The Environment Agency is progressing plans to deliver a permanent flood protection scheme for the historical Worcestershire village of Severn Stoke.
The £1.8 million flood mitigation embankment scheme will provide protection from the devastating impact of flooding to 18 homes and businesses including the Grade II listed 14th Century St Deny’s Church, the 500-year-old Rose and Crown pub and the village hall.
The scheme, which is being developed in partnership with Worcester County Council and Malvern Hills District Council, will also protect the nearby A38, preventing disruption to the busy trunk road.
The community of Severn Stoke has suffered from significant flooding from the River Severn, most notably in 2007, 2012 and February 2020.
The design of the scheme, which includes the construction of an embankment around the southern side of the village and raising a section of the village’s Ham Lane, will be completed at the end of this year with construction commencing during 2022.
The Environment Agency is currently completing the required planning obligations for the work.
The work will also include environmental enhancements including a tree replacement scheme increasing both the number and diversity of tree species, incorporation of a pollinator corridor along the ‘dry side’ of the embankment and placing bird and bat boxes throughout the scheme area.
Environment Agency Manager for Worcester, David Throup said:
The Environment Agency is grateful for the support we have received from Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council. This is enabling us to deliver this much needed scheme for Severn Stoke.
“Flooding has a devastating impact which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.”
