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Environment Agency submits Portreath flood defence plans

Plans include stream channel upgrades, new footbridges, erosion protection and improved flood defences

From:
Environment Agency
Published:
24 September 2026

Portreath tunnel at capacity and overflowing

The Environment Agency has submitted a planning application for the Portreath Flood Alleviation Scheme, a major investment to help protect homes, businesses and community facilities from flooding. 

Portreath faces some of the highest flood risk in Cornwall. It is one of only three communities identified as high risk in the South West Flood Risk Management Plan. Climate change is expected to bring more intense rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding in the future. 

The village sits within a rapid response catchment, where water levels can rise within minutes during heavy rain. That leaves little time for people to act when flooding begins. The proposed scheme will strengthen Portreath’s existing flood defences and help the community better withstand future storms. 

The plans include improvements to the historic stream channel to increase its capacity and resilience, replacement of restrictive footbridges, better access for maintenance, measures to protect structures from erosion, and a new flow control structure to help manage flood water more effectively. 

The scheme will also support nature recovery. Works include managing invasive species and planting native trees, shrubs and streamside vegetation, while retaining almost all existing high-quality trees. The scheme will have no impact on the quality of bathing water and will protect water quality long term. 

The proposals will also support the continued operation of the historic Portreath Tunnel, a flood defence asset that has helped protect the village for nearly 100 years. Together, these improvements will help safeguard homes, schools, businesses and other important community infrastructure for decades to come. 

Ben Johnstone, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at the Environment Agency, said: 

Flood risk in Portreath is serious and increasing. During intense rainfall, water levels can rise within minutes, leaving little time for people to protect themselves, their homes, and their businesses. 

That’s why we’re acting now. This scheme will strengthen and improve the flood defences that have protected Portreath for almost a century, helping the community prepare for the impacts of climate change. 

The plans will better protect homes, businesses, schools and other vital community facilities, while safeguarding the environment and heritage that make Portreath such a special place. By investing now, we’re helping to build a safer, more resilient future for the village.

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