Devon Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The draft document, produced by Devon County Council and partner authorities, outlines how the risk of flooding to property and infrastructure will be managed and reduced over the next six years, from 2021-2027. 

The strategy looks at how plans for flood alleviation schemes can be developed and how communities can increase their resilience against flooding and the impact of climate change.  

Through partnership working and community engagement, investment is prioritised to target high-risk communities. Natural and sustainable flood management measures will be promoted, where appropriate, in all flood investigations and improvement projects, to reduce the scale, or need, of hard engineering solutions.  

Part 2 of the strategy prioritises areas and communities to be considered for investment in flood alleviation works. Although priorities are subject to change, it currently includes:

• Exeter
• Kingsbridge
• Tiverton
• Dawlish
• Teignmouth
• Exmouth
• Newton Abbot
• Seaton
• Kingsteignton
• Totnes
• Bideford
• Ilfracombe
• Budleigh Salterton
• Sidmouth
• Crediton
• Okehampton

Industry professionals, town and parish councils and members of the public are all invited to have their say before the consultation closes on Thursday 15 October.

As Lead Local Flood Authority, Devon County Council developed its first strategy in 2014, covering up to 2020. 

Devon’s latest strategy has been produced in line with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. It also links in with the Flood Risk Management Plans and River Basin Management Plans for the region delivered by The Environment Agency and will help bring together funding for the investment programme over the next six years. 

The draft document also details the responsibilities of the risk management authorities in Devon and how they must work in partnership to coordinate local flood risk management.  

Consultation documents

• Devon Local Flood Risk Management Strategy: Consultation Document (We recommend viewing in Adobe Reader for compatibility)
• Devon Local Flood Risk Management Strategy: Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report
• Devon Local Flood Risk Management Strategy: Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report

We take accessibility seriously and recognise that some of the information presented in the files available on this page may not be fully accessible to someone using assistive technology such as a screen reader. If you need guidance or an alternative format, email floodrisk@devon.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use

Get involved

We welcome your views on Devon’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. Please provide your comments by completing the online consultation form or alternatively, send your comments to floodrisk@devon.gov.uk.