The Environment Agency has put in planning applications for key components of its £19m Brighouse flood alleviation schemes.

The application seeks permission to build two flood storage areas within Wellholme Park and four flood storage areas within Whinney Hill Park, all with associated landscaping.

It also seeks to incorporate flood protection measures to properties within Albion Mills – these aspects followed consultation following some flooding in February 2022 and these should increase flood protection for local businesses, says the application.

Engineers Arup, in a supporting document with the application, says Brighouse has been flooded ten times in the last 70 years, with 77 businesses affected by the Boxing Day 2015 floods which engulfed Calderdale.

Then in February 2020, in the wake of Storm Ciara, 144 businesses and 15 homes were flooded.