Violets Lane Flood Reduction Project Information Page

Overview

September 2018

Properties in Violets Lane, Furneux Pelham, by the Old Brewery are at risk of flooding from the River Ash during periods of heavy rainfall. This last occurred during winter 2013/14. We have been investigating the viability of options to reduce this flood risk.

What we have been doing

We have recently investigated a range of options to reduce flooding from the River Ash along Violets Lane. One option was deemed to be viable based on the benefits outweighing the costs. These options were presented to members of the public at the village hall in May 2018.

Viable option update

The viable option would have involved partially realigning the river a few metres to the west adjacent to properties on Violets Lane, creating space to construct a low earth embankment at the rear of the gardens. The total estimated cost was approximately £610,000. UK government funding policy indicates that approximately £565,000 of contributions would be required to fully fund the project.

Unfortunately we are not able to secure sufficient contributions from external sources to fully fund the project. The scheme also does not attract any further government funding over and above what has been made available to date. We have also considered the communities feedback, but any variations to the option would also be subject to the same funding constraints.

Embankment update

As part of our recent project, we investigated the hand dug holes in the earth embankment opposite Violets Lane. These were dug by residents during the 2014 flooding. Our investigation shows that the holes may slightly reduce maximum river levels during smaller more frequent flood events. However, it may increase maximum river levels during larger flood events.

Next steps

We will continue to be available to provide guidance and advice to residents who are interested in installing PFR.

Further information about our proposal for reducing flood risk and other options that were not viable is available in the related documents section at the bottom of this page.

We will update this information page in 3 months time.