Bam Nuttall's joint venture with Mott MacDonald (BMM) is to begin the next phase of a £32 million flood defence scheme in Exeter.

The development aims to reduce the flood risk to 3,200 homes and businesses in the city.

Phase one of the scheme got underway in 2014 and saw construction work taking place downstream of Exeter Quay. Features included lowering the Trew's flood relief channel and the side spill weir at the top of the channel to increase flow capacity of the flood relief channel.

The second stage is due to take place next week in the Countess Wear area of the city. Investigation work is also being carried out at the Quay to check the precise location of utilities such as power cables and gas pipes.


Construction work on new demountable flood defences will get underway in November.

Exeter City Council and Devon County Council contributed £3meach to the scheme, while £6m has come from government growth funding. The remainder is being funded by flood defence grant in aid.

Cllr Rachel Sutton said: "We're pleased that the next phase of the Exeter flood defence scheme is about to start, which will protect over 3,000 properties within the city limits when complete.

"Working together, the Environment Agency, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council have developed plans so that the scheme can be built with minimal disruption to residents and local businesses. Our council officers have been heavily involved with this next phase of the project to ensure the works are in keeping with the city.

"The success of partnership working has been seen within the first phase of the project which has provided a haven for people and wildlife within the Trew's flood relief channel, whilst reducing flood risk to the Quay area."

Construction work is due to be completed in 2018.

(LM/CD)