The Solution

Using Environment Agency flood hazard maps alongside our detailed analysis, we were able to model a 1-in-200-year scenario, accounting for the effects of climate change. Even on a normal high spring tide, a small surge of 0.2m may cause flooding. There were three options:

1. Build the development on stilts, which would impact the ‘sense of place’ at ground floor level.
2. Build it behind flood protection, while not impeding access.
3. Raise the level of the site.

To meet SFRA recommendations for flood defences for the next 100 years, our calculations showed dwellings should be set at least 3.53m Above Ordinance Datum (AOD) – sea level. We worked with the architect and consulted with the EA in a three-way optimisation process. This led to us recommending that the site level be raised by some 2m, avoiding the need for stilts. We also proposed ‘wrapping’ the development with flood defences, incorporating flood barriers to allow access to and from West Quay Road, a main town centre artery.

To protect the quayside walkway, we researched EA-endorsed flood defences used elsewhere in the UK, as a more cost-effective alternative to raising the entire quayside edge. We liaised with Flood Control International (a leading flood defence company) and concluded that wall-mounted glass barriers would preserve harbour views, be visually pleasing and need little maintenance. Working with architects, we delivered a comprehensive travel plan that prioritised safety and accessibility through this defensive ‘wrapping’.

The council had long grappled with the issue of parking on this very constrained site: we were able to provide evidence that showed less parking was required than the council had thought. Expert analysis showed that people could be steered towards other modes of transport in this area: West Quay Road has good bus connections and the railway station is within walking distance. We also recommended provision of electric cars within the development.