Looe is already the most frequently flooded coastal town in the UK, with sea levels predicted to rise as a result of climate change, even more parts of the town will be threatened. Urgent action needs to be taken to reduce the extremely high risk of further coastal flooding and erosion in Looe. A number of different options have been considered as potential solutions during the past 20 years, with only one – the tidal barrier scheme – was considered viable.
The project is being led by Cornwall Council with Looe Harbour Commissioners and the Environment Agenc, with WSP leading the coastal engineering, design services and environmental assessments. The partners are also liaising with South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray, Looe Town Council, Looe Development Trust, West Looe Town Trust, East Looe Town Trust and RNLI. With discussions taking place with South West Water, Devon and Cornwall Police and Network Rail to ensure joint working.
The main aims of the proposed 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 overall environmental integrity of the designated sites and water bodies.
- Work to promote economic growth in East Cornwall by:
- Protecting key transport links
- Protecting and enhancing the visitor and marine economy
Hamish Hall, Head of Profession for Water at WSP, explains the first phase of the scheme involves installing a new breakwater structure, protecting the town from large waves. The second phase would see the construction of a tidal barrage across the East Looe River that would be closed when a storm threatens, stopping sea water from travelling up the river and bursting its banks.
The proposal is the first to consider a long-term solution for Looe and is the first that sets out to go beyond dealing with the practicalities of flood risk and act as a regeneration catalyst for the town, and the wider region. As well as continuing to build a strong economic case for the scheme and developing the engineering solutions needed to enable the town to manage the risk of flooding over the next 50 - 100 years, Cornwall County Council and partners also want to work with the local community to produce a Flood Adaptation Plan.
Cornwall County Council recognises that the need for change is sometimes difficult to accept and are continueing to work with all sections of the community to maximise the benefits and minimise the disruption that such a scheme will bring to Looe. Technical and design teams are taking all the comments made during the engagement into account while drawing up the scheme. With further engagement event in the town planned for Autumn 2022 to display the latest plans and enable local people to see how their feedback is being used to shape the emerging designs.
Additionally, Cornwall County Council will be holding a number of further events at key stages of the project to gather local knowledge and ideas. Each taking place prior to the applications for planning permission, a harbour revision order and a marine licence being formally submitted.