Plan to tackle flooding in Sidmouth and Ottery
Set in delightful grounds, the headquarters of EDDC at Knowle. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref shs 7658-15-12SH. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk - Credit: Archant
Options are being considered to protect the maximum number of properties in Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary as part of a £2.5million county-wide flooding action plan.
Options are being considered to protect the maximum number of properties in Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary as part of a £2.5million county-wide flooding action plan.
Devon County Council (DCC) is targeting priority areas and working to better protect another 300 properties in the coming financial year.
It is also launching a grant scheme that will enable individual property owners – those who will not benefit from any major flood improvements – to request up to £5,000 for measures to prevent water entering their properties.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, who represents Sidmouth and is Devon’s flooding chief, said: “Flood protection has been improved for more than 280 properties in Devon over the past year and this action plan for the coming financial year will help a further 300 properties.
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“Our investment has to be prioritised, but we’re reducing the risk to homes and businesses.
“As the lead local flood authority, we’re committed to implementing measures to reduce flood risk to communities across Devon.
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“The devastating effect of flooding can impact on Devon’s economy and the wellbeing of local people.
“As well as progressing with schemes, this plan will fund studies and design work to inform future improvements.”
In Sidmouth, DCC is looking at using the green space at Knowle to attenuate surface water run-offs and assessing if sufficient benefits can be achieved.
The authority surveyed Station Road last year to assess whether a flood tank in the parkland – first proposed in the surface water management plan (SWMP) in 2014 – was viable.
It is also reviewing other
localised improvements
that were identified in the SWMP, or that have arisen as a result of recent flooding incidents.
Cllr Hughes said the preferred option will then be developed into a detailed design to take advantage of a government grant ‘indicatively allocated’ in 2018/19.
Regarding Ottery, he said: “We’re considering the options for controlling the volume of surface water run-off to the east of the town on the Furzebrook headwaters.
“We are working in partnership with the Environment Agency’s technical specialist and soils expert to review natural flood management techniques.
“Early proactive and positive discussions have been held
with landowners and these
will be ongoing as options
are developed.”
