Action Plan Agreed Following Denton Floods

An action plan has been agreed to ease the affect of flooding on residents and businesses in the Denton area of Newhaven.

The plan comes after residents expressed frustration due to, what they said, was a 'lack of desire' to find a solution.

It is widely believed that Denton Mews, a new development completed three years ago, has been the main cause of floods, necessitating a road closure and causing eight properties to flood every year. 

At the end of February, Newhaven North and Denton Cllr Sean Macleod said:

“Residents have understandably reached boiling point; three years on the spin now this flooding has happened and its been three years since the new housing development was built, it is clear that this development should never have been built and anyone that lived here will have told you that. This is one of them classic situations where the town council and local residents have been ignored and are now saying we told you this would happen.

"East Sussex County Council also need to think about how this has passed its SUDS assessment.

"As a Councillor I am really angry as this just cant continue to happen and I really want to see some desire to find a long term solution to what is becoming a regular problem.”

Following residents' frustrations, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Highways, Lewes District Council, Southern Water and the Environment Agency, issued a statement yesterday, explaining the next steps to be taken:

Multi-agency statement on ground water flooding in Denton

Significant rainfall on already saturated ground and high ground water levels overwhelmed drainage and sewage systems affecting roads and pavements, as well as some properties.

Following their initial emergency response, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Highways, Lewes District Council, Southern Water and the Environment Agency met to discuss the next steps and longer-term measures.

As part of the clean-up operation, Southern Water has now cleansed the affected roads and pavements.

Sandbags no longer in use have been removed and will be moved into storage at a nearby location.

The closure of Denton Road will be reduced to just the section of road nearest to the Southern Water pumping station. Tankers being used at the location will be repositioned to enable some traffic to pass. Parking restrictions will be put in place to make this possible.

Pumping will continue and the number of tankers will be reduced until the pumping station reaches manageable water levels.

A working group will be formed to look into the factors contributing to groundwater flooding in the area and develop a plan of how risks can be mitigated in the future.  Interventions could include an early warning system and improvements to infrastructure.

The agencies know the devastation floodwater can cause and extended their thanks to emergency services and members of the local community, including the Havens Community Hub and local businesses, for the supportive role they have played over recent days.

Anyone concerned about the wellbeing of a friend or neighbour in the area is encouraged to contact East Sussex County Council Adult Social Care or Children’s services.