Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme is currently being developed, led by the Environment Agency, to improve protection for approximately 400 properties.

About the scheme

Hebden Bridge is at risk from flooding from rivers, the Rochdale Canal and surface water. It is in a steep sided valley where three rivers meet – River Calder, Hebden Water and Colden Clough.

The scheme will consist of:

Raising and strengthening river walls.
Using glass panels and raising barriers to minimise any intrusion on river views.
Improving protection to riverside properties

Map key

Latest Information

April 2025

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys are currently being carried out in various areas across Hebden Bridge to provide up-to-date information for the designs for the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Some of this work will require overnight traffic management.
Areas where traffic management will be required:
22nd April – West End/A646
23rd April – Old Gate
24th April – Bridge Gate/St George’s St

Surveys will also be carried out at several other locations across the town over the coming weeks. Work will mainly be carried out overnight to minimise any disturbance.

Drop-in Events - February/March 25

Thank you to everyone who came along to the drop-in events on 27th February and 6th March. Materials displayed at the event can be found in the links below. We have also developed a 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQs), which we hope will provide some more detail and answer any questions you may have about the scheme.

01 - Scheme Overview & Flood History
02 - Development Timeline
03 - Overview Plan Zones A & B
04 - Overview Plan Zones C&D
05 - Overview Plan Zone E
06 - Proposals Summary - Zone A
07 - Proposals Summary - Zone B
08 - Proposals Summary Zone C
09 - Proposals Summary - Zones D&E
10 - Proposal Photomontage St Pols car park from Bridge Gate
11 - Proposal Photomontage - View upstream from West End Bridge
12 - Proposal Photomontage - Packhorse Bridge at Old Gate - Flood Barriers Down
13 - Proposal Photomontage - Packhorse Bridge at Old Gate - Flood Barriers Raised
14 - Proposal Photomontage - View downstream from Packhorse Bridge
15 - Proposal Photomontage - Wavy Steps at Bridge Gate Flood Barriers Down
16 - Proposal Photomontage - Wavy Steps at Bridge Gate - Flood Barriers Raised
17 - Location of proposed weir modification works
18 - Conservation and Heritage Considerations and Mitigations Summary
19 - Environmental Considerations and Mitigations Summary
20 - Stakeholder Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hebden Bridge cinema and street under water following flooding.

Working with the community

The Environment Agency regularly holds meetings with partners, local councillors and community representatives to provide them with updates on progress of the scheme. A key stakeholder group has been set up - a list of represented groups can be found here.

The project team has also taken part in community forums such as the Hebden Bridge Business Forum and the Disability Access Forum to get feedback on proposals for the scheme.

As details of the design of the scheme develop there will be further consultations with people who are affected to discuss proposals.

A consultation event with the local community was held in June 2017 - the consultation documents are listed below:

A report which includes all the public feedback is available here. This report highlighted the issues we need to consider when developing the proposals for the scheme. Historic England and Calderdale planning officers have been consulted to ensure the scheme is sympathetic with the character of the town and heritage.

An initial public consultation was also carried out in 2018 on the Stubbing Holme Road proposals and feedback has been considered for the design.