New study to show how Haven holiday resort in Burnham-on-Sea could be protected from future flooding

A Somerset holiday resort, public park and up to 100 houses could be better protected from future flooding following a new study.

The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) is working with Sedgemoor District Council on a project to protect the Haven holiday resort in Burnham-on-Sea from localised flooding.

The project will also look at how the neighbouring Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park in Highbridge and properties in the Maple Drive area of the town can be protected.

The work is expected to be carried out later in the year, pending the approval of the SRA’s budget in March.

Both Apex Park and the Haven resort lie on the northern bank of the River Brue, with the latter being close to its confluence with the River Parrett before it enters the Bristol Channel.

The park’s lakes have overflowed several times in the last few years following heavy rain, creating localised flooding issues for residents.

The study proposals were published before a meeting of the SRA joint scrutiny panel on Friday morning (February 12).

SRA senior manager David Mitchell said: “The aim is to identify improvements that will provide better protection against flooding and more effective long-term management of local drainage systems.

“Around 100 properties in the Maple Drive area of Burnham-on-Sea could particularly benefit.”

The study will look at improvements to the existing lakes at the Apex Park and Haven sites, as well as the local sewer networks near both sites and the Maple Drive area.

Mr Mitchell added: “The study will determine the current level of flood protection and outline what improvements can be carried out to achieve a better flood protection and longer-term management solutions to future proof the system.”

The SRA is funded by council taxpayers through a ‘shadow precept’, with each of Somerset’s five existing councils providing a share of its council tax towards its annual budget.

Its remit is to help coordinate flood prevention work across Somerset and carry out additional work on top of existing maintenance undertaken by the Environment Agency, drainage boards and local councils.

The SRA’s annual budget – including the Haven scheme – is expected to be ratified at the next board meeting, which will be held virtually on March 5.