One of the largest urban areas in
England and Wales that is not directly protected by
flood defences.
Background
The
Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy is
an integrated approach to managing flood risk in
the area of the River Thames downstream of
Datchet to Teddington lock. This part of the
Thames floodplain is one of the largest urban
areas in England and Wales that is not directly
protected by flood defences.
The Lower Thames Strategy emerged after the
flooding that occurred during January 2003 where
256 properties were flooded. Our aim is to take
further action to reduce flood risk in this
area.
Our integrated approach to managing flood
risk is divided into two main components:
1. Floodplain Management Component
We propose to focus on land control:
safeguarding flood flow and potential channel
routes. Other approaches will include
controlling development in areas that are prone
to flooding. We also propose to improve public
awareness of flooding and encourage the uptake
of Floodline Warnings Direct, a free service
that provides flood warnings via telephone,
mobile, email and SMS text messages.
We plan to work in partnership with local
authorities and other public bodies to develop
emergency plans, local flood action plans and
apply the best means available to make
individual properties resistant to floods.
2. Engineered Component
This proposal is based on an engineered
scheme option comprising of three flood
diversion channels
without
the use of a form of
dredging called riverbed re-profiling. The flood
diversion channels will extend from Datchet to
Walton upon Thames.
A review of the preferred options will be
undertaken before they can be approved. At the
same time, there will be a general provision of
community-based measures to protect properties,
based on earlier pilot schemes.
