Some land next to the Humber has always flooded

The agency's board members will decide on Wednesday what work is needed to ensure flood defences will provide protection for at least 100 years.

Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and Goole lie within the flood plain.

The agency said the 146 miles (235km) of existing defences were "generally in good condition" but some needed repair.

In the Humber estuary, sea levels are currently rising by 1.8mm a year, but are expected to rise by an average of about 6mm a year over the next 100 years, the Environment Agency said.

Lost habitats

Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: "Large parts of Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and Goole lie within the tidal floodplain, along with major industrial and commercial properties and the country's largest port complex.

"About 85% of the flood plain is farmed and it also contains places important for their historic and conservation value.

"Over the next five years, the strategy focuses on work to improve existing flood defences to protect people who live in the flood plain.

"Work will also be needed to create habitats in the estuary which are being lost because of rising sea levels.

"Although the defences surrounding the estuary are generally in good condition, some areas need repairing now, and in the long term, we expect these defence works to offer a good standard of protection for 100 years or more."

Approval for the strategy will also be needed from Defra and the Treasury.