Sizewell C commits £25m for coastal project to safeguard properties and land near A12 in Suffolk
An essential drainage and flood protection scheme close to the A12 in Suffolk will begin construction in 2025 following a £25 million funding commitment from Sizewell C.
The Benacre and Kessingland Managed Realignment Scheme will protect dozens of local properties and around 600ha of farmland south of Lowestoft. It will also help to significantly reduce the number of road closures due to flooding on the A12.
The A12 is a vital transport link for local communities and is one of the main delivery routes for the Sizewell C project. Without the scheme, it is estimated that, in a worst-case scenario, there could be between 100-150 days of flooding on the road every year.
The Realignment Scheme will include the construction of two new pumping stations, drains and embankments between the A12 and the coast. It has been under consideration for more than five years and some preliminary work has already been started. The investment from Sizewell C means it can now be completed.
Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Sizewell C Joint Managing Directors, said: “Suffolk is the home of Sizewell C and we’ve spent years developing an understanding of the local area, its communities, and its infrastructure. We really appreciate the importance of this major coastal protection work and we’re delighted to be a part of the long-term solution.
“And it’s another great demonstration of the power of this project to bring big improvements for local communities here – safeguarding this part of Suffolk will not only support the efficient construction of Sizewell C, it will also provide long-term benefits to the area long after our construction has been completed.”
The overall cost of the project is £59 million and the scheme is being jointly funded by the Environment Agency, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Suffolk County Council and Sizewell C. It will be delivered by Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board and is set to be completed in Autumn 2029.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said: “This funding is very welcome news. The defences against flooding will protect the environment, the A12, dozens of local homes, hundreds of acres of farmland and give security to the local economy and tourism. Doing nothing was simply not an option.”
The scheme will include the creation of a new 82-hectare saltmarsh which will provide a habitat for sea-fish, invertebrates, wading birds and a wide range of other wildlife. It will improve 52 kilometres of local rivers and protect 11 million m3 of local freshwater from the encroachment of sea water. The area will be open to walkers, bird watchers and nature lovers, giving a boost to local tourism.
Kellie Fisher, Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency welcomes the assistance of Sizewell C in helping to reduce flood risk in this part of Suffolk. We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. We look forward to working with all the stakeholders to move this project forward in due course.”
Phil Camamile, CEO of the Water Management Alliance, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sizewell C as a partner on this project, which will enable the Board to construct a new pumping station and raise defences for and on behalf of the Environment Agency”.
