TEAM2100 Canvey Island Revetment Project

The TEAM2100 Canvey Island Revetment Project is essential for delivering the Environment Agency’s (EA) long-term strategy to manage tidal flood risk in the Thames Estuary.

Canvey Island is located on reclaimed land, resulting in its elevation being two meters below the daily high tide level, which poses persistent flooding threats to homes and businesses. 

DM’s Role

In 2018, Dalcour Maclaren (DM) was appointed to offer specialised consultation and support to the project team on estates matters. These included:

• Establishing effective communication channels with stakeholders to facilitate access for conducting building surveys, thereby ensuring comprehensive recordings of the property’s current state.
• Providing the Project Team with expert guidance concerning the inherent risks associated with the vibrations and devising a management strategy to mitigate the financial ramifications.
• Providing land-based input into the design and planning of the flood defence structure and public realm, including risk assessment of the preferred options.
• Assessing compensation levels for impacted local businesses and settling other compensation-related issues with stakeholders.
• Inputting into the project’s budget in relation to compensation matters.

Our Challenges

1. Securing land to facilitate multiple site compounds for the Project Team to accommodate both material storage and site offices.
2. Mitigating risks from the project works and carrying out property condition surveys to protect the client’s liability.
3. Assessing reasonable compensation for local businesses affected by the works.

How we did it

Initially, DM was tasked to pinpoint the land necessary to meet the Project Team’s needs. DM advised that the EA to utilised their statutory powers, a proactive approach that resulted in Notices of Intended Entry being issued under Sections 165 and 172 of the Water Resources Act 1991. This action eliminated the need for compound licences on the required land.

As the project advanced, local properties experienced increased vibration levels. To mitigate these issues and safeguard the EA’s interests, DM recommended conducting pre-condition property surveys to document any pre-existing damage. Numerous surveys have been conducted to date, providing an accurate record and ongoing monitoring of property conditions. This strategy has effectively reduced the EA’s liability and resulted in financial savings throughout the project.

Certain phases of the EA’s work required the temporary closure of local businesses. In line with the EA’s goal of maintaining positive stakeholder relationships, DM has successfully negotiated reasonable compensation with several local businesses on behalf of the client. This has ensured the uninterrupted progress of the project.

Short Term Benefits

DM consistently engages and fosters robust relationships with stakeholders, proactively addressing any concerns that may emerge as the project progresses. DM continues to seek evidence of financial accounts and plays a crucial role in assessing compensation for local businesses affected by the project activities. This ongoing support underscores DM’s commitment to the project and its impact on the local community. 

Long Term Benefits

Canvey Island is a testament to long-term planning and foresight. It ensures the protection of local residents’ livelihoods and the well-being of businesses until 2070. This initiative clearly demonstrates the Environment Agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the public from the risks of flooding. 

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