Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme

An alternative proposal for protecting Looe from flooding put forward by the Save the Banjo Pier group will not be taken forward to the next stage of the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme following a three-month investigation which found that the scheme did not meet the required viability tests and struggled to meet safety requirements.

“We have worked closely with the Save Banjo Pier (SBP) group to assess their option and would like to thank members of the group for the positive way in which they have engaged with us “ said Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change. “Unfortunately, the analysis has shown that the SBP option does not meet the required viability criteria and so will not be taken forward to the next stage”.

“This means that work will now focus on developing the Outline Business Case based on the shortlisted Tidal Barrier with Breakwaters and the Tidal Barrier only options which will deliver the aims of the scheme. This is currently due to be submitted to the Government in the Spring. “

“We recognise that the SBP group will be disappointed by this outcome. However, we hope that they will work with us to develop and support the business case and help to secure the funding needed to protect Looe from increased flooding over the next 50 to 100 years and promote economic growth in the town and the wider East Cornwall area. “

The Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme is being led by Cornwall Council. The Council is also liaising with a number of local organisations, including Looe Harbour Commissioners, Looe Town Council, Looe Development Trust, West Looe Town Trust, East Looe Town Trust, the RNLI and local MP Sheryll Murray.

While the key aim of the Flood Defence scheme is to protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding for the next 50 to 100 years, the scheme also needs to demonstrate how the preferred option will promote economic growth. Making the economic regeneration case will be vital to securing the funding needed to deliver the scheme.

Seven potential options for delivering the aims of the Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme were presented at the public engagement events in June and July 2023. The top two options selected by the community were the Tidal Barrier with Breakwaters and the Tidal Barrier only option.

Immediately prior to the engagement events, however, a petition opposing these options and putting forward an alternative option was created by the Save Banjo Pier (SBP) group.

Aimed primarily at protecting Banjo Pier, the proposed SBP scheme involves constructing a smaller breakwater at the mouth of the river and a low-level flood wall throughout both sides of the town. The walls stop around Looe Bridge. The option includes a West Looe pathway extension to the new breakwater and Hannafore, which is a popular feature of the Tidal barrier and Breakwaters option.

As each of the other options had already been assessed against a range of technical, economic and environmental criteria, it was agreed that the Save Banjo Pier proposal needed to be assessed using the same criteria to see if it was safe and viable before a more detailed assessment was carried out.

“We took the option put forward by the Save Banjo Pier group very seriously and welcomed their positive commitment to work with the team to assess their proposal “, said Councillor Alvey.

“Securing the funding needed to protect Looe from flooding in the future will require the whole town to work together. There are many other places across the country seeking funding for flood prevention works and the Government and other potential investors. It will be important to show significant support for the final scheme.“

Over the past three months a number of meetings and workshop sessions were held with the SBP group and other stakeholders to look at the proposals in more detail.

This work included investigating issues relating to safety, including berthing of vessels, breakwater functions, available harbour and safe refuges, accessibility at different states of the tide and wave climate. The safety assessment identified a number of issues relating to the design of the SBP proposal.

The SBP option will create greater navigational risks as vessels will be forced east, pushing them into conflict with swimmers and other users of the popular East Looe beach in shallow waters. There is also a threat to the structure of Banjo Pier caused by rising sea levels and climate change which will bring more frequent and severe storms.

There are also concerns over the size of the harbour entrance, with the larger entrance proposed by the SBP option resulting in significantly higher waves which would make it hazardous for people getting on and off boats and, in severe weather, could cause damage to the SBP proposed pontoon unless it was removed and stored is a safe location. In addition, the inability of the SBP option to significantly reduce wave energy will also have a knock-on effect to the necessary height of walls to be provided in the harbour. Unless the wall height is increased, the standard of flood protection to the town will be reduced thus reducing its economic benefit.

The viability assessment investigated the costs of maintaining Banjo Pier and the existing harbour walls created by the SBP proposal. The Pier is already subject to wave over-wash which is damaging the structure and forcing closure for public safety reasons. As sea levels rise the Pier will be over topped more frequently and this will eventually lead to major repairs or rebuilding being needed. Although the SBP option would mean that Banjo Pier would not be extended, work will still be needed to strengthen the structure in the future.

Taking into account the costs of the group’s revised wall alignment and the costs of strengthening Banjo Pier, the estimated outline costs of constructing the SBP option is £164m.

