A NORTHWICH homeowner is taking drastic action to avoid flood damage — by demolishing their home of 20 years, and rebuilding it.

The homeowners say they have been ‘living under the threat of flooding’ for some time, but recently it has become a ‘yearly occurrence’.

Now, following the latest surge in water levels, they have come up with a unique response to combat flooding in and around Northwich, according to a new planning bid.

In the submission, agents Deluxe Architecture said: “This is our clients home and as can be understood, living under the threat of flood on what seems to be a yearly occurrence does not bode well on the health of any person living in these circumstances. 

“This aside, the regularity of the floods are now affecting the ability to adequately insure and therefore reducing any possibility of resale in the future. Our clients have been resident for over 20 years and the property has family ties beyond that.

“Over recent years flooding has become more regular and the severity of the flooding has been beyond anything imagined at the original construction date of the properties.

“It is our proposal to demolish the existing property and rebuild it to the same plan and design. The new building will be set at a level of 600mm [60cm, 2 ft].”

The only change to the two-bedroom property will be the addition of a raised decking, replacing a tiled patio.

Information in the application form for the proposal suggests other external materials will remain the same.

Council records show that the application was submitted on January 27 — just days after water levels reached their peak in Northwich.

The floods caused widespread damage across the town, and resulted in the emergency evacuation of elderely care home residents from Weaver Court — prompting the sight of retirees being pushed on a dinghy by firefighters in chest-deep water.

In the aftermath of the floods, councillors have called for more investment into the town’s ageing drainage system, and a petition to implement an action plan was signed by more than 1,000 residents.

You can view the plans on CWAC’s planning portal using reference 21/00391/FUL.