Wedoany.com Report on Feb 24th, Calderdale Council's Planning Committee has recently approved an £81 million flood alleviation scheme for Hebden Bridge. Developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency, the scheme aims to reduce the annual flood risk in this market town from approximately 20% to about 2%, significantly enhancing its flood resilience. Located in a steep valley, Hebden Bridge has long faced flood threats and has experienced several severe flood events in recent years.

The Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme covers an area of approximately 10.73 hectares, including the town centre and seven designated surrounding locations. The project is planned to be implemented in phases over an estimated four-year period. Key measures include rebuilding over 420 meters of river walls, constructing more than 330 meters of reinforced concrete walls, installing around 77 meters of vertical rising barriers, and strengthening multiple bridges. Most of these flood defence structures are designed for remote or automatic operation, with the Environment Agency activating the barriers upon flood warnings.

The scheme has given special consideration to heritage protection, as the project area involves 16 listed buildings, including the Grade II listed Park House Bridge. The design avoids directly connecting new structures to the historic bridge; instead, the rising barriers will be supported by independent piers. The scheme also includes measures to improve fish passage and implement post-construction landscaping.

After several hours of discussion, the Planning Committee ultimately approved all elements of the scheme. With planning permission granted, the project will now move into the detailed design and procurement stages. The Environment Agency initiated market engagement for the implementation plan last summer.