Looe will be competing for funding with other flood prevention projects up and down the country. To secure funding the business case will need to demonstrate how the scheme will protect key transport links, including main roads in and out of the town and rail services, as well as how it will protect and enhance the visitor and marine economy.

Detailed work was carried out on the potential for the option to deliver growth for the town. This was shared with the SBP group who were invited to come up with additional means of economic regeneration in order to be able to afford the cost.

Although the smaller southern breakwater would provide some additional berthing for day trip and glass bottomed boats, the lack of depth at all states of the tide would create significant difficulties for both deeper drafted vessels and ferries, meaning that a scheduled ferry service would not be able to operate. This will have an impact on the projected number of visitors, and on visitor spend, in the town.

To be considered viable a scheme needs to have a Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) score of at least 1. The BCR scores for the top two options as selected by the community (Tidal Barrier and Breakwaters (TB+B) option and Tidal Barrier only option (TB)) are now 2.32 and 3.21 respectively.

Comparing the costs of the SBP scheme with the economic benefit results in a Benefit to Cost Ratio of 0.98. As this this is below 1, this means that the SBP option fails to pass the economic viability test.

Ends

There is still time to make sure your voice is heard – deadline for submitting questionnaires is midnight on Friday, 21 July.

A very big thank you to everyone who has attended the recent consultation events for the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme.

Many people braved the appalling weather for the third event held at the Quayside Centre last Friday to come and talk to members of the project team and give us their views.

The unique geographic features of Looe already make the town vulnerable to flood events. Sea levels are projected to rise more rapidly due to climate change, increasing the extent, depth, and frequency of flood events.

There is no preferred option for the scheme – we want to hear the views of the local community on which option they feel will best protect the town from avoidable flooding events for decades to come.

Over the past years, Cornwall Council has done a lot of collaborative work with a number of groups within the town. This has included sharing factual survey data with the Looe Marine Conservation Group and listening to their views along with those from the Looe Development Trust, West Looe Town Trust, East Looe Town Trust, Looe Town Council and the RNLI. The project team have also worked with the harbour commissioners, fishermen, leisure boat users, dinghy club and RNLI in a group, known as the “Harbour Users Group”, and met with the “Save Banjo Pier” group.

Seven options have been considered in detail as part of the development of the scheme. These are:

• Adaptation of the town / community
• Demountable Barriers
• Permanent Flood Walls
• Quayside Extension
• Tidal Barrier Only
• Tidal Barrier with Breakwaters
• Carrying on as we are

The aim of the questionnaire is to help reduce the long-list of options above to a short-list.

We are aware of the recent petition by Jamie Pearne, which is essentially the same as the Permanent Wall option but seeks to lower the height of the wall by placing a small breakwater at the mouth of the river in a similar manner to that proposed by Joseph Thomas (Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers) in 1875.

We welcome this community-led initiative and look forward to receiving the petition, together with full details of their proposal.

All the other potential options have already been assessed against a range of technical, economic and environmental criteria. These include:

• Navigational safety issues
• the costs of building and operating the scheme
• the effectiveness in protecting the town from the risks of tidal, river, groundwater and surface water flooding
• potential challenges in constructing and operating the flood defences
• impact on both the marine and terrestrial environments, landscape and seascape and carbon emissions
• impact on heritage and amenities
• economic benefits

The project team are now looking to work with the community group to consider this new hybrid proposal using the same assessment criteria as the other options.

Once this work has been carried out, the results of the investigation will be shared with the wider community, together with details of the analysis from the previous consultation events.

We are hoping that the work on assessing the new proposal can be completed as quickly as possible to enable people to select their preferred option having seen the same technical, economic and environmental information provided for all the options.

The feedback from this process will be used by the project team to finalise the Outline Business Case which is due to be submitted to the Government later this year.

Thank you to everyone who has already completed our questionnaire, either online or in person at the consultation events. Anyone who has not yet done so has until midnight on Friday, 21 July to complete the questionnaire at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Looe2023.

We are aware that some people using the online option have not yet completed their questionnaire – please check that you have answered all the questions and submitted it to ensure that your views are recorded.

We would also encourage people who have signed the petition to also complete an online questionnaire so their views can be included in the formal consultation responses.

