Flood defences in Victoria Pier given go-ahead

The plans will see the Environment Agency removing the existing flood wall and build out three metres into the Humber estuary with sheet piling to provide protection against flooding until 2040.

The defence will be designed to be adaptable so that further height can be added onto it, in order to combat the increasing risk of climate change.

A raised promenade will also be constructed behind the new defence wall and glazed sections will be incorporated into the wall to allow views of the estuary and ensure the city retains its historic and cultural links with the Humber estuary.

Helen Tattersdale, of the Environment Agency, said: “We’re very pleased that Hull City Council planning committee has given the go-ahead to the Victoria Pier section of our Humber Hull Frontage Flood Defence Improvements scheme.

“The plans will now be reviewed by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. We hope approval will be finalised in the coming weeks.

“When completed the £42 million scheme will better protect 113,000 homes across the city.

“Work is already well underway on the St Andrew’s Quay retail park and Victoria Dock Village sections of the scheme.”

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for flood risk, said: “Hull has the second-highest number of properties at flood risk in the UK outside of London, with 98 per cent of the city defined as at “high risk” of flooding. This risk will only increase with climate change and sea level rise, therefore construction of flood defences for the city is crucial.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring the city is resilient and this investment is a significant step in the right direction.”

Hull has been impacted by three significant tidal events in the past 65 years, most notably in the December 2013 tidal surge when 115 businesses and 149 homes were flooded due to overtopping of the existing defences.

The Environment Agency will begin the flood defence work in December.