PLANS are proposed to install a new flood defence scheme in Portreath to help protect the coastal village.

The Environment Agency has submitted a planning application for the Portreath Flood Alleviation Scheme, a major investment to help protect homes, businesses and community facilities from flooding.

The plans include improvements to the historic stream channel to increase its capacity and resilience, replacement of restrictive footbridges, better access for maintenance, measures to protect structures from erosion, and a new flow control structure to help manage flood water more effectively.

The scheme will enhance biodiversity through native planting and invasive species control while retaining almost all existing mature trees.

The Environment Agency states the proposal will have no impact on the quality of bathing water and will protect water quality long term.

The proposals will support the continued operation of the historic Portreath Tunnel, a flood defence asset that has helped protect the village for nearly 100 years. Together, these improvements will help safeguard homes, schools, businesses and other important community infrastructure for decades to come.

The Environment Agency has formulated the flood defence plans as Portreath faces some of the highest flood risk in Cornwall. It is one of only three communities identified as high risk in the South West Flood Risk Management Plan. Climate change is expected to bring more intense rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding in the future.

The village sits within a rapid response catchment, where water levels can rise within minutes during heavy rain, which leaves “little time” for people to act when flooding begins.

Ben Johnstone from the Environment Agency said: "Flood risk in Portreath is serious and increasing.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

"That's why we're acting now. This scheme will strengthen and improve the flood defences that have protected Portreath for almost a century, helping the community prepare for the impacts of climate change.”