The results of a study into the identification of the most cost-effective and practical option for the protection of the town of Barham from floods are presented in this report.

The report considers the flooding history, existing flood susceptibility, the range of available flood mitigation options, their suitability, constraints, general form and costs and the benefit/cost ratios of the more practical options. The opinions and prevailing attitudes of all likely interested public authorities have been sought and considered during the study process and report preparation.

The report concludes that levees are the only practical long term protection for the existing development in the town of Barham and that it is currently protected from floods of a magnitude of at least 6% AEP (or 1 in 17 years ARI). This level of protection is provided by the existing outer levee system but with amounts of residual freeboard which are below the minimum which could be considered acceptable even taking into account a freeboard reduction which is justified in the report. As such, the existing outer levee system could be considered to provide protection