Reducing the flood risk on the River Wey: an overview
Published 30 August 2017
© Crown copyright 2017
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-the-flood-risk-on-the-river-wey-an-overview/reducing-the-flood-risk-on-the-river-wey-an-overview
The Environment Agency is working with its partners to develop the River Wey flood alleviation schemes to reduce flood risk to local communities. They are currently looking at schemes in Godalming, Guildford and Byfleet and Weybridge.
The most severe flood events on the River Wey were in 1947, 1968, and recently in 2013/ to 2014. In winter 2013 to 2014 there was exceptionally heavy and prolonged rainfall over the River Wey catchment with very high river flows. Approximately 250 properties were flooded (see table below), not only from fluvial water but some from other sources such as surface water ground water and foul water.
| Location | Properties flooded in 2013/2014 | Properties (residential and non-residential) at risk of river flooding (1: 100 year) |
|---|---|---|
| Godalming | 84 | 135 |
| Guildford | 92 | 336 |
| Byfleet and Weybridge | 74 | 790 |
| Totals | 250 | 1,261 |
There are 1,261 properties at risk of flooding in Godalming, Guildford and Byfleet and Weybridge. Road networks, schools, public buildings, businesses and critical infrastructure are also at risk. The Environment Agency have worked with their partners to look at the various options for the River Wey flood alleviation schemes. Options include:
- flood walls and banks
- temporary defences
- property-level products
- flood storage areas
- catchment management bypass channels
- channel improvements
Funding
The costs for each of the schemes are estimated to be in the range of £4 million to £8 million, depending on the preferred options. Key partners have already pledged significant partnership funding.
Key partners have already pledged significant partnership funding for the Godalming scheme. They include the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC), Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, Godalming Town Council and private businesses.
The Environment Agency have started discussions with potential partners for funding for both the Guildford and Byfleet and Weybridge flood alleviation schemes.
Current stage of the projects
Godalming
The first stage of the schemes is focusing on the Godalming flood alleviation scheme. The preferred option is a flood wall along the Hell Ditch in the allotments and in the back gardens of the properties on Meadrow. The project team have selected the preferred wall alignment and are currently working on its details.
Guildford and Byfleet and Weybridge
The Environment Agency are in the advance appraisal stage for the Guildford and Byfleet and Weybridge flood alleviation scheme and have shortlisted the preferred options.
Wey weirs refurbishment scheme
The River Wey weirs refurbishment scheme is a complementary project to improve both the design life of the weirs and the health and safety of the weir operators and public. The scheme looks at the preferred management approach for the 7 priority weirs and the environmental impact appraisal.
Old Woking
The project team have also looked at the Old Woking flood alleviation scheme. But an initial assessment has determined that there is not an economically viable option to reduce fluvial flood risk in the area. The Environment Agency has discussed this with Woking Borough Council and they are going to lead on the project through the detailed design and construction. They will assess the options to reduce flood risk from all flood sources as well as improving public amenities and access in the area.
Contact
For further information, or to provide feedback please contact enquiries_THM@environment-agency.gov.uk.