Green-light for first phase of Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme

Kirkstall in Leeds was left badly flooded after the Christmas 2015 floods Credit: ITV News Calendar

Planning permission for new flood defence measures were today given the go-ahead at a planning committee meeting in Leeds.

Councillors unanimously approved the first phase of the project, enabling work to begin later year. As part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, new flood defence walls and embankments will be constructed, providing a 1-in-100-year level of flood protection.

In 2015, Councillor Judith Blake said the Government needed to act to prevent future floods Credit: Dave Higgens/PA Archive/PA Images

The second phase of the work is yet to be approved, as it lacks the required funding. Under the plans, the remaining part of the scheme would offer an additional 1-in-200-year protection and would defend Kirkstall against the level of flooding experienced on Boxing Day 2015.

Last month, Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves and Council Leader Judith Blake wrote to the Chancellor urging him to meet the £23m funding shortfall for Phase 2 in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

Rachel Reeves MP hailed the planning approval as "great news for Kirkstall and the whole of Leeds".

"Nearly three-and-a-half years after the devastating Boxing Day Floods, the council can finally start putting in place important flood measures that will protect homes and businesses.

"But this is far from the end of the story. The Government must now match the ambition shown by the council and provide the additional funding still needed"