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Devastating floods that will leave more homes wrecked and uninsurable are a growing threat in Yorkshire, a report warns today.
Civil engineering experts say climate change, the regeneration of Yorkshire waterfronts and more building on flood plains could mean dire consequences for 250,000 "flood risk" properties in the region.The State of the Nation report is calling for increased investment in flood-risk management and is being seen as a wake-up call to thousands of homeowners who may not be aware their property is at risk.
About a quarter of a million properties around the Humber estuary and in Doncaster, Selby, Leeds and Bradford are in "flood risk" areas but thousands have still not signed up for a free warning system.
Regeneration activities on the waterfronts of major centres including Wakefield, Huddersfield and Bradford have the potential to increase significantly the number of properties at risk.
ICE regional spokesman David Tattersall said: "The effects of climate change on parts of our region are increasingly apparent, especially in the numbers of homes and businesses at risk from serious flooding.
"Although warning systems have been developed and we welcome the opening earlier this year of the Environment Agency's state-of-the-art forecasting centre in Leeds, we believe it is a mistake to cut spending on flood management."
ICE, with 4,000 members in the region, is advising home-owners this week to register with the Environment Agency's free floodline service on 0845 988 1188 if they live in high risk areas – 19,000 people have signed up so far.
The report singles out Bradford Council for its long-term planning and strategy for reducing the severity of future flooding.
Council-backed research has shown a 20 per cent rise in the amount of impermeable surfaces in the city, from patios to car parks, all of which make urban flooding, even in hilly areas, more likely.
The authority has been looking at how minor changes to roads can prevent flood waters entering homes and businesses.
Principal drainage engineer at Bradford Council Tony Poole said flooding – and recent cuts in spending – would have far reaching consequences.
Mr Poole said: "If the under-funding continues, one day it will have a catastrophic impact on people's properties, risking lives and hit the values of people's properties."
Last night the Environment Agency in Yorkshire – which has been asked to make cuts of more than £1m this year – admitted it needed more money.
Regional flood risk manager Mark Tinnion said: "The Government has a good track record in managing flood risk. However, the need to provide satisfactory flood protection to the community, maintain existing flood defences, and the increasing vulnerability of communities on the east and south coasts...mean we want to see maintained and increased funding in the next years