Homes and businesses in flood-prone areas of Stockport among those set to benefit from £5.2 billion investment in flood defence projects over the next six years.
The UK government has outlined a £5.2 billion investment, with more than £860 million to be spent on design and construction of over 1,000 Environment Agency schemes in 2021-22.
In Stockport, which has experienced severe localised flooding in recent years, funding will support flood defence projects in Cheadle, Poynton, Romiley and Offerton. An interactive map detailing the location of these schemes has been published by the Environment Agency.?
The announcement also follows unprecedented flooding earlier this summer in Germany and Belgium.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
The tragic recent events in Germany and Belgium serve as a sobering reminder of how devastating flooding can be.
“We are standing by communities and will bolster defences against flooding across England with many thousands more properties better protected by 2027.
“It’s important we take action right across the system. Our comprehensive plan will achieve this by tightening planning procedures, helping more people access insurance and making homes more resilient to the effects of flooding.”
2021/22 will see record government investment in flood defences, with the North-west receiving an additional £53 million.
Government has also planned new guidance for local planning authorities to strengthen rules to prevent unnecessary construction on areas most at risk of flooding: last year 866 new homes were granted planning permission despite Environment Agency advice.