A statutory public consultation has been launched for the River Thames Scheme (RTS), which proposes to create a new river channel that aims to reduce the risk of flooding for 11,000 homes and 1,600 businesses in Surrey and Greater London.
The scheme is a partnership between the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, and local borough partners, that aims to reduce the risk of flooding for communities along the River Thames between Egham and Teddington. It also aims to provide greater access to green open spaces and sustainable travel routes, encouraging economic growth and increasing biodiversity.
A new river channel would be built in two sections close to the Thames - known as the Runnymede Channel Section and the Spelthorne Channel Section.
Commenting, Cllr Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
"It is a nationally important infrastructure project, and a big deal within Surrey. We are now starting the formal public consultation which means it is moving forward in the planning process and we need people to engage.
"The best thing about the scheme is that there really is something for everyone - yes flood prevention sits at the centre of it but the scope for biodiversity gain, new habitats and conservation as well as sustainable travel routes means it can benefit Surrey more broadly."
Cllr Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said:
"As Leader for Surrey County Council, I am committed to improving outcomes for people across the county, including growing a sustainable economy, tackling health inequality, enabling a greener future; ensuring communities are empowered and thriving.
"Our guiding mission is essentially improving quality of life for everyone - that no one is left behind. The RTS encompasses all of that, with its core aims being to reduce the risk of flooding, develop more sustainable travel, create more open green spaces, and improve biodiversity, while encouraging inclusive economic growth. Each element of the scheme will work in tandem to deliver the benefits for communities to help them live more sustainably, realising positive and lasting change for the future.
"In 2014, many residents experienced the destructive impact of flooding. It caused damage and devastation to homes and businesses. The recovery from a natural disaster of this nature for communities and infrastructure can take years, and the likelihood of more extreme flooding is set to increase. The cost of flooding quickly runs into billions, so we need investment now to reduce spiralling costs resulting from flood damage.
"The scheme will reduce flooding risk to minimise these events happening in the future, seeking to greatly reduce the worry of flooding and subsequent damage to people’s homes and livelihoods.
"The RTS will create a new flood channel built in two sections – one through Runnymede (between Egham Hythe and Chertsey), and one through Spelthorne (between Littleton North Lake and the Desborough Cut). It also includes capacity increases downstream of the Desborough Cut and the weirs at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington.
"This is a great opportunity to take a holistic approach to improving the environment, enhancing people’s lives, and supporting our climate change goals. One key element of this scheme is listening to communities via consultation. This is a meaningful way to participate in shaping and realising this vision for the future.
"Please take the time to inform yourself of the detail of this scheme and respond to the consultation. This is a long-term investment, and the RTS will provide a positive legacy beyond flood risk reduction and water management in our communities. We welcome your involvement and views to deliver this hugely beneficial scheme."
You can view the consultation and have your say here: riverthamesscheme.org.uk