Detailed information about all the current options, including the potential benefits, challenges and costs of delivering them, together with artists impressions, is available on the scheme’s Let’s Talk site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

The site also includes background information and short films about the history of flooding in Looe, the environmental work which has been carried out for the project up to this date, providing a summary of some areas of interest, and the importance of the scheme to the economy of both the town and the wider South East Cornwall area, as well as outlining some early mitigation ideas.

This is a very important moment, both for the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme and for the long-term future of Looe.

The support of local residents and businesses is vital to the success of the scheme.

We recognise that there are no easy choices and would encourage everyone to look at all the information which is being provided so we can ensure that decisions on the final scheme reflect the aspirations and needs of the community.

Ends

Notes to editors

The aims of the proposed Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme are to:

• Protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 50 – 100 years, giving the community time to adapt to a changing climate
• Enhance the environmental integrity of the designated sites and water bodies
• Work to promote economic growth in East Cornwall by:
  1. Protecting key transport links
  2. Protecting and enhancing the visitor and marine economy

The impact of climate change, with sea levels expected to rise by over one metre during the next 100 years, means that in less than 50 years most of the town will flood more often and to a greater depth, with sandbags and flood boards becoming less effective.

This will see key areas such as the health centre, the police and fire stations, the main food stores and cafes and the fish market, the main roads, the Harbour and Millpool car parks and the railway line flooded on storm and high tide days.

We recognise that there are no easy choices and would encourage everyone to look at all the information so we can ensure that decisions on the final scheme reflect the aspirations and needs of the community.

Our third and final public consultation event for the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme will take place at the Quayside Centre in West Looe between 10 am and 4pm on Friday, 14 July.

This is the last opportunity for people to have their say and to speak to the project team prior to the submission of the Outline Business Case to central government in the Autumn.

The unique geographic features of Looe already make the town vulnerable to flood events. Sea levels are projected to rise more rapidly due to climate change, increasing the extent, depth, and frequency of flood events.

Six options have been considered in detail as part of the development of the scheme. These are:

• Adaptation of the town/community
• Demountable Barriers
• Permanent Flood Walls
• Quayside Extension
• Tidal Barrier Only
• Tidal Barrier with Breakwaters

Detailed information about all the options, including the potential benefits, challenges and costs of delivering them, together with artists impressions, is available on the scheme’s Let’s Talk site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

The site also includes background information and short films about the history of flooding in Looe, the environmental work which has been carried out for the project up to this date, providing a summary of some areas of interest, and the importance of the scheme to the economy of both the town and the wider South East Cornwall area, as well as outlining some early mitigation ideas.

There is no preferred option for the scheme – we want to hear the views of the local community on which option they feel will best protect the town from avoidable flooding events for decades to come.

This is a very important moment, both for the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme and for the long-term future of Looe. The support of local residents and businesses is vital to the success of the scheme.

We want to ensure that the project’s decisions reflect the aspirations and the needs of the local community and are hoping that as many people as possible will come along to this final consultation event and complete the survey.

Anyone who is unable to attend the consultation on 14 July can complete the survey online at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Looe2023.

The deadline for comments is 21 July.

The feedback from the consultation events and the online survey will then be used to finalise the Outline Business Case which will be submitted to the Government.

Ends

Notes to editors

Looe already has an unwelcome history of flooding. During the fortnightly spring tides, the sea routinely reaches up high against the quayside walls. When a storm occurs at the same time, the water comes over the quay wall and floods the surrounding areas. Environment Agency records show that currently the centre of the town typically floods several times a year, putting more than 200 properties at risk.

The impact of climate change, with sea levels expected to rise by over one metre during the next 100 years, means that in less than 50 years most of the town will flood more often and to a greater depth, with sandbags and flood boards becoming less effective.

This will see key areas such as the health centre, the police and fire stations, the main food stores and cafes and the fish market, the main roads, the Harbour and Millpool car parks and the railway line flooded on storm and high tide days.

The aims of the proposed Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme are to:

• Protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 50 – 100 years, giving the community time to adapt to a changing climate
• Enhance the environmental integrity of the designated sites and water bodies
• Work to promote economic growth in East Cornwall by
  1. Protecting key transport links
  2. Protecting and enhancing the visitor and marine economy

All the potential options have been assessed against a range of technical, economic and environmental criteria. These include:

• the costs of building and operating the scheme
• the effectiveness in protecting the town from the risks of tidal, river, groundwater and surface water flooding
• potential challenges in constructing and operating the flood defences
• impact on both the marine and terrestrial environments, landscape and seascape and carbon emissions
• Navigation issues
• Impact on heritage and amenities
• Economic benefits

Three final consultation events are being held in Looe during June and July to give the local community the opportunity to help determine which of the flood defence options will be submitted to the Government at the end of the summer.

