08/01/2026

We continue to seek ways to cut scheme costs and secure funding.

For the planning application, we are seeking a ‘resolution to grant’. This is a formal decision by the planning authority signalling that permission will be given once all outstanding matters are resolved. To aid this we have:

• resolved all outstanding objections received during the planning process
• updated the Flood Risk Assessment to cover any risks that could occur once construction begins.

• continued work with all landowners for the lease and legal agreements to meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. BNG is a mandatory requirement for all developments to improve nature and biodiversity.

Therefore, our application will be going to planning committee in February/March.

15/12/2025

We have worked with our construction partner to update future project cost estimates. This update includes the latest information to reflect inflation increases to material prices, legal agreements and Biodiversity Net Gain obligations. The table below shows the costs at our last cost review in 2020 and the most recent cost forecast.

18/12/2025

There is a new approach being introduced by Defra in April 2026 that will change how both new and existing Flood and Coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) schemes are funded. This new approach proposes some principles relevant to our scheme:

• First £3 million covered: All FCERM projects get full government funding up to £3 million
• Above £3 million: Project costs beyond that are 90% funded. However, funding will not be provided for elements that do not contribute to reducing flood risk, such as our proposed new ‘Garden Route’ bridleway. We know that these elements remain popular with people and we want to retain community support for the scheme.
• Projects will be prioritised by value for money, worked out by a set benefit to cost ratio.

This means that there is potential for our scheme to receive more government funding than under the existing formula. However, there will be many projects across the country applying for money. We await full guidance for how the new policy will be implemented and how schemes will be prioritised.

For more detail about the new funding policy please visit:

Flood and coastal erosion risk management funding policy - GOV.UK