Planning Application Submitted for Liswerry flood scheme
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has submitted plans to Newport City Council, for a new flood defence scheme along the River Usk at Liswerry, Newport.
The proposed scheme would reduce flood risk to over 2000 properties and involve bolstering parts of the existing 1350m flood embankment along the eastern riverbank and constructing new flood walls.
NRW carried out public consultations in September 2020 and March 2021 prior to submitting an application for full planning in July earlier this year,
The application has now been validated by Newport City Council and the following reference has been allocated: 21/0718.
A number of documents have been provided in support of the application which can be viewed on the Councils planning website:
You can also contact the Planning Department by email: planning@newport.gov.uk.
Tim England, Operations Manager from Natural Resources Wales said:
Earlier this year, Storm Christoph brought yet more flooding and devastation to many communities in Wales. We are advised that with climate change these events are likely to become more frequent. Our assessment of risk, supported by our flood modelling, places Liswerry at high flood risk for the future.
During our consultation in September and March, we heard from many residents and businesses in the affected area and we’ve had some very valuable and constructive conversations, that have helped to shape the plans we have put forward today. We are very grateful for the feedback.
This is still early days in terms of progressing the project, and my advice for anyone concerned about flooding right now is to visit our website to check their level of risk and to see if our flood warning service is available in their area. Information and advice is also available by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
The cost of the scheme is estimated at £10m, funded by Welsh Government.
In addition to reducing flood risk to the community, the proposals would also see improvements to community green spaces and the nearby section of the iconic Wales Coast Path.
This includes a new footpath within Coronation Park linking up with the Wales Coast Path to create a circular walking route with new viewing platforms across the River Usk.
Three new ‘urban forests’ consisting of 1,600 new, young trees are also planned within Coronation Park to mitigate for approximately 650 trees and shrubs that will need to be removed as part of the construction.
Elsewhere in Newport, 600 properties in the nearby community of Crindau are now better protected from the risk of flooding following the completion of a £14m flood scheme along a 2.6km stretch of the River Usk.
Further scheme updates may also be found on NRW’s online consultation page.