Flood defence construction delayed until 2026

Work is planned along Holes Bay Road, which was built on reclaimed marshland

Works on a £29.4m flood defence project have been paused as planning conditions and a marine licence have not been signed off.

Plans for a continuous flood defence along 1.5km of Poole's waterfront were approved in July and are designed to reduce the significant risk of a tidal flood.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, announced heavy construction has been delayed while the necessary permissions are obtained.

Mr Hadley said, "We will announce re-scheduled programme dates and timelines as soon as possible and we anticipate heavy engineering will commence next year."

The area from Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill is the last remaining undefended waterfront in Poole town centre

The scheme is a collaboration between BCP Council, the Environment Agency (EA), private landowners and developers.

Mr Hadley said: "The Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defence scheme is a major undertaking, designed to provide continuous protection along 1.5 km of Holes Bay's eastern waterfront – the last remaining undefended stretch in Poole town centre."

Holes Bay itself is a protected environment, and all works on the seabed must comply with ecological requirements to safeguard migratory birds and marine life.

"In the meantime, preparatory works for the project, such as ground surveys, investigations and the delivery of materials to the compound sites are continuing to progress," Mr Hadley explained.

"Once completed, the scheme will reduce tidal flood risk to more than 2,000 homes and businesses over the next century, support regeneration, and enhance sustainability for Poole's waterfront."