now been submitted.
“We are pleased to support the Castlehill Aquagreen through our allocation of the Local Growth Fund.”
This partnership scheme, led by the Environment Agency and supported by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Highways England and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund Programme, will better protect around 1,000 properties.
The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership secured £2.14m towards the project through the Local Growth Fund, as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
