Ousemere Lode Earthworks

I understand earthworks was carried out along the Ousemere Lode - to reform the landscape to create a run off area to take excessive floodwater, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding further downstream towards Billingborough.

The initial earthworks of levelling & creation of raised banks was carried out. It is believed there was to be some form of sluice / weir to hold back the floodwater with slow release, understood this was earmarked for completion the following year, but to date this work has not been carried out.

I believe the work should have been approved by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) - this role is within Lincolnshire County Council remit. Also change of use from farm land may have required planning consent from South Kesteven District Council / Lincolnshire County Council.

I cannot find any reference to this works on SKDC Planning Portal or LCC websites.

1. Please supply full details of these works & similar works carried out along this section of the Ousemere Lode over the period 2015 to 2025.

2. Please advise if LCC was consulted by SKDC / LCC / land owner.

3. Please advise if LCC has funded the works & sums spent. Has any future funds (sums involved) been budgeted to complete the work .

1-3. Ousemere Lode is designated as a Main River and as such the Environment Agency are the responsible Risk Management Authority (RMA) in this instance as they have permissive powers to carry out work on such assets.

Therefore, LCC in its role of LLFA would not be party to any such work agreements. Enquiries with the Environment Agency however have confirmed that no works of the nature described have been undertaken by them, or indeed we believe by any other authority.

We are not therefore able to provide any further information on this matter.