Hull: Plan for a new ‘aquagreen’ to reduce flooding in east Hull

Residents are being asked for their views about plans to create a large ‘aquagreen’ at Castlehill to reduce flood risk to homes and businesses in east Hull.

A public consultation has been launched on the proposals for a versatile green space, south of the old Bransholme Dairy Farm, that will store excess water during a flood and then slowly release it back into the drainage system after the peak of the event has passed.

These plans are separate to the proposals for housing development on the land to the south of this site at East Carr to the east of Howdale Road and Dunvegan Road.

Homes in North Carr and Sutton are currently at risk of flooding from water in Holderness Drain after heavy rain. When the drain becomes full, water flows into Sutton Cross Drain, overwhelming the local drainage system and increasing the risk of flooding for homes in the area. This area almost flooded last November when other parts of Hull were hit.

The ‘aquagreen’ will be the second phase of the £28m Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme, following construction of the new East Hull Pumping Station, which started earlier this year.

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, communities and environment at Hull City Council, said: “The Castle Hill aquagreen and flood protection scheme is absolutely vital and will allow us to continue to protect hundreds of homes and businesses in the Sutton and North Carr communities, who have suffered from flooding damage since 2007.

“The flood protection is similar to others we have developed in and around Hull and the East Riding, and provides a critical component in the wider protection of the whole city.

“We urge residents to engage with this consultation process so that their comments can be taken on board.”

This partnership scheme, led by the Environment Agency and supported by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Highways England and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund Programme, will better protect around 1,000 properties and help to provide a long-term, more sustainable solution to the problem of flooding in this area.

The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership secured £2.14 million towards the project through the Local Growth Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.

The consultation will run until 28 September.

You can find out more and have your say on the plans here.

If residents have any questions they can email the project team at HoldernessdrainFAS@environment-agency.gov.uk

To find out about flood risk in your area and to sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service, visit www.gov.uk/flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.