National flood resilience review published
On 8 September the government published its National Flood Resilience Review. This comes off the back of serious flooding last winter across the country, which saw record rainfall and river levels. This had a devastating impact on those communities affected, not only in the short term damage caused, but in the long term efforts of recovery. The government has clearly sat up and taken note.
On 8 September the government published its National Flood Resilience Review. This comes off the back of serious flooding last winter across the country, which saw record rainfall and river levels. This had a devastating impact on those communities affected, not only in the short term damage caused, but in the long term efforts of recovery. The government has clearly sat up and taken note.
The review aims to make communities better prepared for, and better defended against future flooding, especially those most susceptible. The suggested improvements are intended to build upon work already undertaken by the government in response to flooding. Under the review, some £12.5 million worth of temporary flood defences are being set up across the country. Local utility companies are also setting up increased defences against flooding. By 2021 it is said that there will have been a huge £2.5 billion worth of improvements, aimed at creating more permanent and resilient coastal and flood defences.
Two flood defence projects which have affected the Lincolnshire area, albeit not created under the recent review, are the Horncastle and Louth Flood Defence Schemes. Both local rivers flooded in 2007, sadly affecting hundreds of residents. These projects involve the building of flood storage facilities in the two localities to manage flows from the rivers, in an effort to protect over 500 homes from flooding.
Whilst the main impact of such work should, and hopefully will be, to protect those communities most at risk from flooding; such works have an immediate impact on landowners and occupiers of land within the area that the work is undertaken. Where schemes are contemplated, it is important that legal advice and land agent’s advice is taken at an early stage. This is necessary so that negotiations can be entered into from an informed position not only to agree full and proper financial compensation but also to check and challenge the practical details such as management of soils, access and restorations works.
The Flood Review sets down a significant marker by the government that they are committed to protecting against flooding. Whilst temporary measures will be put in place, in theory as soon as this winter, the true impact of the review may not be seen until the longer term. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the proposed changes, or the impact of the proposed works in your area, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A copy of the Government's national flood resilience review can be downloaded here.
