A series of planning applications for flood defence measures submitted by local households in Shepton Mallet have recently been approved by Somerset Council.

The move comes in the wake of severe flooding that hit the town during the winter, particularly during Storm Henk on January 4th, which caused widespread disruption and damage.

Among the approved applications are several for properties in the historic Leg Square area and along Wells Road, which were significantly affected by the flooding. These approvals will allow homeowners to install critical flood resilience measures to protect their properties from future incidents.

The approved planning applications include:

• 6 Leg Square, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5LL) – Application 2023/1960/LBC: Property Flood Resilience works including the installation of demountable flood barriers and associated fixings, such as hardwood packers and aluminium C channels.
• The Old Surgery, Leg Square, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5LL) – Application 2023/1961/LBC: Similar flood resilience works to those at 6 Leg Square, involving demountable flood barriers and necessary fixings.
• Weirside Cottage, Wells Road, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5JQ) – Application 2023/1957/LBC: Installation of demountable flood barriers and associated structural fixings to enhance the property's flood resilience.
• 5 Leg Square, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5LL) – Application 2023/1958/LBC: Approval for property flood resilience works including demountable flood barriers and associated fixings.
• The Hollies, Leg Square, Shepton Mallet (BA4 5LH)** – Application 2023/1959/LBC: Similar works approved for installing flood barriers and necessary structural support.

The flooding caused by Storm Henk earlier this year brought significant challenges to Shepton Mallet, with areas like Longbridge Road, Leg Square and Wells Road particularly hard-hit. Emergency services were called to multiple locations across the town, including the rescue of a vehicle trapped in floodwater and efforts to reduce water levels in flooded properties using mini ejector pumps.

The town's infrastructure was also impacted, with Bowlish School forced to close due to extensive flood damage, and residential areas like Berrymans Close experiencing severe flooding that inundated homes with up to three feet of water.

In response to the flooding, affected residents have taken proactive steps to protect their properties by installing flood defence measures. The approved applications for demountable flood barriers and other resilience works are part of broader efforts to safeguard homes in flood-prone areas of Shepton Mallet.

As the town continues to recover from the winter's events, these new defences will help mitigate the impact of future floods, providing much-needed security and peace of mind to local residents.