Sizewell C commits £25m to Benacre and Kessingland Managed Realignment Scheme which will protect homes and enhance A12

Sizewell C has committed £25 million to a flood protection scheme for homes and businesses and to boost the reliability of the A12.

The funding commitment to the Benacre and Kessingland Managed Realignment Scheme will safeguard dozens of properties and about 600 hectares of farmland south of Lowestoft.

It will also significantly reduce the number of closures on the A12 due to flooding.

Construction on the programme will begin in Spring and it will also see an 832 hectare saltmarsh habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife created.

Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Sizewell C joint managing directors, said: “We really appreciate the importance of this major coastal protection work and we’re delighted to be a part of the long-term solution.

“Safeguarding this part of Suffolk will not only support the efficient construction of Sizewell C, it will also provide long-term benefits to the area long after our construction has been completed.”

The A12 is a vital transport link for communities in the area and a main delivery route for the nuclear power station project.

The scheme will include the construction of two new pumping stations, drains and embankments between the road and the coast.

Without the programme, in a worst-case scenario the A12 could suffer between 100 and 150 days of closures every year.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s deputy cabinet member for nationally significant infrastructure projects, said: “This funding is very welcome news.

“The defences against flooding will protect the environment, the A12, dozens of local homes, hundreds of acres of farmland and give security to the local economy and tourism.

“Doing nothing was simply not an option.”

The scheme has been under consideration for more than five years and some preliminary work has already started.

The investment from Sizewell C means the programme can now be completed.

It will enhance 52 kilometres of local rivers and protect 11 million cubic metres of local freshwater from the encroachment of sea water.

The area will be open to walkers, bird watchers and nature lovers, giving a boost to local tourism.

Kellie Fisher, coastal risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency welcomes the assistance of Sizewell C in helping to reduce flood risk in this part of Suffolk.

“We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.”

The overall cost of the project is £59 million.

It is being jointly funded by the Environment Agency, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Suffolk County Council and Sizewell C.

It will be delivered by Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board and is set to be completed in Autumn 2029.