Isle of Wight flood report after hundreds of homes affected

At least 317 properties were affected by the unprecedented rainfall during Storm Babet and Ciaran in October and November, leading the Isle of Wight Council to commission independent investigations into the causes and contributing factors.

The findings, known as ‘Section 19 flood investigation reports', include information gathered from those directly impacted, as well as input from private bodies with flood management responsibilities.

The reports focus on Newport, East Cowes and Ryde, with additional investigations for Brading and Binstead set for release next month and a Cowes report later this year.

Read more: 

• Anger over "preventable" Binstead floods as residents flee homes AGAIN
• "It's horrendous and quite shocking" say flood-hit Cowes businesses
• Could hope be on the horizon for village flood victims?

Businesses hit by flooding in Cowes (Image: IWCP)

Flood recommendations for Newport

Newport saw at least 56 properties flooded, with Gunville particularly hit hard.

The report for the town puts forward eight key recommendations, including the development of a Community Flood Plan and investigations into Sustainable Drainage Systems to manage stormwater.

Other measures include a review of flood maps, enhanced monitoring and investigations into the condition of culverts under Arthur Moody Drive and the watercourse at Ash Lake.

• Read more: Angry flooded residents tell council 'You show no remorse!'

Flooding on Broadwood Lane in Gunville (Image: IWCP)

Flood actions for East Cowes

In East Cowes, seven recommendations have been proposed, including the establishment of a flood action group and the creation of a Community Flood Plan.

The report also calls for improvements to tidal outfalls and surface water drainage capacity, particularly at Church Path, as well as enhanced gully and highway drainage maintenance.

Read more:

• A look back at East Cowes flooding in the 1980s PHOTOS
• Were the water pumps switched on during East Cowes flooding?

Castle Street underwater in East Cowes (Image: IWCP)

Ryde and the Monktonmead recommendations

The latest Monktonmead report builds on findings from a previous flood investigation in 2021.

Ryde experienced severe flooding in 2023, with 107 properties affected by Storm Babet.

The report highlights property flood resilience, surface water management, and ongoing efforts by the Environment Agency to review the Monktonmead Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Read more:

• "We want someone to pay" say angry Ryde residents after "nightmare" floods
• "Staff have lost hours and we've lost trade... someone needs to take responsibility"
•  
• Ryde residents "fed up" of flooded gardens as developer and Island Roads disagree

Flooding on Monkton Street in Ryde (Image: Matthew Chatfield)

The council look to "mitigate the risk of similar flooding" in the future

Looking ahead, the IW Council will assess the feasibility of implementing the recommendations, considering the cost and resources required.

Some actions will require the council to work closely with key stakeholders and landowners, including Island Roads, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

Read more: 

• Fire service defends its flood response after attending just three 999 calls
• Volunteers with shovels make up hundreds of sandbags for flood-stricken Islanders

Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, said: "It was essential that we took action to properly look into the causes and impacts of the flooding that occurred last year.

“Many residents were adversely affected, and much distress and damage to properties resulted.

"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this work, as their input has proved invaluable.

"We now look to take forward potential options to take preventative steps and mitigate the risk of similar flooding occurring in the future.

"I would also like to thank residents for their patience while these reports have been prepared."

The full reports are now available to read on the council website.