SRA Annual report 2021-22: Minehead 25 Year Flood Action Plan
Many properties and businesses in Minehead are at risk of flooding, and flood risk management authorities are concerned about new developments putting extra pressure on drainage systems already struggling to cope. Climate change makes flooding more likely.
In March 2021, the Board of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) agreed to fund the development of a 25-year action plan for tackling flood risks from all sources in and around Minehead. Somerset County Council and Wessex Water are also putting money into this project. Partners contributing local expertise are Somerset West and Taunton Council, the Environment Agency and the Parrett Internal Drainage Board (IDB).
During 2021-22, partners agreed that Wessex Water should take the lead in developing a 2D Integrated Catchment Model to get a better understanding of local surface water flood risks. Relevant information has been collected and collated, for example about Minehead’s current drainage infrastructure, and partners discussed and decided what areas most needed attention and surveying. Activities in 2022-23 will include investigations, model-building, analyses and determined efforts to find the best ways of giving Minehead greater flood protection and resilience.
