Construction of the final stage of Feniton’s Flood Alleviation Scheme expected to begin mid-summer 2024

Due to ongoing risks with Feniton’s flood prevention scheme, East Devon District Council (EDDC), working with its partners, have decided to push construction back to mid-summer 2024.

EDDC has begun preparing the construction site, clearing the area, and installing services at the site compound.

The latest designs offer the village better protection from flooding. Although the new designs have increased the price of the project, it is expected that within a month, the outcome of funding support, expressed by two additional sources, will be confirmed.

EDDC is working with a partner to understand and remedy their planning objection, and once this is resolved, related work can commence. EDDC are hoping to proceed with on-site work that does not require this planning permission, and are scheduling the project's next steps.

Surveys by EDDC’s engineers led to the discovery that the railway crossing culvert had been designed incorrectly, due to a drawing error by designers procured by Network Rail. Network Rail have been very helpful and EDDC are engaging with the designers to fix their mistake. Due to the error, at least one of the chambers will need to be rebuilt, but no further rail closures are expected because of this.

EDDC's Engineering Projects Manager, said: "EDDC is working all hours to get this scheme on-site this summer. I am hopeful all outstanding risks will be resolved soon, and we can deliver this long-awaited project."