£21.5 Million Boost to Shield Kent Homes from Flood Havoc
More than 1,400 homes in Kent are set to escape flood chaos thanks to a £21.5 million government-backed upgrade. The Environment Agency has given the green light to expand the West Kent flood storage area, with Tonbridge and Malling Council signing off on the ambitious project.
New Defences to Protect River Medway Neighbourhoods
The work will build a tough new flood embankment, pumping station, flood wall, and kiosk in Hildenborough. This means properties near the River Medway and other prone spots get better shields against rising waters.
“This is a crucial milestone that will drastically lower risks to homes and businesses,” said local councillor Robin Betts of Tonbridge and Malling Council.
MP Tom Tugendhat Hails Flood Defence Win
Local MP Tom Tugendhat welcomed the approval, emphasising the importance of protecting thousands of residents from flooding.
“I’m happy this key project will kick off in 2019. It will defend us against flooding from the River Medway and its tributaries,” Tugendhat said.
Flood Storage Set to Get a 25% Capacity Boost
This scheme is part of a wider flood defence plan, which includes boosting the Leigh flood storage area’s capacity by about 25%. Work at Leigh starts in spring 2023, with Hildenborough following in 2024. The project aims to wrap up by autumn 2025.
Experts say these upgrades will toughen the region against extreme weather and climate change threats. Flooding hits the area regularly, with spots like Yalding—just 10 miles away—especially vulnerable.
Government data reveals flooding on the Medway’s flood plains occurs roughly every 15 years, though it has struck three times since 2000. The Leigh flood storage area was originally set up in 1982 to hold floodwaters upstream and release them carefully, preventing flash floods downstream.
