NEWS  RHIWCYNON

NRW takes action over flooding in Bettws

An increased flood risk in Bettws Cedewain has been successfully averted after enforcement action was taken against unpermitted riverbank construction work.

8 months ago   2 minutes read    1,434 views

The image for NRW takes action over flooding in Bettws
 
Share            Listen to the story

An increased flood risk in Bettws Cedewain has been successfully averted after enforcement action was taken against unpermitted riverbank construction work.

Property owners in Bettws Cedewain had begun construction to extend their garden by building a wall along the Bechan Brook, which borders their property. The planned structure encroached into the river channel, which could have displaced water during floods and periods of high river flow, potentially increasing the risk of flooding for neighbouring properties.


  Other Trending Stories

    After the unpermitted work was reported to Natural Resouces Wales (NRW), officers acted swiftly, issuing an immediate stop notice. This enforcement action was crucial, as the area has a known history of flooding. An investigation was launched, and it was found that the construction posed a serious risk of exacerbating flood conditions in the area.

    Following the investigation, NRW instructed the removal of a layer of blocks that had already been set, dismantle hard engineering elements, and restore the riverbank to its original slope. The owners complied with these requirements, avoiding further enforcement action.

    The timing of NRW’s action proved critical. After the construction was halted and the remedial work was carried out, the area experienced flooding. Fortunately, no increased flooding occurred downstream. If the original design had been built, it could have potentially worsened flood conditions for others in the village.

    Keith Ivens, NRW Operations Manager, Flood and Water Management, said:

    “This is a clear example of how unauthorised construction on riverbanks has the potential to increase flood risks for other people in the community. In this case, our quick enforcement action prevented the increased risk.

     “We urge all riverside property owners to ensure they have the right permissions before starting any construction in or near a watercourse. Doing so makes sure that you have the right advice when planning the work, and makes sure that you are not breaking the law.”

    Any work near a river that affects water flow requires a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP).

    If the river is classified as a ‘main river’, the permit must be obtained from NRW. For other watercourses, the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority handles permits. Gaining this permission is vital, as it ensures that authorities can provide guidance on what work is safe and acceptable to avoid increasing flood risks.

    In this instance, the property owners incurred additional costs in removing the work already completed and modifying their original plan.

    You've viewed 1 stories so far!

    All About Newtown is an independent not-for-profit online news and information service for the town of Newtown in Mid Wales. We provide ad-free content, so rely on reader subscriptions and donations to run.

      Donate via PayPal

    Related or similar stories based on this one

    Image for the article Surrounding roads flooded
    Surrounding roads flooded

    1 year ago

    Image for the article Wales not on course to hit key target
    Wales not on course to hit key target

    8 months ago

    Image for the article Long term plans for flood hit Severn communities
    Long term plans for flood hit Severn communities

    1 year ago

    Business of the Week
    The Sportsman

    Severn Street

    Follow us

    Connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Google News

         

    Trending
    Donate to us

    We're a not-for-profit community interest company and have no corporate owners. We'd appreciate anything you can give to keep us providing free content.

      Donate via PayPal
    Upcoming Events
    The Weave

    07/06/25 07:30pm

    Aled Jones

    20/06/25 08:00pm

    Newtown Outdoor Festival

    28/06/25 10:00am

    Latest Stories
    Reform councillors question allowance increase

    1 week ago

    Senedd rejects Conservative calls for £660m tax cuts

    2 weeks ago

    Newtown councillor steps down from Cabinet

    2 weeks ago