The Environment Agency has published new plans for a flood risk management scheme in Keighley and Stockbridge.

The proposals involve a partnership between the Environment Agency, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Yorkshire Water. The area currently has 460 homes and 290 commercial premises at risk of flooding.

The area is currently protected by The River Worth Flood Alleviation Scheme which was constructed in the early 1980s and is made up of raised defences and embankments along the River Worth. These sit alongside some privately owned walls and buildings that act as flood defences. There are also raised defences on the River Aire in Keighley, which were last refurbished in 2004.

These defences are approaching the end of their design life and are in need of replacement or repair.

The new scheme proposes the use of natural flood management in the River Worth upper catchment to 'slow the flow' and reduce river levels in Keighley during times of flood. Natural flood management can include measures such as targeted tree planting and moorland restoration. Construction on the new defences is expected to commence in 2026/27 and be complete by late 2030.

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Commenting on the plans, Luke Williams senior flood risk advisor for West Yorkshire at the Environment Agency said: "The scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Worth and the River Aire by refurbishing or replacing the existing defences along the rivers. It will also aim to reduce risk from surface water flooding when it is unable to drain away through the drainage network, and will also explore options in the upper catchment, such as natural flood management, to slow the flow and help manage the impacts of climate change.

"We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. This new website will provide updates on progress to the community and details of when they can get the opportunity to comment on proposals."

Reflecting on their involvement, Millie McCormick, Flood Risk & Engagement Engineer at Yorkshire Water said: "We are delighted to be working alongside Yorkshire’s Risk Management Authorities on the Keighley and Stockbridge FAS aiming to reduce both river and surface water flooding to hundreds of properties and businesses.

"Climate change and sustainability must be incorporated into our scheme to ensure future resilience and maximum benefit is provided to our customers, hence why this project is looking at natural flood management and monitoring the flow to reduce the risk of flooding."