The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on its proposals for a new £16 million flood alleviation scheme for Tadcaster.

The scheme, which is estimated to cost £16 million, aims to offer improved flood protection for the town, which has been badly hit by flooding in the past.

The Agency is holding a series of drop in events during March and April at The Ark, Tadcaster Town Council, so that people can have the opportunity to view designs for the proposed scheme, which aims to better protect Tadcaster homes and businesses from flooding from the River Wharfe.

Proposals 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. The team is also keen to ensure the areas around the church and surrounding historic properties not only benefit from a greater level of flood protection but that it also retains its special character.

Other important benefits of the scheme include improving biodiversity and creating connections with wildlife. This includes the construction of a fish pass, funded separately from the flood scheme, through Grant in Aid funding and a contribution from Yorkshire Water.

Paul Stockhill, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency said:

“These events are a great opportunity for the community to come along and speak to the Environment Agency project team to find out how we can better protect Tadcaster from flooding.

“The town has experienced devastating floods as recently as February last year, and we are working as fast as we can to develop a scheme which offers the best possible level of flood protection for people and is able to withstand the increasingly extreme weather we are experiencing as a result of climate change.

“Our next step will be to use these events to gather everyone’s views and local knowledge to help finalise our designs before submitting for planning approval this summer.”

Nigel Adams MP for Selby and Ainsty said:

“Funding for the Tadcaster Flood Alleviation scheme was confirmed in 2019. The Environment Agency have now completed the initial design phase and will be presenting their proposals at ten walk-in events between 7 March and 14 April. This is a unique opportunity to see full details of the proposal and comment before the planning application is submitted.

“Tadcaster needs improved flood defences as soon as possible to prevent the river overtopping its banks as it did in 2015 when the bridge collapsed, 2017 and again in 2022. This is a major step forward and I encourage everybody interested in the scheme to attend one of the drop-in events where Environment Agency staff will be on hand to explain the design.”

Following the consultation, the Environment Agency will determine the final design for the scheme which is scheduled for submission for planning approval in summer 2023, and construction starting by spring 2024.

Deadline to submit comments on the proposals is14 April 2023 – click here to access the consultation plans and consultation online:

https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/tadcaster-flood-alleviation-scheme-proposals