SRA Annual Report 2021-22: Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme 2021-22
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.
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 2021-22
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 around 508 homes, businesses and facilities such as the police station and council offices, BT exchange and French Weir surgery, plus the A3027 and A3088.
A Collaborative Agreement between SWTC and the Environment Agency has been signed and contractors Binnies have been appointed to work on detailed designs, consents, and permissions. It is hoped to submit a planning application in summer 2023 and start construction in 2023-24.
2. Raise Firepool Lock gates and River Tone defences. The plan is to raise Firepool Lock gates and the area around them, and to construct a flood defence up to 750m long 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 Brook and then Allen Brook in Bathpool, and that will benefit approximately 219 properties (Priorswood and Crown Industrial Estates and Bathpool).
A contract for work on detailed designs, consents and permissions was let to WSP in August 2021. Studies into matters such as ecology, heritage and landscape have been progressing, initial concept designs have been produced and early meetings with stakeholders have been held. It is hoped to secure planning permission in 2022 and start building in 2023.