Bramley article – March 2025 – Potwell Dyke allevation approved

Potwell Dyke flooding scheme approved
It’s great news that the Potwell Dyke flood alleviation scheme has been approved after many years of planning and designing.
The scheme will reduce flood risk to over 70 homes on Church Street, Easthorpe and downstream. During heavy rainfall, any overflow from the Potwell Dyke will be stored temporarily behind the bund. The water is then released in a controlled manner through a hydraulic mechanism back into the Potwell Dyke.
It has been a worrying time for many residents especially during storms and heavy rainfall, so the scheme ’s approval is a signifiant step in the right direction. Other good news is that the scheme is considerate to the local environment, with any trees removed during the construction to be replaced by VIA.
Nottinghamshire County Council says “Construction works on the scheme are estimated to start in 2026, following a comprehensive programme of archaeological investigation works due to the historical significance of the site. Excavation work will take place during the dryer months this summer to record any surviving archaeological remains within the site. This work will be carried out in stages, starting with the area west of Potwell Dyke which has the most extensive known remains (the  left red shaded area shown in the aerial view above).
No construction work on the bund will start until this is finalised and archaeological monitoring will continue to be maintained throughout the construction period under the supervision of an experienced Archaeological Clerk of Works to ensure any further discovered artefacts are carefully handled and preserved.
Jacky Huson, Secretary of Southwell Flood Forum said “After years of working alongside the authorities to keep the project ‘live’ we appreciate the determination of Nottinghamshire County Council and Via East Midlands to bring this scheme one step closer”.