Exmouth Tidal Defense Scheme Event Set for Next Week

Exmouth residents will have a chance to learn more about the benefits of the Environment Agency’s £12 million tidal defense scheme at a drop-in event next week.

The event is being held on Wednesday, 5 September, at Ocean on Queens Drive, EX8 2AY between 11am and 8pm.

Rob Butler, project manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We have listened to feedback from the consultation events held in 2015 and 2016. We have designed a scheme that reduces tidal flood risk for many in Exmouth from a 4% chance to 0.5% chance in any given year.”

The Environment Agency is working in partnership with East Devon District Council to deliver this important scheme.

Councillor Tom Wright, East Devon’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “East Devon District Council is totally committed to working with our partners, the Environment Agency and Devon County Council, to ensure the future flood defenses for Exmouth.”

The scheme is being designed and will be built by civil engineering contractor Team Van Oord.

It will include:

• Flood embankments and walls between the Withycombe Brook and Imperial recreation ground.
• Raised defenses between the Imperial recreation ground and Camperdown Terrace.
• Strengthening the existing seawall, improving drainage for water to drain back out to sea, flood gates and new set-back defenses along the landward side of the Esplanade.

Following the public exhibition a planning application will be submitted to East Devon District Council, the local planning authority, in late September. If permission is granted construction will begin early in 2019 and should be complete by 2021.