UPDATE FROM LEAD LOCAL FLOOD AUTHORITY (LCC) AND SEVERN TRENT WATER ON FLOODING – REPORT DATED 24TH SEPTEMBER 2025
Lead Local Flood Authority (LCC)
"As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), we have continued our investigation into the recent flooding events in Countesthorpe, with a focus on identifying areas requiring maintenance and opportunities for improvement to existing assets and features.
Watercourse and Culvert Inspections
• We have contacted landowners to ensure the brook running south of Mennecy Close has been inspected and is in a suitable condition. Direct engagement with several landowners has provided satisfactory evidence that the open sections of the watercourse are well-maintained beyond natural summer vegetation growth. We have reminded them that some of this growth may need managing to ensure it does not block the channel when it dies back.
• The culvert running between Mennecy Close and the outfall north of Countesthorpe has been inspected by the Highways Authority. All chambers located on Highways land were opened and assessed. While a full-length inspection of the culvert was not possible due to accessibility constraints, the sections reviewed were found to be in good working condition, with no signs of blockages or significant siltation.
Opportunities for Non-Statutory Improvements
Our investigations have identified several non-legally binding measures that could enhance flood resilience in the area:
• Field Drainage Improvements: A site inspection of upstream fields revealed opportunities to improve field drainage, which would help retain water within the channel. These recommendations have been shared with the current landowner.
• Highway Drainage Enhancements: Potential improvements to highway drainage have been identified, including the installation of small drainage channels (grips) to divert water from Mennecy Close into the brook. These proposals require further analysis, as their effectiveness is dependent on channel water levels. If the channel near the culvert entrance is already full, such measures could exacerbate flooding during peak events. We are continuing to assess these options to ensure any future interventions are both effective and appropriate.
• Culvert Capacity Constraints: It is acknowledged that the existing culvert is undersized for the scale of flooding experienced in January 2024 and January 2025. Unfortunately, upgrading the culvert is not feasible due to prohibitive costs, complex engineering requirements, and constraints posed by existing services and road levels.
Highways Maintenance
• The Highways Authority has reviewed and updated the gully inspection and cleaning schedule for the following locations: Mennecy Close, Station Road, Waterloo Crescent, Gwendoline Drive, Willoughby Road, and Cosby Road. These areas are now on the highest inspection frequency (every 10 months).
• Other areas of Countesthorpe (such as Willoughby Road, Winchester Road and Leicester Road) which were impassible during January 6th are being looked at to see what changes could be made to improve the situation. Due to the high intensity of the Jan 6th Event, it is possible to prevent highway flooding, and in some cases, flooding to the highway is preferable if that water would otherwise risk flooding to adjacent or downstream properties. Nonetheless, Countesthorpe is being considered as part of wider Highway Network improvements.
Engagement with Developers
• We have received initial communication from Davidsons Homes regarding their proposed development site. As of the date of this report, no formal planning application has been submitted. While we welcome their proactive engagement and willingness to contribute beyond statutory planning requirements, further detailed hydraulic modelling is needed to assess the effectiveness of their proposed flood mitigation measures. We have also shared our findings and recommendations regarding the field channel to support their future drainage strategy development.
Other Information.
• Please note that applications to the flood grant scheme have now been closed and we can no longer accept new applications. If there are people who already signed up but haven’t completed, they can still proceed so long as they get in touch with what they have done or propose to do by the end of the month.
• The Council is running two further Flood Drop-in Sessions that residents from Countesthorpe are welcome to attend. All RMA’s (County Council, host district councils, Environment Agency and Severn Trent) will be in attendance along with other supporting flood charities such as Flood Mary. Both events take place in early October:
o Thursday 2 October – Century Theatre, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN, 2pm - 6pm
o Thursday 9 October – Sileby Community Centre, 41 High Street, LE12 7RX, 2pm - 6pm"
From Severn Trent Water
"We have been investigating the flooding issues reported in the Mennacy Close and Willoughby Road areas, particularly following the storm events around 6th January.
Residents have confirmed that the flooding was caused by overland flow from adjacent fields, which overwhelmed the drainage systems. In response, we have held several joint meetings with the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Highways to assess the situation and explore collaborative solutions.
Following the January storm, we carried out CCTV surveys of our assets to ensure they were free-flowing and not obstructed by debris. We also attended multiple flood drop-in sessions, where we engaged directly with affected residents. These discussions consistently highlighted overland flow as the primary cause of flooding.
As this issue originates from outside our network, our ability to intervene is limited. However, we remain committed to working in partnership with the LLFA and other stakeholders to support
One of the key concerns raised is the future development of the land currently contributing to the flooding. The LLFA has advised that the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) as part of the development plans should help alleviate the existing issues.
At present, there are no outstanding actions for either address, but we will continue our joint working with the LLFA and Highways and provide support where needed.
Additionally, we recently investigated an odour complaint from Willoughby Road. This was traced to a private sewage pumping station and is not connected to our assets.
I hope this answers questions for the Parish Council. Our new flooding liaison officers will be coming online in November and they will be looking to take ownership and build relationships with councils and residents who are suffering from flooding, even if the cause may not be a STW asset."