Environment Agency gives extra detail on major flood protection scheme

The Environment Agency has confirmed more detail on a major flood protection scheme planned for properties stretching from Barton to New Holland

The Environment Agency has confirmed more detail over a major flood protection project spanning from Barton-upon-Humber to New Holland on the South Bank of the Humber. Recently, North Lincolnshire Council‘s budget meeting saw the local authority commit £1m towards the scheme, prompting the council leader to proclaim it was unlocking an extra £38m national investment.

The scheme has been over a decade in the making. It stems from the high tide surge of 2013. In the wake of this, in 2016 an outline case was put forward for the ‘Barton to New Holland Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme’, as it is called.

Last year, an outline business case was successfully submitted and approved. Detailed design work is now taking place.

It will involve the raising of existing flood defences. An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Flood incidents impact lives, businesses, and homes. We are proud to be working with partners to resolve a long-standing problem for the communities of Barton, Barrow, and New Holland.

“The scheme will see the raising and strengthening of existing defences, protecting communities from flooding and coastal erosion.” Thanks to the council’s £1m contribution, around 50 properties could benefit from extra property-level measures to reduce their remaining flood risk, with property surveys expected to start this Spring.

On December 5, 2013, a combination of gale-force winds and high tide caused flooding on both sides of the Humber. Overall, around 1,400 properties were flooded along parts of the east and west coast of the UK on December 5-6, 2013.

Areas flooded locally included land between Barton to New Holland, Keadby, a part of Immingham Docks, the A63 near Mytongate in Hull, and South Ferriby. About 30 homes were flooded at Barrow Haven, which is between Barton and New Holland. A published council decision record confirms the first half of its £1m commitment to the Environment Agency’s scheme is focused on Barrow Haven.

The full business case for the Barton to New Holland flood protection scheme is expected to be approved in Summer 2027. Phased construction would then be expected from 2028 and to be completed by late 2029.

The part of the South Bank of the Humber in question forms a section of the King Charles III Coastal Path. In the works, the Environment Agency is looking to strengthen the crest of the defences.

Consequently, the footpath surface will also improve in these sections. The outline business case approved last year envisages a total £39m cost for the flood protection project.

Ground investigation works have been completed, the Environment Agency separately announced this week. Internally, the project has been allocated £750,000 to continue in 2026/27.

Current focus is now on a significant number of ecological surveys that are required. This includes in the Summer a trial of a new habitat assessment score for Sea Aster mining bees, solitary bees associated with salt marsh and other coastal locations.

The project will follow other major flood protection schemes carried out by the Environment Agency in northern Lincolnshire in recent years. This includes £33m new sea defences covering three miles of coastline at Stallingborough.

Work has been taking place since 2023 and a further year’s work is required. But so far, the Environment Agency estimates 2,300 properties are now better protected, a figure that will rise to 2,400 once it is complete.

Closer to Barton, South Ferriby can lay claim to fame for having what is believed to be the only A-road with retractable flood gates. The 13m flood gates can slide across the A1077 when needed and close in just 15 minutes. The overall scheme cost £14m and helped reduce risk for 150 properties, 3,000 hectares and vital infrastructure. It was completed in 2021.

The Environment Agency is issuing updates on the Barton to New Holland scheme as it progresses. To keep track, view this webpage here.

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