£42m Tonbridge and Hildenborough flood scheme opens
The expanded Leigh storage area and new Hildenborough defences now protect 1,870 homes and 575 businesses. Storage capacity has risen 23% to about 7.4 million cubic metres.
Leigh and Hildenborough Flood Defences
The Environment Agency has opened the expanded Leigh flood storage area and new Hildenborough defences after a three-year construction programme.[1]
Current position
The Environment Agency officially opened the completed scheme on 30 September 2026.
Benefits
- The £42 million scheme reduces flood risk for 1,870 homes and 575 businesses, increases storage capacity by 23% to about 7.4 million cubic metres, and renews the system for a further 50 years.