Construction of flood basins in Thatcham to begin later this month
The construction of three flood attenuation ponds in Thatcham will begin later this month.
The need for flood basins has been stressed ever since the 2007 floods where approximately 1,200 homes were flooded.
Bowling Green Road, Heath Lane and East Thatcham are the three locations named by West Berkshire Council (WBC).
The work will involve vegetation clearance and the construction of entrances into each site.
The main construction project is scheduled to start in late March 2023.
Once completed, this will protect 107 properties from the impact of surface water flooding.
These works will significantly contribute to the completion of the Thatcham Surface Water Management Plan.
WBC will be undertaking a public consultation exercise later in the summer before submitting a planning application for the next scheme, at Memorial Fields.
The plans for a drainage basin at this location caused outrage from regular users of the site, many of whom use the field's enclosed dog walking space.
Construction work is programmed for 2024, subject to the necessary approvals being granted.
Read more: Concern over closure of dog exercise area in Thatcham
Executive member for environment and transformation at West Berkshire Council Steve Ardagh-Walter (Con, Thatcham Colthrop and Crookham) said: “We have identified and reviewed various options, taking into account climate change, and developed an action plan to reduce flood risk, with our next three projects starting very soon.
“Reducing the impact of current and future risks of water flooding is a priority for us in Thatcham and our flood alleviation schemes in these key hotspots have helped reduce the risk of surface water flooding to protect people’s homes and businesses.
“Memorial Fields is the final project and once the consultation opens in the summer, I would encourage everyone to take part and have their say to ensure appropriate schemes are implemented to protect properties.”
Details of the approved planning applications for Bowling Green Road, Heath Lane and East Thatcham can be viewed on WBC’s online planning portal.
To date, construction work has been completed at Cold Ash Hill, Tull Way, Floral Way and South East Thatcham, protecting 913 properties from the impact of surface water flooding.
