SRA Annual Report 2020-21: Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme
The main purpose of Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS) is to reduce flood risks from the River Tone and its complex network of tributaries, particularly the Galmington, Sherford and Mill streams.
The scheme is led by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWTC) and the Environment Agency. It has been part-funded since 2016 by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
In 2016-17, the SRA contributed Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.
Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWTC) estimates that a single major flood could cost Taunton’s economy up to £50million. 1,031 properties in Taunton are currently at risk, including homes, health centres, emergency services, North Town Primary School, electricity substations, sports facilities and much more. By 2118, because of climate change, the number is expected to rise to 2,548.
Activities in 2020-21
The current TSFAIS priority is to improve Taunton’s short and medium-term capacity to manage flooding. Two initial schemes have been progressing:
1. River Tone Left Bank Flood Defences – raising low spots from Frieze Hill to Town Bridge. This will benefit 508 homes, businesses and facilities such as the police station and council offices, BT exchange and French Weir surgery, plus the A3027 and A3088.
The design, engineering and project management consultancy Atkins has been appointed to design the improved defences and secure the necessary consents and permissions.
2. Firepool Lock gates and bund. The plan is to raise Firepool Lock gates and the area around them, and create a 750-metre earth bund between the River Tone and the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal, from Firepool Lock to the A358 Obridge Viaduct. The aim is to prevent Tone floodwater from entering the Canal, because that will reduce the risks of floodwater overtopping into Maiden’s Brook and then Allen’s Brook in Bathpool, and that will benefit 219 properties (Priorswood and Crown Industrial Estates and Bathpool).
This scheme is being led by SWTC with Environment Agency support. Discussions have been progressing with consultants about the delivery of a detailed scheme design, and some preliminary studies have been commissioned by WSP to support this design and the process of gaining necessary consents.
