New flood improvement schemes approved for Devon

Devon County Council’s cabinet has approved flood improvement schemes for two local communities, Ivybridge and Uplyme.

The schemes are expected to need over £500,000 of investment.

They will provide improved protection up to a one in 100 year flood event.

Business cases are being prepared for the schemes and they will be submitted to the Environment Agency to bid for £180,000 from Defra Flood Defence Grant in Aid and £60,000 from Local Levy.

The current risk of flooding is from around a one in two year flood event, and both communities have suffered repeat flooding in recent years.

Both communities remain at high risk of future flood events during periods of heavy rainfall unless protection is improved.

More than 25 properties in Ivybridge will benefit from a £300,000 scheme which will increase the capacity of a culvert running from Stibbs Lane and discharge flood water into an open watercourse.

The Uplyme Flood Improvement Scheme is estimated at a cost of over £226,000.

The design work for the schemes has been carried out in liaison with South Hams and East Devon District Councils, Uplyme Parish Council and landowners.

Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for flood risk management and local member for Ivybridge, said: “These are essential flood improvements as there is still a very real flood risk in Ivybridge and Uplyme which could impact on properties and businesses. The investment in these schemes will improve the level of protection and reduce the risk of flooding to both communities.”

Ian Hall, Devon County Councillor for Axminster, said: “This scheme will be welcomed by people living in Uplyme who will benefit from the improvements. It can often be challenging to deliver affordable schemes for smaller communities but these improvements provide value-for-money solutions for both Uplyme and Ivybridge.”