Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme is currently being developed, led by the Environment Agency, to improve protection for approximately 400 properties.

About the scheme

Hebden Bridge is at risk from flooding from rivers, the Rochdale Canal and surface water. It is in a steep sided valley where three rivers meet – River Calder, Hebden Water and Colden Clough.

The scheme will consist of:

Raising and strengthening river walls.
Using glass panels and raising barriers to minimise any intrusion on river views.
Improving protection to riverside properties.
Improving the drainage of surface water with a series of gully systems and a pumping station.

Work was completed at the Vale Centre site on Stubbing Holme Road in April 2021 to repair the dilapidated wall and facilitate the forthcoming installation of the canal overflow. This will be followed by a phased approach to delivering the fluvial elements of the scheme.

Click the Google Map image below to view current work in the area

Front of the Hebden Bridge Flood Advice Shop

Latest Information

The overall scheme design continues to develop. Design of the canal overflow is complete, and the planning application submitted. Detailed design for fluvial scheme (Hebden Water and River Calder) is in the final stages and nearing completion. The surface water scheme design continues to progress. The planning application for the fluvial and surface water scheme is forecast to be submitted in early 2024. A public information event will be held ahead of planning submissions to provide more information about the scheme proposals.

Written updates for the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Schemes Key Stakeholder Group can be viewed here:

October 2023 Update

See links below for the latest information about the scheme:

Keeping You Informed - Resurfacing Work - November 2023
Please note that due to weather conditions the resurfacing work was unable to be carried out on Tuesday 14th November. The work will now take place on Tuesday 21st November.

Click here to view our Google Map of work in the area

Keeping You Informed - Old Gate Closure - November 2023

Keeping You Informed - Ecological Surveys

Keeping You Informed - Vegetation Management Work - September 2023

Keeping You Informed - Trial Hole Work - August 2023

Current forecast project timescales can be viewed here

Past 'Keeping You Informed' notices can be viewed below:

Keeping You Informed - Information Centre Open - August 2023

Keeping You Informed - GPR Surveys - August 2023

Keeping You Informed - Trial Holes - May 2023

Notice - Bridge Gate Investigation Work - February 2023

Keeping You Informed - Vegetation Management and Town Hall Drop-in Dates - October 2022

Keeping You Informed - Town Hall Drop-in Dates - August 2022

Keeping You Informed - Canal Overflow Planning Application - July 2022

August 21 - Newsletter

Keeping You Informed - Ground Investigation Work - August 2021

Keeping You Informed - Canal Overflow - Planning Submission - August 2021

Keeping You Informed - St Pol Square Car Park Temporary Closure - June 2021

Keeping You Informed - Flood Siren Test - April 2021

Keeping You Informed - Vale Centre Remedial Work - February 2021

Hebden Bridge cinema and street under water following flooding.

Working with the community

The Environment Agency regularly holds meetings with partners, local councillors and community representatives to provide them with updates on progress of the scheme. A key stakeholder group has been set up - a list of represented groups can be found here.

The project team has also taken part in community forums such as the Hebden Bridge Business Forum and the Disability Access Forum to get feedback on proposals for the scheme.

As details of the design of the scheme develop there will be further consultations with people who are affected to discuss proposals.

A consultation event with the local community was held in June 2017 - the consultation documents are listed below:

A report which includes all the public feedback is available here. This report highlighted the issues we need to consider when developing the proposals for the scheme. Historic England and Calderdale planning officers have been consulted to ensure the scheme is sympathetic with the character of the town and heritage.

An initial public consultation was also carried out in 2018 on the Stubbing Holme Road proposals and feedback has been considered for the design.