Flood risk across Northamptonshire
The River Nene flows through the heart of Northamptonshire, from Northampton past Wellingborough to Oundle. At Easter 1998 it flooded large parts of Northampton, and the Upton washland and other defences have been built since. Surface water affects towns and villages across the county.
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 North Northamptonshire Council and landowners.
River Nene – Northampton, Wellingborough, Thrapston and Oundle
River Ise – Kettering
River Welland – The northern border near Market Harborough
River Tove – Towcester
River Cherwell – The south-west near Brackley
Who manages flood risk here
North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire 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. The same councils also decide 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.
