Action plan approved after winter flooding hits Devon homes

An action plan to help safeguard communities from flooding has been approved by Devon County Councils cabinet.

The Flood Risk Management Action Plan for 2026/27, commits more than £2.7 million to help protect communities and follows a winter in which dozens of homes across the county were flooded.

The decision comes after a year that saw 80 properties in Devon reported being flooded during severe winter storms in January and December of 2025 and more recently this year with over 180 properties following Storm Chandra

Many communities across Devon were affected which highlighted the growing impact of intense rainfall linked to climate change.

The approved Action Plan sets out how the County Council, as Devon’s Lead Local Flood Authority, will invest in flood prevention, resilience and investigations over the next financial year.

The total £2.7 million flood risk management budget for 2026/27 includes:

• £1.1 million in revenue funding to resource flood investigations, planning advice, watercourse regulation and emergency response
• £465,000 in capital funding for flood improvement schemes across Devon
• More than £1.1 million in external funding, including Defra grants and Local Levy contributions

Funding will support projects and studies in Exeter, Exmouth, Totnes, Cullompton, Kenton, alongside county‑wide work on drainage maintenance, water quality and community preparedness.

While flooding during 2025 was often scattered across multiple locations, three major storm events triggered formal flood investigations, including winter storms that caused internal flooding to homes in several parts of Devon. Similarly at the beginning of 2026 over 50 different locations have been affected and a further Flood Investigation Report will need to be produced

The Action Plan recognises that climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall, making surface water flooding an increasing risk in both towns and rural communities. It also acknowledges that some flood schemes, subject to securing funding, can take years to design and deliver, meaning the Council will continue to pursue faster, targeted measures where possible.

A central part of the plan is continued investment in Property Flood Resilience (PFR), which provides tailored protection such as flood doors and barriers for homes most at risk. Over the past year, 20 homes have already been protected, including properties in Exeter and South Pool, with further schemes progressing in rural areas.

The plan also builds on Devon’s work in Natural Flood Management, using measures such as leaky dams, wetlands and soil improvements to slow water upstream, reduce flood peaks and deliver wider environmental benefits.

Community resilience remains a key focus, with continued support for flood wardens, emergency planning and digital flood warning tools to help residents prepare for and respond to flood events.