Purpose

Dorset experienced several intense rainfall events through January 2026, culminating in Storm Chandra (26-27 January 2026) which delivered exceptionally heavy rain onto already saturated catchments, causing widespread flooding. As a result of the flooding impacts, Dorset Council committed £5m toward flood resilience in February 2026. This report details the approach to deliver four linked workstreams and seeks Cabinet support to undertake the necessary activities involved.

Decision

(a)    That the approach to the flooding investigations set out in the report of 19 May 2026, including the use of Strategic Flood Investigations and Community Flood Reviews in accordance with the proposed framework, be approved.

(b)    That the areas for flooding investigations (at set out in Appendix A of the report), be approved, comprising:

a.      A Dorset-wide strategic overview report that looks at flooding issues in Dorset’s three main river catchment areas.

b.      Strategic/Detailed Flood Investigations in accordance with the proposed criteria described in this report.

c.      Community Flood Reviews where a Section 19 investigation is otherwise considered appropriate. 

(c)    That a capital budget of £5 million be allocated for flooding resilience measures, including but not limited to addressing the outcomes of Section 19 investigations; and

(d)    Authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place Services and the Section 151 Officer, to authorise expenditure from that capital budget, with any individual scheme with a value exceeding £500,000 to be reported to Cabinet for specific approval.

Reason for the decision

To fulfil Dorset Council’s statutory duty to investigate significant flooding while providing clear, localised guidance, coordinating partner action across catchments and highways, and targeting evidence‑based investment to strengthen flood resilience and secure additional funding.