The events will be held at the Quayside Centre, West Looe, PL13 2EU, between 10 am and 4 pm on Friday, 16 June and Saturday, 17 June and on Friday, 14 July.

“This is a very important moment, both for the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme and for the long term future of Looe ” said Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change.

"Looe is already one of the most frequently flooded coastal towns in the UK and the impact of the significant flooding experienced at the end of March shows the importance of protecting the town from the effects of climate change in the future.

“The support of local residents and businesses is vital to the success of the scheme. We want to ensure that the whole community has the opportunity to give us their views on the option they feel will best secure the environmental and economic future of their town over the next 50-100 years. “

Six options have been considered in detail as part of the development of the scheme. These are:

• Adaptation of the town/community
• Demountable Barriers
• Permanent Flood Walls
• Quayside Extension
• Tidal Barrier Only
• Tidal Barrier with Breakwaters

Detailed information about all the options, including the potential benefits, challenges and costs of delivering them, together with artists impressions and a short film, is available on the scheme’s Let’s Talk site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence.

The site also includes background information about the history of flooding in Looe and the environmental work which has been carried out for the project up to this date, providing a summary of some areas of interest, as well as outlining some early mitigation ideas.

The aim of the consultation events is to provide an opportunity for the community to view the latest information on the different options, and to talk to members of the team about which option they feel will best protects the town from avoidable flooding events for decades to come. This feedback will then be used to finalise the proposal which will be submitted to the Government.

Looe already has an unwelcome history of flooding. During the fortnightly spring tides, the sea routinely reaches up high against the quayside walls. When a storm occurs at the same time, the water comes over the quay wall and floods the surrounding areas. Environment Agency records show that currently the centre of the town typically floods several times a year, putting more than 200 properties at risk.

The impact of climate change, with sea levels expected to rise by over one metre during the next 100 years, means that in less than 50 years most of the town will flood more often and to a greater depth, with sandbags and flood boards becoming less effective.

This will see key areas such as the health centre, the police and fire stations, the main food stores and cafes and the fish market, the main roads, the Harbour and Millpool car parks and the railway line flooded on storm and high tide days.

“While feedback from previous engagement events highlighted support for action from many within the community, a level of confusion was also evident over the need for and benefits of the scheme, as well as concerns over some of the flood protection measures which are being proposed.” said Martyn Alvey.

“We believe that doing nothing is not an option and we want to ensure that the decisions on the final scheme reflect the aspirations and needs of the community. “

“The team have looked at all the comments and questions which were raised during the recent workshops, as well as in previous engagement events. They have used this feedback to provide this latest information about the challenges facing Looe as a result of climate change and the different options being developed to protect the town during the next 50 to 100 years.

“We are planning to submit the Outline Business Case to the Government after the summer and so these events are the last opportunity for the local community to give us their views on the different options ahead of this submission.

Ends

Residents and businesses in Looe are being invited to attend information sharing workshops about the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme taking place in the town on Friday, 12 and Saturday, 13 May.

The workshops will be held at the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre at The Old Sardine Factory in West Looe between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm on both days.

The aim of the events is to provide local people with a summary of the project so far, including details of the options which are being considered, and to give them the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the proposals, both with each other and with members of the project team.

Looe is already one of the most frequently flooded coastal towns in the UK. During the fortnightly spring tides the sea routinely reaches the top of the quayside walls. When a storm occurs at the same time, the water comes over the quay wall and floods the surrounding areas.

Sea levels are projected to rise more rapidly due to climate change. Environment Agency records show that currently the centre of the town typically floods four to eight times a year, putting more than 200 properties at risk. By 2050 this will rise to 60 times a year, with the risk of a 2014 type flooding event happening every year.

This means that, while the resilience of local residents may well be enough to protect the town from all but the most severe storms today, in less than 50 years most of the town will flood more often and to a greater depth, with sandbags and flood boards becoming much less effective in protecting homes and businesses.

As a result key areas, such as the health centre, the police and fire stations, the main food stores and cafes and the fish market, the main roads, the Harbour and Millpool car parks and the railway line, will be flooded on storm and high tide days.

