Flood defences to be raised and strengthened

Flood defences on a stretch of the Humber estuary are to be raised to protect properties at risk of flooding from coastal erosion, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

The existing defences between Barton-upon-Humber to New Holland would also be strengthened as part of a major flood protection project, according to the EA.

A spokesperson for the agency said: "We are proud to be working with partners to resolve a long-standing problem for the communities of Barton, Barrow and New Holland."

North Lincolnshire Council has committed £1m to the scheme and detailed design work is now taking place.

The EA spokesperson said: "The scheme will see the raising and strengthening of existing defences, protecting communities from flooding and coastal erosion."

The project has been 10 years in the making, following flooding in December 2013, when a combination of gale force winds and high tides caused flooding on both sides of the Humber, including about 30 homes flooding at Barrow Haven.

Last year, an outline business case was successfully submitted and approved for the scheme, which is expected to cost £39m.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the full business case for the Barton to New Holland flood protection scheme was expected to be approved in Summer 2027.

Phased construction would then be expected from 2028 and to be completed by late 2029.

A significant number of ecological surveys are to be carried out over the summer, including an assessment of habitats for solitary bees associated with salt marsh and other coastal locations.

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