Outer Winchester flood alleviation scheme

Works to reduce flooding in Littleton, Headbourne Worthy and Kings Worthy

Latest updates

The flood alleviation works undertaken in two phases have now been completed. These drainage improvements have been designed to cater for a similar groundwater flood event to that which occurred in 2014. With the scheme in place, there are a number of residential properties which have either been moved to a lower flood risk band from a higher level or would not suffer the significant disruption to their access if a similar groundwater flood event were to occur again.

The first phase involved ditching works in Headbourne Worthy and Kings Worthy, installation of new pipes, catch pits and gullies, weir kerb repairs in Springvale Road and Down Farm Lane, enhancement of ditches and culverts in Lovedon Lane and Springvale Road and resurfacing of Springvale Road. The second phase of the scheme has succeeded in delivering a continuous flow path for groundwater flows from Main Road, along North Drive and through Fyfield Close to outfall into the ditch between Pitter Close and Westfield Road.

We have a leaflet for residents living in the Littleton area benefitting from the defence. The leaflet provides an understanding of the scheme and includes key contact information. You can also provide this leaflet to insurers and mortgage providers who raise flooding issues as a concern, to help address these concerns.

Littleton Flood Alleviation Scheme Leaflet

Flooding overview

In the winter of 2013 to 2014, Littleton, Headbourne Worthy and Kings Worthy and the surrounding area were badly affected by flooding from a combination of rising groundwater, surface water and foul sewer overflows. There is a long history of flooding in this area and the primary cause of this is groundwater emerging at the surface. There are several historic ditches throughout the area that would convey this groundwater away once it reached the surface. However, a combination of restrictions in the watercourse and drainage network, a lack of riparian maintenance and buildings being in the flow paths, has resulted in flooding in urban areas. Groundwater level varies throughout the year and generally peaks between February and April.

Hampshire County Council has been working together with several different organisations including the parish councils, to understand the cause of the flooding.

The works are to ensure the existing drainage system, which consists of ordinary watercourses, less well-defined overland flow paths, the main river and highway drainage can function to its maximum capacity.

Phase 1 works included:

  • removing vegetation to ensure flow paths for water are clear,
  • undertaking maintenance, clearance and surveying of existing ditches, culverts, and pipes,
  • replacing, upsizing, and installing some new pipes or culverts.

Phase 2 works included:

  • Providing a high-level overflow pipe for highway soakaways in Littleton
  • Providing a drainage route connection out of Littleton
  • Reducing ponding on the highway at the junction between Springvale Road and Down Farm Lane in Headbourne Worthy.

The improvements will reduce costs, reduce distress and disruption associated with future flooding, minimise the impact on the local economy and help to ensure that the highway network can remain open.

The organisations involved in the Outer Winchester multi-agency group are:

  • Hampshire County Council (as Lead Local Flood Authority and Highway Authority)
  • Winchester City Council
  • Environment Agency
  • Southern Water Utilities Limited
  • Headbourne Worthy Parish Council
  • Kings Worthy Parish Council
  • Littleton and Harestock Parish Council
Project appraisal and funding

Funding of £246,000 was approved on the 18 August 2020 for phase 1 and £480,000 was approved for phase 2 on the 31 August 2022. Funding has been provided from Hampshire County Council, central government and the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Programme of works
Milestone Timescale
Phase 1a: CCTV and land survey, trial hole investigations and ditching works in Headbourne Worthy and Kings Worthy. February/ March 2021 - Completed
Phase 1b: Installation of new pipes, catch pits and gullies, weir kerb repairs in Springvale Road and Down Farm Lane. Existing bus routes unaffected. 15 March to start of April 2021 - Completed
Phase 1c: Enhancement of ditches and culverts in Lovedon Lane and Springvale Road. April - July 2021 - Complete
Phase 1d: Resurfacing of Springvale Road Autumn 2021 - Complete
Phase 2: Drainage system repair, improvements and other flood resilience works in Littleton, Headbourne Worthy and Kings Worthy Summer - Winter 2024 - Completed

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Maintenance of ordinary watercourses

Watercourses are classified as either a ‘ordinary watercourse’ or ‘main river’. Ordinary watercourses are watercourses that are not part of a main river and include streams, ditches, drains, cuts, culverts, dykes, sluices, sewers (other than public sewers) and passages, through which water flows.

Hampshire County Council intends to work with riparian owners (those living adjacent to an ordinary watercourse) who are responsible for maintaining ordinary watercourses to ensure that the effectiveness of the existing ditches, is improved and ensure that future maintenance is undertaken at appropriate intervals.

See 'Reducing flood risk' guidance for further information.

Contact

Write to us at:

Flood and Water Management
Universal Services
The Castle
Winchester
SO23 8UD