River Thames scheme
Updated 5 March 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 Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership
- Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- 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:
The 2024 RTS statutory consultation ran from Monday, 22 January to Monday, 4 March 2024. The consultation is now closed.
We used this period to:
- formally consult with local communities and key stakeholders
- make sure the final project design is explained to and influenced by those who live, work, and use the area
- make sure everyone had the opportunity to share their views on the final design for the scheme
- make sure they knew where, when and how to take part
We will now review the feedback received during the consultation.
This feedback will be used to produce a consultation report, which will summarise the findings.
The report will be submitted as part of our Development Consent Order (DCO) application in mid - 2025.
Following submission, the report will be available to the public.
Reports
Find details on the scheme’s plans and progress in the River Thames scheme: strategy appraisal report.