“The impact of the significant flooding experienced in Looe at the end of March demonstrates the importance of the proposed scheme in protecting the town from the effects of climate change “said Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change.

“However, while survey responses and the conversations that we had with the local residents during the previous consultation highlighted support for action from many within the community, a level of confusion was also evident over the need for and benefits of the scheme, as well as concerns over some of the flood protection measures which are being proposed.

On both 12 and 13 May the presentations will run every hour, beginning at 10.30 am with the last session starting at 2.30 pm and finishing at 3.30 pm. Each 60 min slot will include the opportunity for discussion and questions.

People can either reserve a slot at a specific time on the Let’s Talk site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

or by clicking here . Alternatively people can simply turn up at the event to listen, contribute and speak with a member of the team.

“Hearing from local businesses and the wider public is critical for finding the best solution for Looe “ said Councillor Alvey. “ We want to ensure that all members of the local community have the information that they need to form their views on the flood defences currently being considered to protect the town from avoidable flooding events for decades to come.”

Further information about the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme, including details of the options being considered, are available on the Let’s Talk site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

Ends

This week has seen key parts of Looe affected by flooding – with roads, rail lines and car parks closed because they were under water, leaving local people unable to access their homes and businesses.

A combination of high spring tides and strong winds, coupled with problems caused by the depth of standing water led to significant flooding in the town on Wednesday and Thursday. Standing water was created by the sea overtopping the quays and sea water backing up through the drains.

On Wednesday parts of the Mill Pool car park were underwater, causing problems for motorists, as well as flooding affecting areas around the fish market.

On Thursday Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service was forced to close West Looe Quay Road for several hours as a result of the flooding, with East Looe Quay Road (from the main carpark down to Middleton’s Corner) also seeing a significant depth of water.

Both rail and bus services were also affected, with the Liskeard to Looe Line closed for several hours on Thursday morning, and a number of bus services cancelled. The line remained closed on Friday for track inspections to determine if it was safe to resume services.

“The worst of the flooding took place in the early hours on both days “said Tina Hicks, Chief Executive of Looe Harbour Commissioners. ”The water rising from the drains meant that we found ourselves wading though sewerage laced sea water recovering the contents of washed over bins, glass receptacles and general household waste in the dark whilst directing traffic from flooded parking areas and access roads. “

“As well as the problems with the rail line, and car parks, the flooding meant we also had no road access to the area around the fish market for several hours of the morning on both days, affecting everyone who lives and works in this part of the town. “

Looe is already frequently flooded, with the flood risk set to get worse as a result of rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. According to Met Office predictions, in 20 years’ time the same flood event could be 170mm higher (UKCP18). Wave action played a significant part in the severe flooding experienced on St Valentine’s Day in 2014 which damaged Banjo Pier and parts of the quay walls throughout the town.

Cornwall Council is working with the Environment Agency and other key stakeholders in advancing plans to provide the town with a flood defence and regeneration scheme, but funding remains a problem.

During the fortnightly spring tides, the sea routinely comes close to the top of the quayside walls. When a storm occurs at the same time, the water comes over the walls and floods the surrounding streets which are lower lying.

“Luckily the strength of the wind had dropped on Thursday “ said Tina. “ If that had not happened the town would have been in serious trouble”.

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change said: “My heartfelt sympathies go out to those affected by this latest flooding incident. I also thank the fire and rescue service and the whole community who have pulled together to deal with the aftermath.

“ It is clear that Looe is increasingly vulnerable to flooding which threatens the town’s viability. The urgency of agreeing and funding a scheme to protect Looe from rising sea levels, devastating coastal erosion, and long-term economic decline is clear to see."

Ends

• 2pm to 6pm Thursday, 20 October
• 10 am to 4pm on Friday, 21 October
• 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 22 October.

Looe residents and businesses are being invited to three community drop in events being held in the town in October to hear about the progress being made with the development of the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration scheme and to give their views on materials for the proposed structures.

The events will take place at the West Looe Centre. Further details will be available on the Let’s Talk site: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence and in the local media in the coming days.

Looe is already the most frequently flooded coastal town in the UK. Over the next 100 years, sea levels are predicted to rise by more than 1 metre as a result of climate change, threatening even more parts of the town. These include the health centre, the police and fire stations, main food stores and cafes and the fish market, as well as major transport links such as the A387 and the railway station.

Following the engagement events held earlier this year, members of the project team have reviewed the feedback provided by members of the public and local businesses on the draft plans.

