The River Thames Scheme RTS Latest

What is the River Thames Scheme? (RTS)

Please see the official RTS website for more detail - https://www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk/

The RTS will reduce the risk from the impact of flooding, as well as providing other benefits such as supporting sustainable travel, increasing green space and biodiversity; and creating connections with wildlife.

The scheme will see the creation of a new river channel in two sections through Runnymede and Spelthorne, totalling over 5 miles (8.5km) long. These will act as new flow routes for excess water when water levels in the River Thames rise too high. There would also be opportunities to create recreational spaces and new Habitats to increase biodiversity.

Who are delivering it?

The Environment Agency and Surrey County Council are working together to deliver the River Thames Scheme in partnership with other local authorities and interested parties.

The proposal will be submitted as a Development Consent Order (DCO). Unlike regular planning applications, the DCO process is used for very large projects, known as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) which are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for determination. As the RTS falls within Spelthorne (as well as other boroughs including Runnymede and Elmbridge), the borough is a statutory consultee as part of the DCO process.

RTS updates

Spelthorne Borough Council reference for consultation direct to us by the applicant

• EIA Screening consultation - 22/01378/EIASO - Consultation by the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report for the River Thames Scheme in the Borough.  (Scoping is the stage that sets out what needs to be assessed in the EIA to help define how to approach the assessment and what information may be needed to identify the likely significant effects from the development. The EIA will be submitted at a later date as part of the formal planning process). Planning Public Access