Concerns over Taunton Town Centre flooding risks

Following recent approval of the Core Strategy – the Council's strategic document regarding planning matters within Taunton Deane - Cllr Ian Morrell is concerned not enough is being undertaken by the Council in order to mitigate flooding issues.

In light of recent high water levels, Cllr Morrell's concerns follow recent disclosure at a meeting between the Environment Agency, Taunton Deane Borough Council officials and JBA (flood risk assessment consultants), that updated flood risk modelling puts certain town centre areas at greater risk than previously thought. However, the detail and scale of the issue has not been made public – or detailed to the wider elected Council.

The areas identified at risk include that along the River Tone – namely Tangier and Firepool.

Commenting on this matter, Cllr Morrell says:

"Despite recent flood mitigation works at Longrun, new risks have been identified by the Environment Agency and Taunton Deane Borough Council through their consultants JBA".

"Following recent rains which broke the banks of the River Tone, I, like any local resident, am concerned that not enough urgency has been placed on work to ensure the town centre is removed from risk of flooding".

"It is appropriate for the Council and Environment Agency to disclose their consultant's new research findings and, where necessary, instigate a costed infrastructure mitigation strategy".