Southampton City Council says it’s still committed to delivering the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme despite a funding shortfall of over £50m.
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As reported, the scheme is a major infrastructure project to deliver flood defences on the west bank of the River Itchen between Mount Pleasant Industrial Estate and Southampton Water Activities Centre.
It is a partnership between the Environment Agency and the council to help protect over 153 homes and 288 businesses, plus transport connections and utilities – a figure the council says will significantly rise as a result of climate change and sea level rise.
But the scheme is now on temporary hold following a decision by the Environment Agency to withdraw funding, as well as other cost increases creating over a £50m shortfall.
The council says it will be focusing on “developing opportunities to close the funding gap”.
Expressing optimism, the Leader of Southampton City Council, Cllr Lorna Fielker said: "While we appreciate the significant challenges facing the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme, we remain dedicated to finding ambitious, strategic and innovative alternative plans to improve flood resilience for the area."
Flooding in Endle Street in April 2024. Photo: SCC