Poole’s new flood defence receives planning consent
Poole’s £29.4m flood defence scheme gets green light to protect homes and unlock regeneration
Last updated 23rd Jul 2025
A major flood defence scheme designed to safeguard Poole’s town centre from tidal flooding for the next century has secured planning approval.
The £29.4 million project will protect over 570 properties from flood risk in the next few years, rising to more than 2,000 over the next 100 years as climate change and sea level rise intensify.
Stretching 1.5km along the eastern edge of Holes Bay, from Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill, the new defences will seal off the last remaining undefended stretch of Poole’s waterfront.
Once complete, the scheme will also provide protection to the historic Old Town and neighbouring districts.
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, said the scheme marks a “significant milestone,” receiving vital funding from both the Environment Agency and the council’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy.
He added: “It will complete important flood defences for Poole Old Town and unlock the regeneration potential of Poole’s West Quays.”
Plans for the revitalised waterfront include new homes, commercial spaces and public quayside routes, offering space for recreation, commuting and leisure.
Ron Curtis of the Environment Agency praised the decision: “This is a key milestone in delivering flood protection for Poole. While regeneration-led defences failed to materialise over the past decade, we’ve secured government funding to move this vital work forward.”
The new scheme is expected to not only protect homes and infrastructure but to future-proof the area against the growing threat of climate change.
Construction is expected to begin soon, offering immediate protection for hundreds of properties and paving the way for long-term renewal of the town’s waterfront.