[smudgie]

Well you can build your flood defences against rivers rising as has been done in many places. The new flood defences did not burst but we're not high enough in places.
Just how high can you build them?
The main flooding appears to be with the drains not being able to cope with all that deluge of water. Hopefully if and when new 'estates' are built they will put in adequate drainage.
Unfortunately Cumbria will always be prone to flooding, with the amount of water that runs off all the hills you won't beat Mother Nature, such a beautiful place to live that many are prepared to take the risk.