Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent

Client: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

The Problem

To undertake a Defra funded Property Level Flood Protection Scheme in Lamberhurst, Kent, in conjunction with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

The project was to protect 26 individual properties (including 20 grade II listed) from future flood damage after serious events in 2000. Using the most economically viable solutions available.

All the properties are built in a conservation area so it was important that the measures didn’t change the integrity of the buildings and that any permanent features were as discreet as possible.

The Solution

The programme of works included installation of:

BSI Kitemarked Flood Defender Barriers, with invisible fixing system
Kitemarked automatic airbricks which in many cases were installed behind existing iron grills – avoiding any visual impact to the homes
Non return valves – to prevent sewage backflow
Pumps were also issued to most properties

Home owners were given full training as to ongoing care, maintenance and deployment of the products fitted. Gaining the permission from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Heritage Officer and English Heritage was critical to the project. Communication was key to the project’s success, and the council’s planning and heritage officers were involved from day one of the project, with UK Flood Barriers installation team continuing this communication once on site.