MK City Council announces further investment in flood defence programmes in city

Milton Keynes City Council have announced plans to invest more than £3 million in flood prevention work in Lavendon and Woughton.

The investment program intends to help to better protect local homes from flooding in the future, as per a formal decision made on 3 November.

MK City Council said they will now seek to find contractors for two flood prevention projects worth a combined £3.08 million, paid for in part by city council funding and by Government grants and other contributions the city council has successfully secured.

Interventions are expected to include channels which divert flood water away from homes in heavy storms, and methods to slow down and hold water before it can be released into drains and soil in a measured way.

Many residents in Lavendon and Woughton have experienced the impact of flooding first-hand. The new projects will better protect hundreds of households from flooding, giving residents greater reassurance and helping to keep homes, roads and local facilities safer during periods of extreme rain.

Subject to approval, contracts for the work are expected to be awarded in January 2027 with both schemes due to be delivered by the end of 2028.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, said, “Flooding can have a devastating impact on residents, businesses and communities. These schemes represent a significant investment in protecting local people and helping our neighbourhoods become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

By securing substantial external funding and making our own investment, we’re able to deliver long-term solutions that will help reduce the risk of flooding and provide greater peace of mind for residents in Lavendon and Woughton.”

As the Lead Local Flood Authority, Milton Keynes City Council investigates significant flooding incidents and manages local flood risk. These schemes have been identified as a priority and form part of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme, as well as the city council’s commitment in the Council Plan to mitigate the impact of climate change and invest in flood prevention schemes.