Let’s Talk Looe Flood Defence Scheme

Let’s Talk Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme

 

A new online community space has launched to share information about the town’s flood defence and regeneration scheme, and give residents the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the proposals.  It has been created by Cornwall Council, Looe Harbour Commissioners and the Environment Agency who are leading the development of the scheme. With the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions preventing face to face consultation and engagement events, the site will help to keep local people up to date with all the latest information, as well as offering a space for them to have their say on the proposals.

 

https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence  

 

The site includes a discussion forum where people can share their experiences of flooding in Looe, as well as an email address for people to ask questions and give their views on the proposals. Information about the proposals is also available on the scheme’s website, where there is a copy of a newly published leaflet. Printed copies of the leaflet will be available in the town’s library and Harbour Commissioners office, when it is safe to go there to collect them. People can also read the first edition of Looe Flood Defence News, a new quarterly newsletter providing the latest information about events, activities and key milestones, on the website.  You can sign up for future editions of the newsletter to be delivered straight to your inbox by emailing LooeFloodDefence@cornwall.gov.uk .

 

Looe is already the most frequently flooded coastal town in the UK, causing £39m of damage to homes and businesses during the last five years. Over the next 100 years, sea levels are predicted to rise by more than 1 metre as a result of climate change, threatening even more parts of the town. These include the health centre, the police and fire stations, main food stores and cafes and the fish market, as well as major transport links such as the A387 and the railway station.

 

The aim of the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme is to protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 100 years, giving time for the community to adapt to a changing climate. It will also enhance the overall environmental integrity of designated sites and water bodies, and work in partnership to promote economic growth in East Cornwall by helping to deliver new and improved rail, road, ferry, cycling and walking links, and protecting and enhancing the marine and visitor economy.

 

During the past few months the partners have working to turn the proposals originally developed by the Looe Harbour Commissioners into an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution to the town’s tidal flooding challenges. The current scheme includes a tidal barrier which will close when flooding is likely; a southern breakwater which will prevent overtopping of the tidal barrier and sea front during tidal surges, provide a shelter for vessels when the flood gates are closed and protect Hannafore Road; an extension to the Banjo pier, creating a low water landing stage providing boat access at all states of the site; a·cut-off wall below East Looe beach to prevent tidal flooding bypassing the tidal barrier and a new walkway from Pennyland in the town to Hannafore to provide access to the coast path and protected access off the main road.

 

A strategic outline case for the project was completed at the end of last year and work is currently taking place to produce a final outline business case to submit to the Government for funding. If this is approved and funding is secured, construction on the scheme could begin in 2024, with the scheme completed by 2026 – two years ahead of the original schedule.

 

So, if you’ve got an idea you’re keen to suggest, or an experience you wish to share, head on over and have your say!

Looe Flood Defence Scheme Newsletters