Flood Defence Plans for Coggeshall and Feering Face Scrutiny
Residents and local groups are urged to review the Environment Agency’s flood defence plans before a planning application hits the desks. After severe flooding battered Coggeshall, Feering, and surrounding areas in 2001, with further floods in 2012 and 2014, action is finally underway.
Environment Agency Teams Up with Blackwater Aggregates
The Environment Agency has partnered with Blackwater Aggregates to find a cost-effective fix. Their plan? Build an “on-line” dam across the River Blackwater and expand a storage area upstream of Coggeshall to manage floodwaters more efficiently.
Local Concerns Addressed, But Public Meetings Cancelled
Peta Denham, flood and coastal risk manager for Essex and Norfolk, spoke out: “We have met with Coggeshall Residents Against the Quarry (CRAQ) and MP Priti Patel to address concerns and keep them updated.”
She added, “We’ve answered residents’ questions and encourage everyone interested to study the final designs before we submit the proposals to Essex County Council’s Minerals and Planning Authority (MPA). Once submitted, the MPA will consult parish councils and other bodies while locals get the chance to have their say.”
Unfortunately, planned drop-in sessions in Coggeshall and Feering on March 23 and April 3 have been cancelled due to Covid-19 fears, limiting direct public engagement for now.
What Happens Next?
- The planning application will go to Essex County Council’s MPA.
- The MPA will consult relevant authorities and parish councils.
- Local residents will be invited to submit feedback on the flood defence measures.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical flood defence plan moves forward to protect the community from future deluges.
