A scheme to increase the capacity of a flood storage area by 25% has taken a step forward.

A new gate has been delivered at the Leigh Flood Storage Area near Sevenoaks and lifted into place by a 300-ton crane.

The new gate is the first of three, designed to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.

It works by storing peak-flood flows in the storage area to minimise downstream flow, releasing the water gradually over time.

Each gate weighs around 12.5 tonnes – the equivalent to a single-decker bus.

By replacing the gates and raising sections of the embankment, the Flood Storage Area will be able to store approximately 25% more water than it does now; in total, over 7m cubic metres of flood water, that will help to better protect 200 additional homes from flooding.

It is expected that the scheme will be completed by the end of 2025.

Sally Harvey, the Environment Agency’s deputy director for Kent, said: “The installation of the new gate is a huge achievement and a great step forward.

“People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational throughout the project, continuing to protect people, homes and businesses.”

Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: “The completion of this major milestone is a huge achievement.

“It takes us a step closer to providing even greater protection from the risk of flooding to local homes and businesses which can have a devastating impact.”

The project is being funded by a government Flood Defence Grant, with contributions from Tonbridge and Malling council, Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.