Flood risk across Leicestershire
The River Soar runs north through Leicester and Loughborough to the Trent, and river flooding is the main risk along it and its tributaries such as the Wreake and the Sence. Surface water from heavy rain affects towns and villages across the county, including many places away from a main river.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Leicestershire County Council and landowners.
River Soar – Leicester, Loughborough and the Trent
River Wreake – Melton Mowbray
River Sence – South of Leicester
River Welland – Market Harborough
River Anker – The Warwickshire border
Who manages flood risk here
Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are the Lead Local Flood Authorities, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. Your district or borough council decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
