Controversial plans to alleviate devastating flooding in a Calderdale town come before planning councillors next week.

Calderdale Council’s planning committee are being recommended by council officers to approve the Environment Agency’s (EA) major application for Hebden Bridge.

The £81m scheme is expected to take around four years, if they give the go-ahead.

The scheme has been developed over a decade since the floods of Boxing Day 2015 devastated the town.

An artist's impression of how St Pol car park will look at the end of the Hebden Bridge flood alleviation scheme.

placeholder image — An artist's impression of how St Pol car park will look at the end of the Hebden Bridge flood alleviation scheme.

When they meet on Tuesday, February 17 at Halifax Town Hall, planning councillors will be asked to decide on the main application and a series of listed building consents also required for work to be undertaken.

But the application is controversial, with the council receiving 182 representations during the consultation period, 44 in support, 132 objecting to the proposals and six general comments.

The scheme aims to reduce river flooding risk along Hebden Water and the River Calder, involving repairing and rebuilding river walls, adding new walls in St Pol Car Park, installing vertical rising barriers on Bridge Gate and Old Gate, and strengthening some properties.

Five weirs would be altered, the Central Street footbridge replaced and two bridges reinforced.

Hebden Bridge flood alleviation scheme artist's impression when the wavy steps barriers are down

Objectors including businesses opposing the scheme are worried about potential damage to heritage assets and the town’s distinctive character and impact on the economy during the works, with some businesses fearing they will be hard hit.

Objectors also highlight the use of almost half of Calder Holmes Park as a contractor’s compound, arguing its temporary loss will affect residents’ well-being and enjoyment.

One commenter said: “This scheme will impact my business hugely and I anticipate that I will have to close my business as a result of this work.

Supporters argue repeated flooding has created significant “flood anxiety” among those affected and the scheme is essential to safeguard the future of the town, its homes, businesses and wider community by reducing the economic and social damage caused by recurring floods.

Securing the town’s long‑term resilience to flooding is fundamental to maintaining its vitality and viability, even if that means accepting temporary disruption during the construction phase and some change, they say.

One said: “We cannot afford to delay, the future of our town, our homes, our businesses and our community depends on securing long-term protection.”

In terms of using Calder Holmes Park as a compound, the application says this will require its grassed area to be removed from public use for the duration of the works.

The EA will fund mitigation measures for the temporary displacement of football teams which play there and reinstatement of the pitches post completion of the scheme, according to the application.

The skate park, cafe and playground would still be available for public use and pedestrian access from the town to the railway station through the park maintained.

In their assessment of planning balance, council officers advise the councillors to approve the application.

The officers reject objectors’ claims that consultation has been inadequate and argue the scheme will deliver substantial long‑term public benefits outweighing temporary and residual harms, protecting homes, businesses and other properties.

The scheme meets planning policy requirements, heritage impact on the town’s conservation area other assets is assessed as “less than substantial” harm outweighed by public benefits, they say.