By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Work on a major flood defence scheme which could protect over 130 Nottinghamshire homes could start within months after formal plans were put forward.
The Environment Agency has put the proposals together for Lowdham after decades of flooding affected households and businesses.
The plans have been lodged with Newark and Sherwood District Council, where officers have already recommended they are approved. A committee of councillors must now meet to decide on a final go-ahead.
If passed, the works are expected to be complete by autumn 2024.
Eight letters of objection were received relating to the loss of trees in the plans and 24 letters of support were received.
The proposals also include cameras to monitor water flow into the reservoir.
The proposed development site will cover 21.8 hectares of land in Hunters Hill Farm, Lambley Road.
The Cocker Beck, which flows into the River Trent, is known as the main cause of flooding in Lowdham on “six notable occasions within recent history” from 1999 to 2020.
Cllr Roger Jackson (Con), who represents the area for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The development has tripled in cost since it first started. It is eye-watering figures we’re talking about here.
“In 2019, 94 houses in Lowdham got water inside and had to have work done.
“The villages of Lowdham are very supportive of this.
“It will be an expensive project but it will save up to 100 properties from the risk of flooding in the future.
“Some of these homes have been flooded 10 times in the last 25 years. It is something that is greatly needed.”
Chairman Cllr Roger Blaney (Con) said: “It’s three months away from the 10th anniversary of the July 2013 floods in Southwell and Lowdham.
“I have never seen anything like the floods that night, it was horrific.
“I’m delighted to see this scheme come forward.”
Documents with the plans said: “In recent years the village of Lowdham has seen repeated property flooding occurring in 1999, 2007, 2013, 2019 and in 2020.
“Lowdham is a frequently flooded community where some residents and local business have been unable to recover between flood incidents. Repeated flooding in Lowdham has led to an overall lower quality of life for residents and business owners.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council will meet to consider the plans at a date yet to be determined.
