Flood Investigation Report into the Flooding on main Road, Crimplesham (FIR050R)
A Flood Investigation Report King's Lynn and West Norfolk in 2014-2018 (FIR033) on the internal
flooding of 44 properties was published on the Norfolk County Council website. Since publication of
this report, one of the properties included in this report has subsequently flooded internally and 7
additional properties were externally flooded on two separate dates in the same location. This
report (FIR050R) summarises the original flood report, subsequent reports in 2019 and 2020 that
have been received since and the ongoing actions being taken to resolve the issues. The affected
properties are located on:
Main Road, Crimplesham
FIR033: Investigation Report into the Flooding in the Borough of King's Lynn and West Norfolk in
2014-2018
Date
Impact
Rainfall within the catchment
21/08/2016
On the 21 August 2016, 1 property
was Internally flooded on Main
Road, Crimplesham:
Reported received from
Crimplesham Parish Council
(FWF/16/2/3231))
There were no rain gauges within 2.5km
of the incidents of flooding within this
area.
Causes:
Surface run-off from rainfall made its way onto the highway and flowed along the road network and
onto the accesses of affected properties that were situated lower than these features. Some rainfall
was concentrated on the highway which led to passing vehicles washing the water towards the
property. Any water directed towards surface water drainage network was obstructed by debris,
directing flood water towards the property. The flood water entered the property through low
thresholds at entrances.
Recommendations
The following recommendations were made during the investigation of flooding (FIR033) that
occurred on the 21/08/2016.
Norfolk County Council will investigate with third parties the potential to fund small scale
improvement schemes to mitigate the risk experienced at this location.
Norfolk County Council will consider opportunities to route flood water on the highway
away from affected properties.
NCC will review maintenance levels of drainage systems and the amount of water entering
them.
NCC will liaise with local property owners to help them protect their buildings through flood
2019/2020 Reports - Subsequent reports of flooding
Date
Impact
Rainfall within the catchment
20/12/2019
On the 20 December 2019, 7
properties were externally flooded
on Main Road, Crimplesham:
There were no rain gauges within 2.5km
of the incidents of flooding within this
area.
Reported received from
County Councillor
(FWF/19/1650)
15/01/2020
On the 15 January 2020, 1 property
was Internally flooded on Main
Road, Crimplesham:
Reported received from Fire
and Rescue Service
(FWF/20/2222)
There were no rain gauges within 2.5km
of the incidents of flooding within this
area.
Response to most recent flood events:
Following contact from Crimplesham Parish Council, Norfolk County Council visited the site
In March 2018 to ascertain the condition of the ordinary water course.
In March 2018 NCC wrote to riparian owners of the watercourse on Main Road,
Crimplesham reminding them of their riparian duties.
In January 2020 Following subsequent flood events occurred, in part, due to a blockage of
the highway system/riparian watercourse at the outfall.
In January 2020 NCC wrote to riparian owner of damaged asset reminding them of their
riparian duties
In February 2020 NCC commissioned works to remove and repair blockage/ damaged
headwall on behalf of riparian owner, works to be completed once current restrictions are
lifted May/June 2020.
Actions being undertaken in relation to the recommendations as per the FIR033:
As part of the actions being undertaken in relation to the recommendations set out above
NCC initiated a review of the current surface water system and watercourse to establish the
potential and need for improvements on Main Road, Crimplesham. As such the following
actions have been undertaken:
o In December 2019 a survey of the ordinary water course/highway drainage in Main
Road, Crimplesham was undertaken.
o As of June 2020 - NCC are having ongoing discussions to put forward designs and
costs to improve/amend the existing system and establish funding, including
external funding from the Environment Agency.
o Once a complete review and funding has been secured works will be started.
o Affected parties will be updated in the Summer/Autumn 2020 as to the subsequent
plans for the drainage system.
Please note that current designs and construction works have and are being affected by COVID 19
and delays may occur. Norfolk County Council are, however, aware of the risk and are endeavouring
to ensure that essential works of this nature are not being unduly affected and that they will be
prioritised.