What was the challenge?

The River Thames Scheme is the UK’s largest fluvial flood defence initiative. This required a robust Human Health chapter as part of its Development Consent Order application. Temple examined how the health chapter effectively evaluated and communicated the scheme’s impacts on community health across five local authorities.

The scheme’s scale and complexity presented several key challenges:

• The geographic scope crossed multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct demographic profiles, existing health inequalities, and varying levels of flood risk exposure. This required careful consideration of how impacts and benefits would be distributed across different communities.
• The assessment needed to address both the immediate impact of major construction works and the long-term transformative effects of the scheme on public health. This included consideration of temporary disruption to daily life, changes to local environments, and the psychological impacts of living near flood defence infrastructure.
• Existing health inequalities and vulnerabilities in the area needed to be carefully mapped and considered, particularly in communities already experiencing flood-related stress and anxiety. This required extensive baseline data collection and analysis to understand the current health context.
• The technical complexity of the scheme demanded close coordination with multiple specialist teams to understand how different aspects of the project (such as air quality, noise, transport, and landscape changes) could interact to affect community health and wellbeing.
• Engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare providers, and community groups, was essential to understand local health priorities and concerns while ensuring the assessment remained focused and manageable.

What was our solution?

As an integral part of this landmark project, Temple’s Socio-Economic and Social Value team delivered a robust Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Our work included:

• Utilising data analysis and the ‘Wider Determinants of Health’ Model to prepare the health baseline which identified the conditions of the assessment.
• Interdisciplinary communication, including with Climate and Noise specialists, to assess the cumulative effects of the project and ensure a holistic approach to Health.
• Collaboration with local authorities, legal representatives, and the client. This is an essential element to the ongoing success of the HIA, both in determining the harmful effects on health as well as identifying how the project could create opportunities for improved health and well-being outcomes in the long term.

Our methodology evaluated impacts through a systematic matrix approach, ensuring comprehensive coverage. We developed a hierarchical approach to mitigation, with specific measures addressing construction impacts on air quality and noise levels while maximising long-term health benefits through inclusive design principles.

The assessment concluded that while some temporary adverse effects would occur during construction, the operational phase would deliver predominantly beneficial health outcomes. These benefits centred on reduced flood-related anxiety and increased opportunities for physical activity through new blue-green infrastructure.

Notable infrastructure improvements, such as pedestrian and cycle bridges at Chertsey and Desborough, are predicted to enhance community connections and recreational opportunities, further improving long-term health outcomes in the region. The continued assessment is exceeding regulatory requirements on health and wellbeing, encouraging outdoor activity and nature engagement alongside climate resilience.

How did we add value?

Temple’s interdisciplinary expertise has ensured that both health and equality considerations have been integrated into the design and planning stages of the RTS. Providing evidence-led insights and actionable recommendations. We are continuing to help ensure that this landmark project not only achieves its flood defence goals but also creates a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant future for the communities it serves.