Partnership approach to explore ways to alleviate flood risk to town and homes

Shropshire Council, through the Marches Forward Partnership (MFP), is working with partners to explore a new scheme in Gobowen to reduce flooding, protect major infrastructure and help unlock new housing.

The work brings together the infrastructure provider, the local community and the developer behind a proposed 250-home site through the Marches Forward Partnership, which is supporting and co-ordinating discussions.

The option being developed would create new areas to hold back water during heavy rain on land linked to the development site. Early estimates suggest the scheme could provide around 50,000 cubic metres of storage to slow the flow of water and reduce flood risk.

Partners are looking at how costs could be shared, with possible funding from the private sector and Government schemes, where the work also supports wider drainage improvements.

It is anticipated the partnership approach will:

• Help protect the town’s infrastructure
• Reduce the risk of flooding for residents by addressing how water flows across the wider area.
• Support plans for new homes by putting a flood solution in place alongside development.
• Bring partners together to agree one plan, rather than separate projects that may cost more overall.

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-

“We know how worrying flooding can be for residents, and we also know how important the railway line is for Gobowen and the wider area. This work is about bringing partners together to look at a practical solution that reduces flood risk and supports the right development in the right way.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but by exploring a shared scheme we can look at the best use of funding, make sure the right evidence is in place, and keep communities informed as plans develop.”

Speaking on behalf of the Marches Forward Partnership, Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council deputy leader and Cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“Gobowen is a good example of where a joined-up approach can make a real difference. By bringing the key organisations around the table early, we can help partners test options, understand costs and funding routes, and focus on what will deliver the best outcomes for residents and for critical infrastructure.”

About the MFP: The Marches Forward Partnership includes councils from Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire, working together to unlock investment and deliver transformational change across the England-Wales border.