Homes in Exeter set to benefit from flood protection
Published: 7 January 2020
More than 100 homes in Exeter look set to receive protection from the risk of flooding thanks to funding from the City Council.
The City Council’s Executive is being asked to back plans to support three flood protection schemes across Exeter.
Carrying out the work would help protect 119 homes and 15 businesses as well as a popular wildlife reserve in Topsham.
The three schemes are:
- Northbrook Flood Defence Scheme
- Topsham Flood Defence Scheme
- Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham
At Northbrook, the City Council is proposing a contribution of £100,000 towards the £970,000 scheme, which is being delivered by Devon County Council. Once complete the works will reduce flood risk to 55 properties around Guinevere Way and George’s Close, a number of which are council homes.
With the Topsham Ferry Road & Strand protection scheme, the City Council is proposing to contribute £80,000 towards the £800,000 project. The project will be delivered by the City Council but largely funded by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency. When complete the improvements will offer protection to 64 homes and 15 businesses at risk of flooding from high tides and waves as last seen in February 2014.
The repairs to the Bowling Green Marsh flood bank will be delivered by the City Council but funded by the Environment Agency. The repairs to the flood bank are required to protect the site from wave and tide flooding. The site is owned by the City Council but rented to the RSPB as a wildlife reserve.
The site is popular with bird watchers and considered to be the most important freshwater, high-tide roost on the Exe Estuary. It is a designated habitat of national and international importance, supporting significant populations of waterbirds.
The Council’s Executive will consider these proposals on Tuesday 14 January.
You can watching the Executive Live on our Facebook page: Executive Live Steam information.