The aim of these next events is to enable people to hear about the story so far and give an update on progress and options considered, and to provide an opportunity to input into finishes and materials.

All three sessions will be drop in events which will be open to all. As before members of the project team will be on hand to provide the latest information and answer any questions.

As well as the face-to-face events on 20, 21 and 22 October, there will also be an online event on 31st October – 18:00 start on zoom. Those interested in taking part are asked to provide their details by emailing LooeFloodDefence@wsp.com beforehand so they can be sent joining instructions.

The team are also exploring how they can work with Cornwall’s artist community to design installations which celebrate Looe and can be incorporated into the final design.

As well as staging the engagement events the project team also want to hear from local businesses. Businesses are being asked to take part in a survey to help support the business case that will be submitted to the government for funding. Information and feedback from local businesses will help to demonstrate the economic benefits of the project and support the case for investment in flood defence and regeneration in Looe.

Any businesses which would like to know more or are interested in participating in the survey can contact the team at LooeFloodDefence@wsp.com.

(image shows Looe quayside showing tidal flood levels for the present day, and in the future.)

“The key aim of this scheme is to protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 100 years to give time for the community to adapt to a changing climate“ said Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change. “The scheme will also support the regeneration of the town and the wider South East Cornwall economy, and help to deliver new and improved rail, road, ferry, cycling and walking links at the same time as maintaining the overall environmental integrity of designated sites and water bodies.”

“As the image above clearly shows doing nothing is not an option. We are hoping that as many people as possible will attend one of these events so we can ensure that the final Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme meets the needs of all parts of the local community.

Ends

Notes to editors

Looe is a key tourist destination and a thriving fishing port. The impact of climate change will increase the area at risk of flooding from 2.5 hectares to 16 hectares. This flood prone area includes the local GP surgery, police station, main food stores and cafes, as well as the fish market and potentially the fire station, together with the more than 200 homes and businesses which are currently affected.

Tourism is worth around £47.8m annually to the local economy, directly supporting more than 1,100 jobs in Looe and indirectly supporting a further 400 jobs. An increase in the risk of flooding could deter people from visiting the town and have an adverse impact on holiday parks, communities and businesses right across South East Cornwall.

The flood prone area also includes key transport links such as the A387 which crosses the Looe River joining West and East Looe together, and the railway station which connects the town to the mainline at Liskeard.

The structural elements currently being investigated include:

• ·A tidal barrier which will close when flooding is likely
• ·A separate low-level walkway from Pennylands to Hannafore
• ·A southern breakwater which will prevent overtopping of the tidal barrier and sea front during tidal surges, provide a shelter for vessels when the flood gates are closed and protect Hannafore Road
• An extension to the Banjo pier, creating a low water landing stage providing boat access at all states of the site
• ·A cut-off wall below East Looe promenade to prevent tidal flooding bypassing the tidal barrier.

• Friday 29th April- 10:00-12:00 and 15.00-19.00 drop-in design workshop sessions (open to all)
• Saturday 30th April- 10.00-15.00 drop-in design workshop sessions (open to all)
• Tuesday 3rd May – 18:00 online design workshop sessions (zoom link )

Looe residents and businesses are being invited to help shape the Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme to ensure that it meets the needs of the wider community.

Looe is the most frequently flooded coastal town in the UK, with flood waters causing £39m of damage to homes and businesses here between 2013-2017 (Source: CDC Business Survey – 2017).

Over the next 100 years, sea levels are predicted to rise by more than 1 metre as a result of climate change, threatening even more parts of the town.

(image shows Looe quayside showing tidal flood levels for the present day, and in the future.)

The aim of the scheme, led by Cornwall Council with Looe Harbour Commissioners , the Environment Agency and Looe Town Council, is to protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 100 years to give time for the community to adapt to a changing climate; support the regeneration of the town and the wider South East Cornwall economy, and help deliver new and improved rail, road, ferry, cycling and walking links at the same time as maintaining the overall environmental integrity of designated sites and water bodies.

You can view a short film about the scheme here

In November 2021 the project team shared some initial ideas about the potential solutions.

Now the team are looking to build on the support from local residents and businesses to help shape the next phase of the scheme with a series of design workshops taking place at the end of April.

