Flood Risk Management Action Plan for Devon approved

More than 250 properties in Devon will benefit from the County Council’s Flood Risk Management Action Plan this financial year.

The County Council’s Cabinet today approved a £1.3 million programme which will address a range of flood problems in communities across Devon.

As a result of Devon County Council schemes in the past financial year, flood protection has been improved at more than 50 properties. It’s estimated that more than 4,000 properties in over 24 communities have also benefited from Defra-funded Flood Resilience Community Pathfinder Projects over the last two and a half years. The authority has also contributed to the Exeter Flood Defence scheme, which will improve the protection to a huge number of homes and businesses.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: “We have made good progress on a number of flood protection schemes and we have carried out a series of assessments that will guide future programmes. Flooding can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and many communities across Devon need support to reduce flood risk.

“The County Council invested £1 million in 2015/16 in support of flood prevention measures and this year we’re looking at a further £1.3 million to develop a proactive programme of schemes, while also drawing down external funding.”

Many of the communities that have benefited from the Flood Resilience Community Pathfinder Project now have well prepared emergency action plans and self-help measures in place.

Among the schemes that will receive Devon County Council funding contributions are the construction of phase two of flood improvement work at Axminster Millbrook, and phase two of surface water improvements at Braunton.

Detailed designs will also be drawn up for the Modbury Flood Management Scheme as well as the design of a scheme at Stokeinteignhead to improve drainage of the lower part of the village.