Farmer built his own 8ft-high barrier – then Environment Agency objected
WITH no hope of help from the authorities, farmer John Flintoff built a huge flood barrier to protect his farm and his neighbour’s home from the elements.
He constructed the soil bank, which he covered with grass, over nine months without realising he needed planning permission. He was astonished when, after completing the project in May 2018, the Environment Agency objected to the barrier – claiming it could push flood water on to others.
Thankfully Hambleton District Council ignored the agency, praised Mr Flintoff’s efforts and gave him the seal of approval.
When the heavens opened last month the DIY flood bank – stretching 720ft and standing 8ft high – held firm. The farm at Crakehill, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has been in the Flintoff family for three generations and houses 800 pigs and 32,000 chickens.
The site, which is situated close to both the River Swale and Crakehill Beck has always been affected by flooding. It is cut off for days or weeks at a time when water flows over its only access road – and has put Mr Flintoff’s elderly neighbour’s life at risk.
Retired farmer Violet Coatsworth has had her house flooded four times – and was almost swept away in 2012 when her flood wall collapsed and 5ft of flowing water swept into the property.
But the 84-year- old was kept safe from recent storms as the flood bank built by her neighbour held the water back. Mrs Coatsworth
had tried to persuade the Environment Agency to take action, but said her pleas fell on deaf ears. Mrs Coatsworth said: ‘They came out to have a look but said they have got to protect the majority and we are the minority.’
Had it not been for Mr Flintoff’s flood bank, his own farm would have been cut off on 22 days since October. ‘It has been very stressful at times,’ he said. ‘The flooding has been an absolute nightmare and this has made a real difference. The water will never come over the bank.’ The Environment Agency declined to comment.