12/11/2025 - Permalink

Cabinet asked to back emerging plans and progress Severn Valley Water Management Scheme

Related topics: Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet is being asked to back the next big step for the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) – a project that’s already secured £10 million of Government funding to help tackle flooding, water shortages, and land pressures across the upper Severn catchment.

Recent modelling for the SVWMS shows that, during extreme wet weather, the area could need to manage over 100 million cubic metres of flood water, which is enough to supply the daily needs of half a million people for nearly four years.

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said:-

“This staggering figure highlights the scale of the challenge and the importance of finding solutions that work for everyone.

“The SVWMS if offering a chance to reduce flood risk, boost farming, improve water supply, and create new opportunities for recreation and local business.”

Independent analysis commissioned by the SVWMS also suggests that a single major flood event in the Shropshire and Powys catchment area could result in substantial risk to infrastructure, businesses and the local community, with socio-economic damages ranging between £111 million to £125 if it happened next year, rising to as much as £231 million by 2050 as climate risks intensify.

Councillor Vasmer added:-

“This is a real opportunity for Shropshire and Powys to work together and make a difference for our communities.”

“Cabinet’s support will help make sure local voices are heard and that the SVWMS is able to develop a water management strategy that delivers real benefits for our communities across the board.

At its meeting on November 19 Shropshire Council Cabinet is being asked to:

  • Confirm the Council’s commitment as a key partner on the SVWMS Joint Project Board, making sure local communities in Shropshire and Powys get the most out of this scheme.
  • Give the green light to a new round of public and stakeholder consultation, so everyone – residents, landowners, businesses, and local organisations – can have their say on the emerging plans.
  • Allow officers to continue working closely with partners through the Marches Forward Partnership to make sure cross-border collaboration stays strong

Shropshire Council Cabinet meets at 10.30am on Wednesday November 19.

About SVWMS: The SVWMS, is a partnership between the EA, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council with the intention to tackle flooding, support thriving communities and create resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management.

People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.