Environment Agency proposes dam to protect Coggeshall from flooding
The area is expected to experience "more frequent, more damaging" flooding in the future because of changing weather patterns
The Environment Agency is proposing a project to build a dam to protect Coggeshall, Feering and Kelvedon from future flooding.
The flood alleviation scheme aims to protect those communities through an 'on-line' dam on the River Blackwater and an extended flood storage area.
It comes after significant flooding in the area in October 2001, as well as in May 2012 and February 2014.
The Environment Agency has said that "due to changing weather patterns the villages are expected to experience more frequent, more damaging flooding in the future".
The project has received £1 million from central government, and up to £8 million in direct funding contributions through the Blackwater Aggregates partnership.
A planning application is set to be submitted to Essex County Council this year.
There will then be a public consultation where people will be able to have their say on the proposals.
You can watch a video about the scheme here:
There is more information about the scheme online.