Good news – planning consent was granted for the flood defences yesterday. Another step closer. The flood defence scheme was granted planning permission by Allerdale Borough Council at a meeting on Tuesday 10th April, meaning the Environment Agency has been given consent to construct a series of walls, embankments and flood gates along the River Cocker and River Derwent that will increase flood protection to around 360 local homes and 55 businesses. Funding for the scheme has almost been secured, with a pledge from central government to provide £3.3million. Cumbria County Council and Allerdale Borough Council have also offered to make significant contributions, with the Cockermouth Flood Action Group, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade, local businesses and the local community working hard to secure the remaining funds that will be required. Once built, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in Cockermouth to a 1% chance in
Flood Defence Funding
Defra and the Environment Agency today (Thursday 9 February 2011) announced that £16.9million of central government funding will be allocated to reduce the risk of flood and coastal erosion in North West England during 2012/2013. £3.3 million of the Flood Defence Grant in Aid money will be used towards the construction of the Cockermouth Flood Risk Management Scheme, to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 400 homes and businesses in the town. The Flood Defence Grant in Aid money forms an important part of partnership funding* that, once confirmed, will enable the scheme to be built. The total cost of the scheme is £4.4 million and so far, Cockermouth Flood Action Group, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade, local businesses and the local community have all committed to help fund the scheme. Cumbria County Council and Allerdale Borough Council have also committed to make an important contribution.
