Site investigations begin for multi-million pound flood defence scheme

Environment Agency contractors have started conducting surveys on the banks of the River Wharfe to further inform detailed designs of the Tadcaster Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Ground Investigation works have also begun this week and the team is aiming to submit a planning application this winter.

Businesses and homes in Tadcaster were badly hit by flooding in 2015 and again in 2022.

In 2017 a review was carried out to help identify potential new flood alleviation measures which could reduce flooding risk for the town. The review identified the cost of a suitable scheme to be around £10m.

Karl Ickeringill at the Environment Agency said: “Our survey work is progressing well and will help us finalise proposals to reduce flood risk in the town.

“Our last drop-in events with the community were really helpful as people’s thoughts and feedback have helped us create additional benefits within the scheme, to open up areas of the river for people to enjoy and improve spaces for wildlife and habitat.

“We are looking forward to hosting further drop in events and meeting the community once we have submitted the planning application.”

Proposals for the scheme include improved river defences on both sides of the river, incorporating bunds – barriers which protect properties from rising water – sheet piles and retaining walls.

The sheet pile flood defences will be clad in masonry so that they are in keeping with the existing buildings and walls in the town.

A pre-application is due to be submitted to the local authority imminently, which will be followed by the submission of a full planning application for the project.