Devon council backs flood ‘action plan’ after storms hit rural communities

A new flood action plan has been approved after winter storms caused flooding to homes across Devon.

Members of Devon County Council’s cabinet backed a Flood Risk Management Action Plan for 2026/27 which will see more than £2.7 million invested in flood prevention and resilience work.

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The decision follows a year in which dozens of homes across the county were flooded during severe weather. 

Around 80 properties were affected during storms in January and December 2025, with more than 180 homes reported flooded following Storm Chandra earlier this year.

Several communities across Devon were affected, highlighting concerns about the impact of increasingly intense rainfall.

The county council acts as Devon’s Lead Local Flood Authority and is responsible for investigating flooding incidents and helping coordinate prevention work.

Under the new plan, the £2.7 million budget for 2026/27 includes £1.1 million for flood investigations, planning advice, watercourse regulation and emergency response.

A further £465,000 will be used for flood improvement schemes across the county, alongside more than £1.1 million in external funding from national grants and local levy contributions.

Projects and studies are planned in several locations including Exeter, Exmouth, Totnes, Cullompton, Barnstaple, Kenton, Tavistock and Westward Ho!.

The council said flooding incidents in 2025 were spread across multiple areas, but three major storm events triggered formal flood investigations. 

In early 2026 more than 50 locations have already been affected by flooding, meaning another investigation report will be produced.

The plan also highlights the growing risk of surface water flooding linked to climate change, affecting both towns and rural communities.

As part of the work, the council will continue investing in Property Flood Resilience schemes. 

These provide measures such as flood doors and barriers for homes considered most at risk.

Over the past year, 20 properties have already received protection, including homes in Exeter and South Pool, with further schemes planned.

Natural flood management projects will also continue, including measures such as leaky dams, wetlands and soil improvements designed to slow water upstream and reduce flood peaks.

Community preparedness will remain a focus, with support for flood wardens, emergency planning and flood warning tools.

Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said:

“The flooding we experienced this winter showed just how vulnerable many communities already are and we face increased risk of devastating storms.

“This Action Plan is about learning from those events and investing in practical measures that reduce risk, protect homes and help communities become more resilient as our climate continues to change.”

She added:

“The Action Plan builds on Devon’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and will remain flexible, allowing priorities to be reviewed if further flooding occurs.”

Residents can find advice and information about flooding and resilience measures on the county council’s flood risk management webpages.