Flooding is a significant concern in our villages, with Whetstone, Littlethorpe, and parts of Narborough being among the lowest-lying areas in the district. Over the past couple of years, our villages have been flooded multiple times, highlighting the vulnerability of our communities and the growing impact of climate change. The latest flood occurred earlier this week on the 6th of January 2025. These recurring events further underline the urgency of addressing flood risks. An increasing number of homes and businesses in the area are becoming uninsurable against flooding, compounding the economic and social toll on our communities. The residents who have been repeatedly flooded are at the end of their patience and need decisive action now.
As development continues to increase, our reliance on the maintenance of flood defences and the regular clearance of brooks, streams, and the river has never been greater. While these defences were designed to hold more water than the fields they replaced, the combination of climate change, inadequate maintenance, and a county council lacking strong enforcement powers underscores the urgent need for action.
Flood prevention is not just about maintaining current defences; it is also about addressing systemic gaps in oversight and planning for the future. The Leicestershire Lead Flood Authority (LLFA), managed by Leicestershire County Council, faces unique challenges in this regard. Officers at the council have voiced frustration in meetings about the misconception that they have enforcement powers when they do not. The term ‘Authority’ is misleading for this organisation, as it lacks the necessary powers to enforce critical flood prevention measures.
For instance, the Sustainable Drainage Approving Body (SAB) is responsible for overseeing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Wales but not in England, leaving a critical regulatory gap in ensuring effective drainage solutions in our region. In Wales, SABs are local authorities tasked with ensuring that new developments are designed and built to meet national standards for sustainable drainage. They evaluate and approve drainage applications, maintain drainage systems, and have the power to inspect and enforce compliance. This robust framework in Wales contrasts starkly with the lack of a similar system in England, where such oversight and enforcement powers are absent, creating significant challenges in ensuring effective flood risk management.
Thinking bigger is essential when planning flood protection infrastructure. This could include the construction of a large new reservoir capable of holding back significant amounts of water during heavy rainfall, thereby reducing pressure on existing defences and minimising the risk of flooding downstream. Climate change models predict an increase in the frequency and severity of flooding events, making it essential to upgrade existing systems and adopt innovative solutions. This includes implementing natural flood management techniques such as rewilding floodplains, improving soil health to increase water retention, and creating buffer zones along watercourses.
Furthermore, it is essential to view the system as a whole, recognising that each SuDS scheme feeds into the next. A coordinated approach is vital to avoid a piecemeal method that could exacerbate flooding downstream or overwhelm adjacent drainage networks. Groups of owner-occupiers working independently to address localised issues may inadvertently solve their own problems while creating significant impacts elsewhere in the system. Professionally guided efforts and collaboration are necessary to ensure effective outcomes.
In addition, community involvement is crucial. Educating residents on flood preparedness and encouraging local stewardship of waterways can make a significant difference. By working together and demanding accountability from those responsible for our infrastructure, we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.
The time to act is now. Delaying maintenance or failing to invest in improvements will only exacerbate the risks.