Long term plans examining how best to protect Weymouth from flooding will be considered by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.
The plans, which examine how best to protect the town centre, harbour area and the Esplanade from sea and river flooding until 2094, will be considered by the Policy Development Committee on 12 October.
The Weymouth Town Centre and Harbour Defence Policy, which includes plans for a tidal barrier, new harbour walls and improvements to the Esplanade’s sea defences, looks set to cost around £106 million over the next 80 years.
Councillors will examine how this long term plan could be funded. Currently more than £50 million is likely to be available from various sources including central Government (DEFRA), the Environment Agency, the Dorset Local Economic Partnership, developer contributions and the borough council.
Further funding is also likely to be available from other sources including Dorset County Council.
Councillor Ian Roebuck, Environment and Sustainability Briefholder at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “We need to find the right long term solution to minimise the risk of flooding and help protect our community’s homes and businesses. We need to draw up plans now to help protect our historic and beautiful town from the threat of climate change and flooding.”
A Weymouth Flood Defence Vision Document outlining how the town can be best protected from the risk of flooding is currently being drawn-up by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.
Councillor Jason Osborne, Tourism and Culture Briefholder at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “It is clear we must find the right solution to help protect our wonderful town as much as we can from the risk of flooding. I am also mindful that we must try to develop a scheme which enhances the appearance of our attractive seafront and harbour.”
Neil Watson, Environment Agency Wessex Coastal Engineer, said: “ We are pleased to be working in partnership to prepare for the future and reduce the risk of flooding in Weymouth. The Weymouth Town Centre and Harbour Defence Policy has potential to bring long term flood protection and act as a catalyst to sustain the economy and wellbeing of the residents of this historic town.”
It is likely that work on the harbour walls would be carried out first, followed by improvements to the Esplanade.
Any recommendations made by the Policy Development Committee will be considered by the borough council’s Management Committee.
More information will be available shortly at dorsetforyou.com/flood-vision/weymouth
