Tadcaster Floods: 10 Years On, Defences Still Delayed

A decade after the devastating Christmas floods of 2015, the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster is expressing urgent frustration over the continued delays in crucial flood defence works. The community remains deeply affected by the destruction of the town's historic 18th-century bridge, a Grade II listed structure that collapsed on December 29, 2015, splitting the town in two. It took until February 2017 for the bridge to be fully reopened, a stark reminder of the town's vulnerability.

Businesses that suffered in the 2015 event and again in 2022 are calling for immediate construction, with one owner stating, "We need spades in the ground." The Environment Agency submitted a planning application for a multimillion-pound flood defence scheme in late 2024, but further review time was requested last autumn due to concerns raised during the planning process. This delay is particularly impactful for businesses unable to secure affordable flood insurance, with one owner facing an unworkable £75,000 excess.

Concerns are mounting as recent wet weather exacerbates anxieties, with residents questioning the prolonged wait for essential defences. The government acknowledges investing significantly in flood defences across England, aiming to protect hundreds of thousands of properties by 2036. However, expanding schemes like Flood Re to cover businesses could lead to increased costs for consumers. The Environment Agency maintains its commitment to delivering a robust scheme, emphasizing the need to address planning concerns to ensure the project's success.