The Environment Agency's original plan to increase flooding in the Lower Aire region (including Snaith and surrounding villages) to reduce the problem elsewhere angered residents – who claimed they hadn't been consulted – and was rejected by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The body has now informed parish councils of its plans to re-consult on the flood catchment document for the East Riding, conceding it "recognises the situation is complex".

Welcoming the decision, prospective Goole and Snaith MP Andrew Percy said: "This decision to not only reopen the consultation on the River Aire Flood Catchment Plan, but also to look at it alongside the plans for the other rivers that meet at Goole, is a sensible one.

"When the Environment Agency's first draft of the River Aire plan was published, there was an outcry locally at the proposed policy for the Lower Aire, which stated that flooding locally should be increased to provide benefits to urban West Yorkshire.

"There was absolutely no detail of what exactly this meant, and so we had to fight hard against the proposal. The decision to re-consult is a real victory for people power."

Flood Catchment Management Plans help decide which policy is appropriate for each area, and can include increased water storage, increased flooding or the building of new flood defences.

The new 12-week consultation process will start on January 29, and includes drop-in events to allow residents to speak with Environment Agency representatives.

Coun Caroline Fox (pictured with Mr Percy) added: "It's really important local people engage in the new consultation process once it begins, and Andrew and I will do everything we can to keep people fully informed."