Today sees the River Thames Scheme launch Supplementary Consultation
Today, Tuesday 3 September, we launch supplementary consultation on our design proposals of the scheme at Ferris Meadow Lake.
This consultation marks an important milestone in developing the scheme's final design and helps bring us one step closer to delivering the scheme which will realise many benefits to local communities, between Egham and Teddington.
What is the River Thames Scheme?
The River Thames Scheme (RTS) is a partnership between the Environment Agency (EA) and Surrey County Council (SCC) and local borough partners.
The RTS is a national infrastructure project to enhance green space while reducing flood risk and aims to achieve this using a landscaped based approach.
The scheme's blue infrastructure will reduce water levels across the area, by creating a channel in two sections helping to better protect homes and businesses from the potential of flooding, compared with today.
Climate change means extreme weather moving forward will be more likely and the worry for local communities is increased frequency of flooding as a result. By creating a flood alleviation channel in two sections, one in Runnymede and the other in Spelthorne, and additional downstream capacity measures including lowering the riverbed near Desborough Cut and increased gates at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington Weirs, the RTS will reduce flood risk to 11,000 homes and 1,600 businesses.
In relation to the green infrastructure, the scheme design proposes to improve access to green open spaces offering active travel options and creating an extensive nature recovery network spanning the length of the channel and beyond. This will support biodiversity and health and wellbeing benefits by improving access to nature.
What is Supplementary Consultation?
Supplementary consultation means additional rounds of consultation that are conducted after the initial consultation process has taken place, which in relation to the RTS refers to statutory consultation carried out earlier in 2024.
Supplementary consultation is usually based on specific elements of design proposals. In this instance, the supplementary consultation focusses on the design proposals at Ferris Meadow Lake.
It is vital we get all aspects of the design, construction and operation of the scheme right to ensure we can minimise its impacts and maximise its benefits to our communities. We want to ensure all voices are heard and gather additional feedback during this supplementary consultation process.
The RTS are keen to show how new information has been considered to help refine and improve the design proposals based on stakeholder feedback.
Project Director Eddie Rrokaj said: "The launch of our supplementary consultation marks a significant step forward in the River Thames Scheme. This initiative not only emphasises our commitment to reducing the flood risk to thousands of homes and businesses but also reflects our dedication to enhancing the environmental and social fabric of our communities.
By engaging with local residents and stakeholders, we aim to refine our proposals to ensure that the final design of Ferris Meadow Lake delivers maximum benefits while minimising any potential impacts. We encourage everyone to participate in this consultation process and share their valuable feedback, helping us shape a safer, greener, and more resilient future for the River Thames between Egham and Teddington."
We are offering three in person events and two virtual events where you can find out more on supplementary consultation, review the options appraisal report and understand more as to why Option 1 is the preferred option for the scheme as oppose the other options assessed thoroughly over many months. You will also be able to discuss concerns and raise questions with scheme specialists.
To find out more:
- Visit our supplementary consultation webpage.
- View our supplementary consultation document suite, which includes the following materials: supplementary consultation brochure, supplementary consultation feedback fom and the Ferris Meadow Lake Options Appraisal Report.
- Attend one of our in-person supplementary consultation events where you can speak to a Scheme representative and view the supplementary consultation document suite (with the brochure and feedback form able to be taken away).
- Additionally, we will be hosting virtual consultation events for those unable to attend the in-person events. To sign up to one of these events, please email enquiries@riverthamesscheme.org.uk using the subject line 'RTS virtual event registration'.
- Visit one of our public information points to access paper copies of our consultation materials and feedback form.
Each option for this area of the scheme design, was appraised against a number of technical, environmental, policy and cost factors, and adherence to the Scheme's environmental design principles. Taking all these factors into account, the outcome of the appraisal process is that Option 1, as shown at statutory consultation, has been identified as the design proposed to be submitted as part of the Scheme's application for development consent.
How can you get involved?
Now is a further opportunity to have your say on the design proposals for Ferris Meadow Lake as part of our supplementary consultation activity.
Please take this time to look at the materials provided at the supplementary consultation events and ask our team any questions you may have.
The RTS Supplementary Consultation is open for five weeks from 12.01am on Tuesday 3 September to 11:59pm on Monday 7 October.
Take part in our supplementary consultation by completing the feedback form. You can pick up a feedback form at one of our events or information points or complete the feedback from online.
Your View Matters - help make the River Thames Scheme be as good as it can be.