New plans to tackle flooding on Weymouth harbour and esplanade

Dorset Council is proposing a series of changes to Weymouth’s Esplanade and harbour to protect the town amid sea level rises, and Dorset Coast Forum is now running a public engagement exercise to gather feedback.

Phase one of the project includes rebuilding and raising the height of Weymouth Harbour walls to increase flood protection to predicted 2042 sea levels.

A spokesperson for Dorset Coast Forum said a modelling exercise is being undertaken to determine the level of raising required. No figures have been set, and the raising will vary across the harbour - some areas will likely not need to be raised at all in phase one.

Also proposed are improvements to the Esplanade flood wall. 

Stormy seas at Weymouth Esplanade (Image: Dorset Coast Forum)

In the longer term, to address continued sea level rise after 2042, future phases of work could see a tidal barrier being built in Weymouth Harbour, as well as further raising of harbour and esplanade walls. The moveable barrier would likely be located near the harbour entrance and could be closed during extreme high tides.

Details of the proposed measures and initial design sketches are now being shared in a public engagement exercise.

The project team is reaching out to the local community and businesses to understand their views on potential impacts and opportunities.

Weymouth's Park District is among the areas at highest risk from floods (Image: Dorset Council)

The project aims to work with the community to reduce flood and erosion risk to homes and businesses, protecting lives and livelihoods whilst ensuring that current and future generations of residents, business owners and visitors can continue to enjoy a prosperous and resilient Weymouth.

Councillor Jon Orrell, Dorset Council’s ward member for Melcombe Regis, said: “With the risk of flooding due to rise in the future, this is a vital project. We now have a real chance to influence the design of the flood protection measures, and I’d encourage everyone to have their say on the options by attending the events and taking the online survey.”

An online survey has now been launched, and two public events are being held:

• Online event: Tuesday June 20, 6pm – 7pm - register to join at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/648996595287

• In-person event: Monday June 26, anytime between 3pm-6.30pm at the Weymouth Angling Club, Commercial Road, DT4 8NF.
   
• To find out more and take part in the survey visit www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/weymouth-flood-defence-project