Flooding in the area could cause £125 million each time

A major cross-border project aimed at tackling flooding along the Severn Valley around Newtown, Caersws and Welshpool will take a step forward next week as Powys County Council’s Cabinet considers its next phase.

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS), which has already secured £10 million of UK Government funding, is designed to address growing concerns over flooding, water shortages and land pressures across the upper Severn catchment.

New modelling released as part of the project shows that, during periods of extreme rainfall, the area may need to manage more than 100 million cubic metres of flood water. The scale highlights why communities along the Severn, where repeated flooding has disrupted homes, farms and transport routes, remain a priority.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said the figures underline the seriousness of the challenge.

“This staggering figure highlights the scale of the challenge and the importance of finding solutions that work for everyone,” he said. “The SVWMS is offering a chance to reduce flood risk, boost farming, improve water supply, and create new opportunities for biodiversity gain, recreation and local business.”

Independent analysis commissioned for the scheme warns that a major flood in the upper Severn area could cause between £111 million and £125 million in damage if it occurred next year, rising to £231 million by 2050 as climate risks increase.

Powys County Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday, 18 November, where members will be asked to reaffirm the council’s role as a key partner on the SVWMS Joint Project Board. They will also be asked to approve a new round of public and stakeholder consultation, allowing residents, landowners, businesses and organisations to comment on emerging proposals. Officers are expected to continue working closely with partners through the Marches Forward Partnership to maintain strong cross-border collaboration.

The SVWMS is led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, and is funded by Defra. The project aims to create a long-term, holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could be used as a model for future schemes elsewhere in the UK.