Plan to prevent flooding at 'uninsurable' pub

The Hurt Arms has been closed since 2023

Plans have been drawn up to try to protect a pub and hotel that has been repeatedly damaged by flooding.

The Hurt Arms in Ambergate, Derbyshire, has been closed since it was inundated with water in October 2023, having also suffered serious flooding in 2021 and 2022.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the venue hoped to reopen in 2026 and that plans had now been lodged to address major issues with the 19th Century building's structural integrity.

The plan, which is being considered by Amber Valley Borough Council, would see the venue's basement filled in and a flood-proof extension built to replace lost storage space.

Documents filed with the plans said: "Due to [the] unprecedented frequency and intensity of flooding, the building and business has become uninsurable as reinstatement costs during each event have been in excess of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

"During Storm Babet, the Hurt Arms was inundated with floodwaters, causing extensive damage to the building's infrastructure.

"The floodwaters compromised not only the cellar but also the structural integrity of the building, leading to considerable health and safety concerns and financial losses."

'Structurally unsound'

The documents, submitted by David Ashley Developments, added: "Due to the extent of the damage and the recurring nature of these floods, it has become commercially unfeasible to invest in repairs without first undertaking significant flood prevention measures.

"This pattern of flooding has highlighted the urgent need for a more robust flood mitigation strategy to protect the pub from future events."

"The existing cellar, which is prone to frequent flooding and full submersion, not only poses acute risks of drowning in flash flood events, but has been deemed structurally unsound.

"By relocating the storage facilities to a new, flood-resistant extension, the business is safeguarded against future flooding risks, which is vital for its long-term viability.

"These works are not merely improvements but essential interventions to future-proof the business, avoiding costly repairs and operational disruptions that could threaten its survival."