These will focus on looking at proposals for modifying and extending the Banjo Pier, and constructing a breakwater, as well as exploring priority objectives for the town, including:

• access for tripping boats and coastal ferries
• to increase trading potential in the town
• views and the setting of the harbour
• sheltering for boats when the barrier is closed
• the marine environment, including sea grass and other habitats
• carbon footprint of the scheme and net zero
• costs and timescales

Those attending the events will be split into small groups where they will be asked to share their thoughts on the emerging proposals and the priorities for the scheme. They will also hear from members of the technical team on the work which has been carried out so far.

All three workshop sessions (Friday, 29 April 10:00-12:00 and 15.00-19.00, Saturday 30 April 10.00 to 15.00 and Tuesday 3 May 18.00 ) are open to all.

While people will be able to drop into the workshops on the day, the project team are inviting people to sign up in advance if possible using this short form to enable the team to make the necessary arrangements.

The online session on 3 May will be carried out via zoom. Those interested in taking part are asked to provide their details by registering here beforehand so they can be sent joining instructions.

Following the events details of the workshops will be made available on the Let’s Talk site: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/ for anyone who is unable to unable to attend. People can share their experiences of flooding in Looe or give their views via the website or by emailing LooeFloodDefence@cornwall.gov.uk

Ends

Notes to editors

Looe is a key tourist destination and a thriving fishing port. 65% of businesses in the town are regularly flooded, with £39m of damage in the period 2013 – 2017 (Source: Business Survey – Cornwall Development Company). The impact of climate change will increase the area at risk of flooding from 2.5 hectares to 16 hectares. This flood prone area includes the local GP surgery, police station, main food stores and cafes, as well as the fish market and potentially the fire station, together with the more than 200 homes and businesses which are currently affected.

Tourism is worth around £47.8m to the local economy, directly supporting more than 1,100 jobs in Looe and indirectly supporting a further 400 jobs. An increase in the risk of flooding could deter people from visiting the town and have an adverse impact on holiday parks, communities and businesses right across South East Cornwall.

The flood prone area also includes key transport links such as the A387 which crosses the Looe River joining West and East Looe together, and the railway station which connects the town to the mainline at Liskeard.

The structural elements currently being investigated include:

• ·A tidal barrier which will close when flooding is likely
• ·A separate low-level walkway from Pennylands to Hannafore
• ·A southern breakwater which will prevent overtopping of the tidal barrier and sea front during tidal surges, provide a shelter for vessels when the flood gates are closed and protect Hannafore Road
• An extension to the Banjo pier, creating a low water landing stage providing boat access at all states of the site
• ·A cut-off wall below East Looe promenade to prevent tidal flooding bypassing the tidal barrier.

Plans to deliver a vital flood defence and regeneration scheme for Looe have taken a major step forward - thanks to a £2.3 million grant.

The Defra Flood Defence Grant in Aid grant will enable Cornwall Council and its key partners to complete work on preparing the outline business case– the next key stage in securing the Government, and other sources of funding, needed to deliver the scheme.

Earlier this year South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray raised the issue of flooding in Looe during Prime Minister’s Questions, with the Prime Minister promising to do “everything we can” to prevent more flooding in the town.

Cornwall Council, Looe Harbour Commission and members of DEFRA’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Partnership have been working with Mrs Murray and the Environment Secretary, Camborne MP, George Eustice, to secure the funding needed for the initial stage of the scheme.

Welcoming news of the grant, Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change, said “Looe is the most frequently flooded place in the country so successfully delivering this long awaited and much needed scheme is vital for the long-term future of the town and the wider economy of South East Cornwall.

“We need to ensure that the final scheme meets the needs of Looe, both now, and in the future. This means that, as well as providing structural flood defences to protect the town from flooding in the short to medium term, we support the community to develop a plan which identifies measures which go well beyond 100 years. This will give the community time to adapt so it can live with the consequences of increased flood risk in the future.

“During the summer we submitted the initial stage of the scheme to the Environment Agency for consideration. The funding announced by the EA today will enable us to complete the second stage of the project to submit to the Government next winter. This is a hugely significant step both for the project and the town as, without Government support and funding, it will not be possible to deliver this scheme.

“We are very grateful to Sheryll Murray and the Secretary of State for their help and support in getting us to this stage, and to the Environment Agency for securing this funding. “

Ben Johnstone, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said ‘We are pleased to be able to make this contribution which would not have been possible without the funding provided by Cornwall Council. This means the team can continue the process to develop this project to both reduce the risk of flooding to Looe and adapt to the changing climate’.

