A HUDDERSFIELD firm is set to benefit from new proposals aimed at tackling severe flooding.

A Government report sets out priorities to improve water management across England.

It comes after last summer’s severe floods, which struck parts of Huddersfield, Mirfield and the Holme Valley, as well as many other parts of Yorkshire.

The 98-page report, Future Water. highlights the problems of poor drainage of surface water in contributing to the floods affecting houses, shops and factories.

The Environment Agency estimated that up to two-thirds of the floods which hit Yorkshire were caused by significant amounts of surface water overwhelming the drainage systems.

Now it has launched a public consultation on how to protect homes better.

The report also proposes that householders should have to seek planning permission to pave over gardens to create hard-standing for vehicles, unless permeable paving materials are used.

The report has been welcomed by Birkby-based Marshalls, a major supplier of materials for drives, paths and patios.

The firm has a range of permeable paving designed to allow water to drain into the ground.

Group marketing director Chris Harrop said: “The growing problems of surface water run off into our drainage networks and causing flooding is one that Marshalls have been addressing for many years.

“We have developed the UK’s most extensive range of sustainable urban drainage system solutions for both the commercial and domestic markets. The consultation process and the proposals are welcomed by us in helping to resolve what is now recognised as a serious environmental issue.”

Mr Harrop said permeable paving increased the amount of water allowed to drain directly into the ground, rather than being channelled into what he called the hard-pressed drainage system.

He added: “These issues are complex. We have a growing number of households needing to park two or more cars as children stay at home well into their 20s and more of us are commuting longer distances to work.

“Consumers are seeking aesthetically suitable materials for the front of their houses and clearly there is a growing problem of climate change and extreme rainfall.

“Being able to supply practical and aesthetic solutions which meet these changing conditions is key for the industry. Marshalls has already developed a domestic range.”

Mr Harrop said Marshalls had already begun training its installers in how to fit permeable paving correctly in anticipation of increased demand.

“Over the next 12 months we will be working to ensure that all of our 2,000-strong installer teams are offered this training,” he said.

“We are also informing our stockists of the benefits of the systems.’’