The Hythe Taskforce has reported a series of key developments in its work to improve flood resilience and infrastructure in the Hythe area, with new defences in place and significant funding secured for future phases of the project.
The newly installed tidal valve is now operational and performing well. Early signs suggest it is successfully preventing tidal water from flowing back into the area at high tide, with good surface water flow maintained. Further testing, including salinity checks later this month, will confirm its long-term performance, but initial results are encouraging.
The valve installation marks a major step forward in addressing long-standing tidal flood risk and forms part of a wider programme of works being led by the Hythe Taskforce – a multi-agency partnership including Colchester City Council, the Environment Agency, Essex County Council, Anglian Water and other key stakeholders.
In a further boost to the programme, the Taskforce welcomed news that £450,000 in funding has been secured to support the next phase of works. This total includes grant aid from the Environment Agency and capital investment from the City Council, Essex County Council, Anglian Water, and local partners. Additional bids currently in progress could raise the total to £600,000.
Work is now underway to define the next set of interventions, which will include a full options assessment. These will consider a range of potential solutions, including nature-based interventions, pond level controls, and further engineered infrastructure. To help oversee this next stage, a dedicated Task and Finish Group will be established, drawing in expertise from across the risk management authorities, partner organisations and elected representatives.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Chair of the Hythe Taskforce, said: “The Hythe Taskforce has made some important progress in its work to improve flood resilience in the Hythe area, with significant funding secured for future phases of the project. The new valve is an important milestone, and we’re now backed by major funding to press on with further improvements. I want to thank all our partners and officers whose tireless work has got us to this stage. Our shared goal remains the same: to deliver long-term, sustainable flood protection and infrastructure resilience for the Hythe community.”
In support of the programme’s ongoing development, the Taskforce is also exploring the potential for a PhD student to contribute academic insight and research to the project.
Meanwhile, detailed designs have been completed for the second phase of the Fieldgate Quay regeneration project. A planning application is expected shortly, with works anticipated to start on site in autumn 2025 and continue for approximately five months.
The Taskforce also reviewed the ongoing investigation into surface water levels, with further checks planned on potential sewer misconnections and groundwater sources. Work on outfalls four and five is progressing, with new maintenance solutions under discussion. An update on the digital signage element of the programme is expected at the next meeting.
Page last reviewed: 19 May 2025