Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, in collaboration with the Environment Agency and other partners, is working to provide a new flood defence scheme in Poole.

The proposed scheme will reduce the significant tidal flood risk to properties and infrastructure in Poole town centre, the Old Town, and surrounding areas over the next 100 years.

We recognise that the construction activities required to deliver this important scheme have the potential to cause some disruption.

We are asking local people, organisations and businesses in Poole to have their say, so that we can work to minimise the impact.

The scheme, which was awarded £12.4 million Grant in Aid funding from the Environment Agency in 2021, will address the area adjacent to Back Water Channel.

It also forms part of BCP Council’s ongoing commitment to help rejuvenate Poole, supporting a vibrant, attractive and sustainable mix of residency, business, hospitality, retail, culture and green spaces.

Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “This is the last remaining undefended waterfront in Poole town centre. While some properties here have flood resilience built in, such as raised thresholds to prevent flooding, others are critically low and are in a state of disrepair.

“Over the last 25 years it was anticipated that ongoing regeneration would deliver full flood protection. However, recent developments have only provided flood defences along discrete lengths.

“This incomplete defence leaves the whole area vulnerable to tidal flooding which is expected to increase in frequency and severity with climate change.

“Extensive efforts are needed to raise land levels and close the gaps in the flood defence line to ensure that the local community in Poole Old Town is safeguarded effectively.

“We are committed to actively seeking ways to minimise the construction impacts on the local community and are encouraging people to tell us how we can help mitigate these during our planning phase.”