Managing flood risk across the city – have your say

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to help shape a new strategy that will guide how flood risks are managed across Brighton & Hove in the years ahead.

We’re launching a public consultation on our updated Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, setting out proposed priorities and actions to help protect homes, businesses, infrastructure and communities from flooding. 

This summer’s heatwaves and drought conditions have again highlighted the need for us to plan ahead for more frequent extreme weather conditions, including intense rainfall and flooding.

The strategy takes a holistic, community led approach to managing flood risk, recognising that effective action is needed across the city by the council and our partners to respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change. 

Why it matters

More than 46,000 people in Brighton & Hove live in areas that could be affected by surface water flooding. 

Flooding can have a devastating impact on people's homes, businesses, transport networks, public spaces and essential services.

While Brighton & Hove faces a range of flood risks, surface water flooding from heavy rainfall is the most significant local threat. The city is also vulnerable to groundwater, sewer and coastal flooding in some areas. 

The strategy outlines how the council will work with residents, businesses, Southern Water, developers, community groups and other partners to better understand flood risks and take coordinated action to reduce their impact. 

It also recognises that managing flood risk requires a joined-up approach across entire neighbourhoods rather than addressing individual issues in isolation.

Protecting our city

Our strategy includes plans to:

• Improve drainage systems and ensure they’re regularly maintained
• Build or improve flood protection schemes.
• Encourage new developments to include sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
• Create more nature-based solutions such as ponds, rain gardens and tree planting to help absorb rainwater and replenish natural water resources
• Support communities to become better prepared for flooding.
• Work with organisations such as the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

Have your say

The consultation gives residents an opportunity to review the draft strategy and share their views before it is finalised.

Feedback received during the consultation will help shape the final document and ensure the strategy reflects the needs and experiences of communities across Brighton & Hove.

The council is encouraging anyone with an interest in flood protection, climate resilience and protecting local neighbourhoods to take part.

The consultation closes on Sunday 27 September.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: "Flooding can have a devastating impact on homes, businesses and communities, which is why it's so important that we have a clear plan for managing these risks in the future.

"As climate change continues to increase the likelihood of severe weather events, we need to make sure Brighton & Hove is as resilient as possible.

“A key ambition is for Brighton & Hove to become a ‘sponge city’, using green spaces, rain gardens, sustainable drainage systems and the city’s chalk aquifer to absorb and slow the flow of rainwater. 

“By working with nature and taking a holistic approach to manage water, we can help reduce flood risk, tackle persistent problems and support wildlife to make the city more resilient to climate change.

"We're keen to hear from residents, businesses and community organisations as we develop this strategy. Their feedback will help ensure we focus on the issues that matter most to local people and take the right steps to protect our city for future generations."

Next steps

Following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed and used to inform the final version of the strategy before it is adopted.

The strategy will help guide future investment, partnership working and funding opportunities, ensuring Brighton & Hove is better prepared for flooding and more resilient to the impacts of climate change.