£3 million flood risk action plan for Devon

Over 300 homes and businesses will benefit from greater flood protection in the next year as part of Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management Action Plan.

The council’s cabinet has approved a £3 million plan to address the highest priority communities at risk of flooding, continuing work already underway across the region. Work is expected to start on surface water drainage improvements in Chillington, a new surface water culvert will be installed in Frogmore, and a flood relief culvert will be introduced in Stibbs Lane in Ivybridge.

The council is also working in partnership with the Environment Agency on Natural Flood Management pilot studies, including a two-year initiative, working collaboratively with the East Devon Catchment Partnership, to test how these techniques can enhance engineered flood defences and help reduce run-off.

Roger Croad, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This winter has been another reminder of the flood risk which is still very real across Devon and compared to last year we’re drawing down an extra £1 million of Defra Grant in Aid to deliver schemes over the next 12 months. Our prioritised approach through our action plan is making a difference and is reducing flood risk to some of the most vulnerable areas in the county.”