Views sought on county's flood risk strategy

Observations also welcome on experiences

Have your say on local flood risk management

Residents are being encouraged to take part in a questionnaire on local flooding, launched by Leicestershire County Council.

The online survey went live this week and will gather views on the council's updated local flood risk management strategy.

Flooding can cause damage, disruption, and destruction where it occurs and increased heavy rainfall suggests the risk could be growing.

The consultation asks residents for their views on the strategy and for observations on any history of flooding, both on their property and locally.

 

We know that flooding has had – and will continue to have - a significant impact on local communities and businesses in Leicestershire.

Climate change is predicted to increase the risk of local flooding and the impacts will be felt by many so it’s vitally important we have a robust strategy in place.

 

The county council has a duty to investigate flooding in its area and identify the relevant parties who would be responsible for taking action to prevent future repeat occurrences. T

The strategy details when it will investigate a flood and what level of investigation will be carried out, acknowledging that a number of different parties may have a role in resolving identified flooding issues.

It also looks at how the risk of flooding can be managed from small watercourses which overflow, such as ditches, streams, and brooks, where surface water collects after extreme rainfall, and from ground water which rises from underlying rocks or water flowing from underground springs.

Among the key objectives of the strategy:

  • Effective planning policies, guidance, and approval processes to help ensure that development is not at risk and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere;
  • Providing information and support regarding maintenance of watercourses by owners of land which relates to or near to river banks;
  • Details of how local projects are developed for at-risk communities.

 

The consultation will be open until Sunday, 13th August and can be found at leicestershire.gov.uk/flood-risk-strategy and, for more information, call 0116 305 4121 or email flooding@leics.gov.uk .

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