New safety measures planned as Devon flooding crisis deepens each winter

Concerns around flooding at Little Bovey have been raised again after councillors heard that the area continues to face regular and worsening problems during the winter months. 

The issue was discussed at a recent Town Council meeting, with further details shared to The Moorlander in an interview with County Councillor Sally Morgan this afternoon (17 November).

Cllr Morgan told The Moorlander the flooding problem is “not new” and has been “going on for a very, very long time”, but warned that climate change is now making the situation harder to manage. 

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She said recent winters have brought more severe and longer-lasting conditions, adding that “last winter went on longer than before, it lasted weeks, and therefore people were cut off for weeks.”

The area is classed as Flood Zone 3, meaning it has a high risk of flooding, and according to Cllr Morgan, this level of risk would likely prevent planning permission for new development on the site today. 

She said the situation is particularly difficult because Little Bovey sits on a natural flood plain and is also affected by tidal conditions, which can push water back upstream.

Although nearby homes are currently safe, the road through Little Bovey floods every winter. 

Cllr Morgan said this affects day-to-day life for local families: “People can’t get through to get to the school bus,” she explained. “It’s extremely difficult to manage.”

The Town Council heard that the Environment Agency has visited the site, but major engineering work is unlikely: “They came out, but there’s not a huge deal we can do,” Cllr Morgan said. 

However, some work downstream may help ease water flow, and landowners are involved in discussions. “We can clear further downstream with input from landowners,” she said.

Cllr Morgan said she had met with a highways engineer this morning (17 November) and confirmed that new height-gauge signs will be installed “as soon as possible before winter sets in” to warn drivers of flood depth. 

ABOVE: Roadside flood gauges, like this one in Herefordshire, are looking to be introduced (Credit: Jaggery)

She said the aim is to stop people “being tempted to take risks.”

Flood-prevention work is also taking place on Dartmoor through the Headwaters Project, which focuses on slowing water at its source, particularly during heavy rainfall. 

“Climate change has worsened incidents with large amounts of rain,” she said.

Despite ongoing efforts, Cllr Morgan was clear that no long-term fix is likely. “We can’t stop the floods,” she said. “What we can do is help the water flow more easily and put in safety measures.”

She added that residents know the area well and understand when conditions are dangerous, but the Council hopes improved signage will support people travelling through the area, especially visitors and school traffic.

The council expects to continue discussions with the Environment Agency and highways teams as winter approaches.