David Bond, Chairman of Looe Harbour Commissioners, added “ Looe Harbour Commissioners are delighted to hear that the funding from the Environment Agency for the next stage of planning for the Looe Defence Scheme, has been secured.”

MP for South East Cornwall Sheryll Murray said “ I know how long Looe has been waiting for this essential work and this is a major step forward. It is an issue I have raised on many occasions with DEFRA, the Chancellor and with the Prime Minister both publicly and in private meetings.

“I am delighted that the Environment Agency have now awarded the final £2.3 million to move the Looe Flood prevention project to the next stage. It is very unusual for the Environment Agency to allocate funding in advance of a business case being completed, so I am grateful that this has now happened.

  “I would like to thank the Looe Harbour Commissioners, and the Cornwall Council project team, along with all others involved, who have worked so hard to provide me with the information and support to get the Government to move on this funding. This just shows that when a community works together, across the tiers of governance, we can move forward in a positive way.”

  While partners have been building the strong economic case for the scheme during the past few months, work has also been continuing on developing the designs. 

As well as identifying the engineering solutions needed to enable the town to manage the risk of flooding over the next 50 - 100 years, the team has recognised the need for a Flood Adaption Plan to help the community to adapt in the longer term. This will include examination of existing planning policies to prevent inappropriate development in areas of flood risk, evolving transport policies, and investigating measures to generate income to support transformation projects.

” With climate scientists forecasting that sea levels will continue to rise well past the next 100 years, we need to work together to protect and regenerate this key part of Cornwall “said Martyn Alvey. “Doing nothing is not an option -we need to act quickly, act boldly and act locally.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, the Government and the local community to complete the designs and secure the final funding for this much needed scheme. “

Building on the engagement events held last November, the project team will be holding a series of design workshops during the last week of April to provide an update on the scheme and further explore what stakeholders, the community and businesses see as the key priorities for the breakwater layout of the flood defence design. These sessions are being held at the Quayside Centre in Looe on:

• Friday 29^th April- 10:00-12:00 and 15.00-19.00
• Saturday 30^th April- 10.00-15.00

In addition, there is an online Zoom event on Tuesday 3^rd May starting at 18:00.

Further information about the events and the scheme is available on the Let’s Talk Cornwall site https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

There are a number of further events and design workshops planned throughout the year to enable residence, business and the community to continue take part in helping shape the developing design. These will take place prior to the applications for planning permission, a harbour revision order and a marine licence being formally submitted.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Zoom link is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84328362624?pwd=QXdWbGFZQmtBcHRzZzFrZ1dzbmZ5UT09

Looe is a key tourist destination and a thriving fishing port. 65% of businesses in the town are regularly flooded, with £39m of damage in the period 2012 – 2017 (Source: Business Survey – Cornwall Development Company).

The impact of climate change will increase the area at risk of flooding from 2.5 hectares to 16 hectares. This flood prone area includes the local GP surgery, police station, main food stores and cafes, as well as the fish market and potentially the fire station, together with the more than 200 homes and businesses which are currently affected.

Tourism is worth around £47.8m to the local economy, directly supporting more than 1,100 jobs in Looe and indirectly supporting a further 400 jobs. An increase in the risk of flooding could deter people from visiting the town and have an adverse impact on holiday parks, communities and businesses right across South East Cornwall.

The flood prone area also includes key transport links such as the A387 which crosses the Looe River joining West and East Looe together, and the railway station which connects the town to the mainline at Liskeard.

The aims of the Looe Food Defence and Regeneration project are to:

· Protect Looe from frequent and severe flooding and damage over the next 50-100 years, giving time for the community to adapt to a changing climate

· Enhance the overall environmental integrity of designated sites and water bodies.

· Work to promote economic growth in East Cornwall by:

· Protecting key transport links (rail, road, ferry and cycle hub)

· Protecting and enhancing the visitor and marine economy

The structural elements currently being investigated include :

· A tidal barrier which will close when flooding is likely

· A separate low-level walkway from Pennylands to Hannafore

· A southern breakwater which will prevent overtopping of the tidal barrier and sea front during tidal surges, provide a shelter for vessels when the flood gates are closed and protect Hannafore Road

· An extension to the Banjo pier, creating a low water landing stage providing boat access at all states of the site

· A cut-off wall below East Looe promenade to prevent tidal flooding bypassing the tidal barrier.