Illegal Road Blamed for Devastating Flood

A significant flood event in Attleborough, Norfolk, during Storm Babet in October 2023, which damaged around 130 homes, has been partially attributed to an illegal development. An investigation revealed that a temporary road, built without planning consent for a new housing development, obstructed a vital stream. This obstruction, combined with other factors like silted culverts and high downstream water, led to severe flooding on already saturated ground.

Paul Hunter, a resident whose home was deluged, described the devastation of losing personal belongings and the anxiety that persists whenever it rains. He emphasizes the need for a long-term, comprehensive water management strategy for Attleborough, questioning the approval process for such developments. Local authorities acknowledge the challenges, noting that over 30 agencies share responsibility for water management and flood prevention in Norfolk, often leading to a diffusion of accountability.