Housing developers in Somerset are being urged to contribute funding for the installation of permanent pumping stations to mitigate flooding risks across the county. This appeal comes from the Parrett Internal Drainage Board in response to the extensive flooding caused by Storm Chandra earlier this year.
The devastating floods in January and February reignited demands for enhanced flood defences and reassessment of water management on the Somerset Levels and Moors. The Environment Agency (EA), which allocated £5 million for emergency flood response, is currently exploring the addition of permanent pumps in the Bathpool area of Taunton, alongside a £9 million investment in upgrading existing pumping infrastructure.
Tony Bradford, vice-chair of the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and member of the Parrett Internal Drainage Board, advocates for directing funds from local housing developments—specifically through the community infrastructure levy (CIL)—toward the installation of more permanent pumps. He contends that reliance on temporary pumping solutions falls short of adequately protecting residents from recurrent flooding.
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Ross Edwards, representing the EA at the recent SRA board meeting in Bridgwater, emphasized the agency’s commitment to managing the Levels and Moors as a pump-driven system. Edwards noted, “We are open to installing additional permanent pumps, particularly at Bathpool, contingent on funding, while maintaining confidence in the community resilience provided by temporary pumps due to the varying nature of floods.”
The EA has recently upgraded pumps at Huish Episcopi and plans similar improvements at Midelney, Northmoor, and Westover pumping stations. Iain Study of the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium welcomed this investment, highlighting its importance in safeguarding these critical facilities. He also expressed interest in collaborating on exploring innovative pump operation and power options.
Bradford stressed that temporary pumps were insufficient during the recent flooding incidents, pointing out delays in their deployment cost residents dearly. He argued, “Permanent pumps that can be activated promptly would allow people peace of mind instead of facing emergency evacuations.” With severe flood events becoming more frequent, Bradford insists developers who increase local water runoff should help finance these essential flood defences through CIL contributions.
By channeling a portion of development levies toward permanent pumping infrastructure, Somerset hopes to reduce the devastating impact of future floods and protect vulnerable communities from escalating risks.