Flooding
Recent years have seen an increase in severe flooding, bringing disruption and distress to householders and businesses. The winter is usually regarded as the time when flooding is most likely, but some of the most severe recent incidents have occurred in the summer.
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, or you feel your property could be at risk if a local river or stream floods, there are a number of measures you can take to help yourself.
A range of advice and information is available from the Environment Agency, such as the guide on Preparing for Flooding, which contains a range of tips on how to make your home flood resistant.
Flood-related guidance and information are produced by the Environment Agency and are available from Floodline on 08459 88 11 88, or visit the Environment Agency website.
Changes in weather patterns have demonstrated the need to keep watercourses (the legal name) well maintained and it is an offence to obstruct a watercourse. The Council and Environment Agency must give consent to proposals affecting a watercourse.
Land drainage consent
The Council, together with the Environment Agency, is responsible for ensuring that owners of ditches and small streams throughout the district look after these features to ensure that water flow and water storage are maximised during periods of very wet weather.
Recent changes in weather patterns have demonstrated the need to keep watercourses well maintained, and it is an offence to obstruct a watercourse.
The Environment Agency and the Council must approve any proposal that affects a watercourse, including the piping of an open one. The general policy is that watercourses should not be piped (culverted) unless it relates to creating an access over a watercourse.
To apply for consent, you need to complete a form from the Environment Agency and apply, by letter, to the council.
Last updated: 18 March 2009