18th September 2024
Essex properties at risk of rainfall flooding revealed as residents urged to plan ahead |
Eligible residents could bolster their homes with flood protection measures from Essex County Council.
Essex homes currently at risk of rainfall flooding have been revealed as the county council offers residents thousands of pounds in protective measures. The Environment Agency data collated by Essex County Council comes as East Anglia saw its wettest February since records began, while England saw its eighth wettest winter. Rainfall flooding, also called surface water or pluvial flooding, is caused by excessive rainfall which overwhelms drainage systems. In Basildon, 6,331 residential properties were identified to be at 0.1% risk of rainfall flooding each year, while 1,904 face a 3.3% risk each year. Harlow has 3,685 homes facing a 0.1% risk each year and 1,488 with a 3.3% risk per year. Other parts of Essex include:
However, larger and more populated areas naturally show more flood risk. This is because of the greater number of properties being factored in. The data is based on flood risk today and does not factor in future climate change allowances, which are set to further increase the number of residential properties at risk. The Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral report shows the number of Essex homes at risk of flooding could double by 2050. UK Climate Projections anticipates that, by 2070, average winter rainfall could increase by 35% in high emission scenarios across the UK. Rainfall intensity is also expected to increase by 25% in the same period. The data on properties currently at risk was collated by the county council as it offers the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant to eligible Essex homeowners. Residents could bolster their homes with up to £8,000 in flood protection measures offered by the PFR grant, which is funded via the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC). Protective measures include self-closing air bricks, reinforced flood doors, non-return valves, pumps and flood barriers. The PFR grant is being delivered by Lakeside Flood Solutions for Essex homeowners who have or may experience flood water entering their homes. Lakeside Flood Solutions has completed installations in 197 properties across Essex since 2018. This includes an end-to-end service with flood risk surveys, product selection, design, installation and demonstration training. Essex homeowners can check their property’s flood risk online to see if they are able to apply for the PFR grant. This may include residents living in critical drainage areas. Homeowners will be asked to contribute to their flood protection measures if they exceed the £8,000 afforded by the grant. Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “Essex has a long history of fighting floods from the sea and rivers, and heavy rain that can overwhelm drainage systems is becoming more frequent. “Extreme weather is unfortunately becoming more common, with risks of flooding projected by our Essex Climate Action Commission to double across the county. I therefore strongly encourage residents to check their eligibility for the Property Flood Resilience Grant and secure their homes for the future.” Residents can take simple steps to make their homes flood resilient. Essex County Council offers free and practical advice at https://flood.essex.gov.uk/what-to-do-about-flooding |