A major project to tackle flooding in one of the worst-affected areas in the Broads is progressing to its next stage with engineers bidding to remove water from the low-lying region.
BAM Nutall has applied to abstract water from locations in Martham, St Benets, Horsey and Potter Heigham to lower groundwater levels in surrounding villages.
This is in preparation for the construction of four replacement pumping stations as part of a wider project to improve flood resilience in the Upper Thurne area.
The area suffered widespread and prolonged flooding in 2023 after one of the wettest winters on record, which affected homes and businesses in the area.
The application is for a licence to abstract water from underground strata known as Broadland Rivers Chalk and Crag at the locations, which will then be released into drainage channels.
BAM Nutall - an engineering firm that specialises in flooding management - has been contracted to carry out the work by the Broads Internal Drainage Board.
READ MORE: Broads villagers feel 'abandoned' as flooding fears mount
A spokeswoman for the company said: "The pumping stations form part of a wider capital programme of works to manage flood risk and water levels within the River Thurne catchment preventing permanent inundation of properties, infrastructure and nationally and internationally designated habitats."
READ MORE: Broads boat firms fear for future as high water levels block navigation under bridge
The Broads IDB are replacing 13 70-year-old pumps which will help increase efficiency and maintain stable water levels.
The pumping stations being replaced are located at Brograve, Stubb, Catfield, Horse Fen, Horsey, Martham, Heigham Holmes, Potter Heigham, Repps Staithe, Somerton North, Somerton South, St Benets and Thurne.
Flooding has become a major issue for people living and working in the Upper Thurne, where the villages of Potter Heigham, Hickling, Martham and Horsey are located.
People affected have questioned if problems are being exacerbated due to sections of the lower River Bure silting up near Great Yarmouth, preventing water from draining out to the North Sea.
It led to a six-month investigation being carried out on behalf of the Broads Authority and Environment Agency which found it could make some improvements.
However, the EA concluded dredging work would be unviable, costing as much as £4.6m, and that it may also have environmental impacts.
Another factor which some have suggested may have contributed to the flooding is the new Herring Bridge at Great Yarmouth, which narrowed the width of the Yare near to its mouth.
Rising sea water levels and more extreme weather events caused by climate change have also been blamed for the flooding problems.
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