The programme of flood defence works, Humber estuary

In the Humber estuary approximately 235 km of flood defences protect a tidal floodplain of about 90 000 ha, containing the homes of more than 300 000 people and assets valued at more than £7 billion including the conurbations of Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and Goole and extensive areas of highly productive farmland. With a projected expenditure of £500 million over 50 years, there was a need to propose a prioritised programme of works for the 50-year period and to develop proposals in sufficient detail to get approvals for the first five-year programme of works. This paper describes the phased approach that was adopted and the methodology used to establish the extent and timing of works needed. Following prioritisation of the works and preparation of a preliminary programme of works, more detailed assessment of the works identified in the first 15 years was undertaken, including environmental assessments and economic analysis. The paper concludes with a brief description of the works proposed in the first five years of the strategy period.