River Thames scheme
Updated 17 October 2024
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The River Thames scheme is a partnership that involves:
- the Environment Agency
- Surrey County Council
- local borough partners
The stretch of river and the floodplain between Egham and Teddington offers miles of open-space opportunity. However, it is currently constrained by:
- flood risk
- lack of access
- poor-quality natural habitats
We need investment to be able to overcome these challenges.
The scheme covers part of the largest area of undefended and developed floodplain in England. Communities in the area have suffered major floods in the past.
Detailed work on the current scheme started over a decade ago.
With the increase of wetter and warmer weather, the risk of flooding is likely to become a more frequent occurrence.
The goals of the scheme are to:
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minimise the impact of flooding - historically, the River Thames has flooded often. In 2014, such flooding affected 900 homes, disrupting families and services. Climate change has heightened this risk
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enhance green spaces, wildlife interaction and sustainable travel - by aiming to create recreational areas with new paths and leisure areas. This is line with Surrey County Council’s climate change strategy and ‘Access to All’ programme
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enhance habitats and boost biodiversity - the commitment is to develop premium habitats and promote biodiversity along the Thames. This contributes to the Surrey County Council’s local nature recovery strategy (LNRS) and aligns with the national biodiversity plans set out in the Environment Act 2021
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promote sustainable economic growth for all - the scheme aligns with Surrey’s climate change strategy, which emphasises sustainable travel, health, and enhancing green spaces. Other major policies guiding this goal include the National Planning Policy Framework. By averting potential flood damage, the scheme will save more than £3 billion
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support carbon-reduction goals set by the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and partners - the scheme promotes carbon reduction through tree planting. It will also encourage eco-friendly transport, in line with Surrey County Council’s and the Environment Agency’s goals
Each part of the scheme will deliver benefits for communities.
A new river channel will:
- reduce the risk of flooding to homes, businesses, and infrastructure
- provide a habitat for wildlife and a new feature in the landscape
- create new areas of public green open space next to the river
New footpaths and cycleways will run along the channel and through the new public spaces. These will connect communities to different parts of the scheme and surrounding areas.
New and improved habitat areas for wildlife will make sure the existing nature sites and wildlife corridors support biodiversity.
It is the first flood and climate mitigation project which is described as nationally significant, reflecting the scope and ambition of the scheme.
To find out more, visit the River Thames scheme website.
The Environment Agency and Surrey County Council are supported by:
- Elmbridge Borough Council
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Spelthorne Borough Council
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
- Thames Water
- Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC)
History of flooding
The River Thames is slow to rise and fall. Properties and businesses can be flooded for days, or even weeks.
There have been serious floods in this area over the past 100 years.
Large floods occurred in:
- 1947
- 1968
- 2003
In January and February 2014 there was prolonged and widespread flooding. Approximately 1,000 homes and many businesses were affected.
By 2050 UK average winter rainfall could increase by approximately 41%. Peak river flows could increase by approximately 50%. This will increase the severity and intensity of flooding for:
- communities
- business
- infrastructure
The estimated economic impact of a major flood is currently around £1 billion. Due to the impact of climate change, damage could be twice as great by 2055.
Consultations
We use public consultations to inform the design of the scheme. This helps provide the most benefits for communities.
We have carried out consultations in:
Supplementary consultation:
- focused on the scheme’s design proposals at Ferris Meadow Lake
- marked an important milestone in developing the scheme’s final design
- helped to bring the project one step closer to achieving the scheme, which will provide many benefits to local communities between Egham and Teddington
A supplementary consultation is an additional round of consultation conducted after the initial consultation process has taken place. In relation to the River Thames Scheme (RTS), this refers to statutory consultation carried out earlier in 2024.
The RTS supplementary consultation ran for 5 weeks. During this time, the RTS team:
- consulted with the public on the preferred option, Option 1 for Ferris Meadow Lake
- had many quality and detailed conversations
- held 3 in-person consultation events and 2 virtual events
- offered a pre-recorded option of our virtual presentation for those unable to attend any of the 5 events
The RTS team spoke to approximately 170 people, with our specialist and technical experts on hand to answer any questions raised by the public.
Over 600 people responded to the online feedback form on the RTS supplementary consultation on Ferris Meadow Lake.
We are keen to show we have considered new information from stakeholder feedback has to help refine and improve the design proposals.
You can still visit our supplementary consultation webpage. This webpage has several useful resources:
A supplementary consultation document suite
This includes:
- a supplementary consultation brochure
- a supplementary consultation feedback form
- a public notice published in the Surrey Comet
- the Ferris Meadow Lake: options appraisal report
Reports
Find details on the scheme’s plans and progress in the River Thames scheme: strategy appraisal report.