Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Councillors give unanimous support to Hebden Bridge flood plans
The long in development Hebden Bridge Flood scheme (and its associated "listed building consents") passed after a 4 hour planning meeting. Despite 132 objections (and 44 supporting comments) to the planning application, the room was relatively quiet.
Yesterday, councillors voted unanimously and cross party (Lib Dem, Refom, Labour) with officers recommendations to accept the scheme, long in development just after the 10 year anniversary of the devastating Boxing Day floods.
Boxing Day, 2015 - Photo: HebWeb
Planning chair and Luddendenfoot Cllr Katie Kimber, Calder Ward Cllr Jonathon Timbers had both recused themselves from the commitee to be fair and compliant given their advocacy and support for the scheme. This meant substitutes were nominated so a fair hearing could be heard.
After a 1 hour run through of the officers' reports, voices were heard from the floor. An opposition voice "Miss Brand" spoke about "statutory heritage duties being fully discharged," itself a planning condition.
We then heard from Hebden Royd and Calderdale Ward Cllrs who mostly spoke overwhelmingly in favour of the scheme. Cllrs Courtney and Timbers (Calder) spoke passionately, reading out voices from both local flood wardens and residents who witnessed the devastation, many who had lost everything. They spoke of moves to locate an alternative compound site and how they were working with the Environment Agency, Network Rail and the Community Rail Partnership for park and ride facilities to ease parking pressure on the town.
Boxing Day, 2015 - Photo: HebWeb
Hebden Royd Town council who recently voted "no objection" to the scheme, heard from Cllr (and Hebden Royd Mayor) Keith Butterick who spoke strongly in favour. Cllr Borrows (also a local business owner) claimed most businesses were against the scheme. This was challenged by commitee. In a fractious exchange, the commitee heard about the need for the town to be protected and for businesses to be adequately compensated and engaged throughout the works.
Finally, the Environment Agency had the chance to present the application and take questions. Questions about maintaining the Environment Agency hub, managing financials, transport connection options, highways concerns and more were all covered.
There were also questions about the reintroduction of salmon in the Calder thanks to work on the weirs. They spoke about having a dedicated "heritage and stone" officer - to make sure works were compliant with local brickwork and for how works will be phased to minimise disruption. The attending officer also spoke at length as to how this was only one part of flood resilience, with Natural Flood Management, moorland restoration and Property Level Protection all happening as well in the catchment area to increase flood protection at all levels.
In the end, all councillors agreed that the scheme was well designed, robust and had years of engagement. They were satisfied that it aimed to make the town viable long term in the face of increasing climate collapse. "The town needs this once in a lifetime funding if it wants to survive" was heard during the contributions from the floor. The full funding has not yet been located but this is likely to be a pivotal moment in the history of Hebden Bridge.
Nevertheless, the current plans remains divisive with significant members of the Hebden Bridge community unconvinced that they provide the best solution to flood prevention.
See also:
BBC Report - Major flood defence scheme for town approved
HebWeb Forum thread: Hebden Bridge Flood scheme where a differing report of this planning meeting is offered.
Links
Flood Alleviation Scheme: councillors are advised to accept (Feb 26)
Flood Alleviation scheme - misunderstandings
Have your say on the HebWeb Discussion Forum
Town Council votes to support Flood Alleviation Plans (17 Oct 25)
Plans submitted for £81m flood defences (Sept 25)
Have your say on the Calderdale Planning web page
Myth busting points from Eye on Calderdale
Hebden Bridge Flood Prevention Plans - HebWeb, March 2025
The February 2020 flood, HebWeb
HebWeb Feature on the 2015 Boxing Day Flood
July 2012 Flood, as it happened, HebWeb
The 2012 June Floods, HebWeb