Flood and water management is a pressing priority for local authorities across the UK. With the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events and the evolving regulatory landscape, councils must ensure that their flood defence initiatives are not only effective but also fully compliant and strategically aligned with community needs.
Weightmans is uniquely positioned to support local authorities in delivering robust flood and water management schemes. Our team has extensive experience advising councils and stakeholders in the water sector on projects involving statutory water and drainage obligations, environmental regulation, planning law, property matters, construction contracts, and public procurement. Recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 for our sector expertise, we have provided pragmatic, responsive, and solution-focused legal support to over 180 councils nationwide.
The recent £7.9 billion funding package announced by Defra to accelerate flood mitigation schemes presents a significant opportunity for local authorities. These proposals will streamline access to central government funding and enable faster delivery of vital flood defences, including investment in natural flood management. At Weightmans, our lawyers are experts in all legal practice areas relevant to these schemes, from strategic planning advice and environmental impact assessments to land acquisition, construction contracts, and the latest procurement processes. Our dedicated Water team is well-versed in the Water Resources Act, Land Drainage Act, Water Industry Act, and Flood and Water Management Act, and has acted on numerous flood relief schemes for local authorities.
Our track record includes supporting Flintshire County Council with funding agreements for flood prevention works, advising North Lincolnshire Council on statutory powers and land rights, and assisting Nottinghamshire County Council with all aspects of a major flood defence scheme. We have also provided strategic advice to Cambridgeshire County Council on drainage issues and acted for local authorities in preparing contracts for the Environment Agency’s National Property Flood Resilience scheme. Our experience extends to advising on claims, property rights, and regulatory investigations following serious flood events.
Weightmans’ team includes leading specialists such as Clive Mottram, a consultant with 37 years’ experience in water law and regulation, and Nick Barker, a principal associate with a decade of experience in environmental compliance and regulatory investigations. Our construction, planning, real estate, and commercial lawyers—such as Richard Vaughan, John Gregory, Andrea Steventon, and Vincent King—bring deep sector knowledge and a collaborative approach to every project. This breadth of expertise enables us to offer a seamless, one-stop legal service for all aspects of flood and water management, from project inception to completion.
At Weightmans, we understand the challenges faced by local authorities and are committed to enabling confident decision-making and successful project delivery. Whether you require advice on planning applications, negotiating land agreements, or supporting stakeholder engagement, our team is ready to help you deliver flood and water management schemes that are legally sound, strategically robust, and community focused.
Contact us today to discuss how Weightmans can support your flood and water management initiatives. For an initial conversation, please reach out to Clive Mottram at clive.mottram@weightmans.com or call +44 (0)121 632 6100. Let us help you safeguard your community’s future with expert legal guidance.
Contact our expert local government solicitors for support on your flood and water management initiatives.
