Denton Flood Alleviation Project

Denton flood alleviation scheme

Newcastle City Council has secured funding to develop a flood alleviation scheme in Denton.

During extreme weather in 2012, 36 residents reported flooding to their homes. Flooding had also happened several times before this. A flood risk study carried out by the council showed that the area has a high risk of flooding.

The study found that:

• 198 homes are currently at risk from surface water flooding
• a further 49 homes could be at risk by 2040
• climate change is increasing rainfall intensity, which raises flood risk

Why flooding is a serious issue

Flooding can:

• damage homes and public infrastructure
• make people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood
• have long‑lasting effects on physical and mental health

Some Denton residents have already told us about the harm caused by past floods. Many still feel stressed and worried when heavy rain is forecast.

What causes flooding in Denton

The study found that playing fields and other open spaces in the area produce excess surface water.

During heavy rainfall:

• water cannot enter the drainage system quickly enough
• surface water builds up on the ground
• water enters homes through doorways and airbricks

It is not possible to build highway drains or public sewers that never flood. The most effective solutions slow water down and manage it close to where it falls.

There are few large open spaces in the central and southern parts of the catchment. This means there is limited space to store large amounts of water. Because of this, some homes will need extra protection, known as Property Flood Resilience (PFR).

Locations at risk

The study identified 17 locations at risk of flooding. Each location needs its own set of measures to reduce flood risk.

A plan has been produced that shows the proposed solutions for each location.

Funding and delivery

The council has secured Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding from Defra to develop the scheme. The total cost could be up to £5.1 million.

Flood works will be coordinated with planned landscaping improvements. This will help make the most of the benefits for managing surface water.

How the scheme will work

The scheme will help manage surface water by:

• catching rainwater where it falls
• holding it for a short time
• releasing it slowly into public sewers once heavy rain has passed

Types of flood measures planned

Natural flood management

These measures are already used in grassed areas south of West Denton Way. They include:

• shallow channels
• small earth mounds

These features slow water down, catch runoff and help water soak into the ground.

Nature‑based solutions

These are landscaped areas with small mounds and dips. They can:

• hold rainwater for a short time
• improve the local environment
• support new planting and wildlife

They are planned for:

• the grassed area south of Roachburn Road
• land east of Burwell Avenue
• land south and east of Beech Hill Primary School

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)

SuDS are shallow, planted features such as basins and swales. They:

• collect surface water
• clean the water naturally
• slow the flow of water

They are planned for grassed areas on:

• Linbridge Drive
• Thornley Road
• Greenlaw
• Hedgeley Road
• east of Byrness
• along the southern edge of the playing fields

Engineered solutions

These are used where natural options are not suitable. They include:

• underground storage tanks
• permeable paving

These are planned for:

• Apperley car park near the allotments
• Allerwash
• Fairspring

Small kerb changes are also planned in Asholme. These will help guide water to places where it can be collected safely.

Combined features

Some areas will include:

• rain gardens
• permeable paving

These features collect water and improve how public spaces look. They are planned for hard‑surfaced areas on:

• Fordmoss Walk
• Fenton Walk

Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures

Some homes may still be at risk after wider flood measures are in place. These homes may be offered extra protection, such as:

• flood doors
• covers for airbricks

Residents who may need PFR measures will be contacted in 2027 or 2028.

Timescales

This is a large and complex project across 17 locations. Design and construction work is expected to continue until 2028.

The work will be delivered by a mix of:

• council teams
• external contractors

The Denton Flood Alleviation Project Plan can be viewed here (PDF 9.9MB)

When available, information about each phase will be linked below. 

• Phase 1: Asholme
• Phase 2: Natural flood management – landscaping enhancements
• Phase 3: Retrofit SuDS basins
• Phase 4: Fourstones combined SuDS
• Phase 5: Large SuDS basins and nature based solutions
• Phase 6: Permeable paving and tanks
• Phase 7: Property flood resilience

Community engagement events at Morrisons

We are holding community engagement events at Morrisons, near the entrance, with a large map on display from Tuesday 26 May to Sunday 14 June.

Address

Morrisons, W Denton Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 2QW

You can drop in, see the plans and speak to council officers. No booking is needed.

When you can talk to officers at the display

Dates and times you can speak to officers

• Tuesday 26 May 10am to 12 midday
• Thursday 28 May 10am to 12 midday
• Monday 1 June 4pm to 6pm
• Tuesday 2 June 12 midday to 2pm
• Thursday 4 June 1pm to 3pm
• Monday 8 June 4pm to 6pm
• Tuesday 9 June 1pm to 3pm
• Thursday 11 June 2pm to 4pm
• Friday 12 June 10am to 12 midday

Contact us

If you would like to submit a comment you can email transport.feedback@newcastle.gov.uk or phone and leave a voice message on 0191 278 2767.