Agenda item

(a)      That Members note the content of this report and the main outcome of the draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024, that shows no supply resilience issues for the Alwen Dee zone that Flintshire is part of

(b)      That Members support the content of paragraph 1.10 of this report and give the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) delegated authority to prepare a final response and agree this with the Chair of this committee, prior to responding to the consultation by the due date.

In presenting this report the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) confirmed that this was a live consultation and that the role of Welsh Water was critical especially with regard the LDP and management of phosphates.

            The Service Manager (Strategy) firstly spoke on the previous item of biodiversity saying that the Local Development Plan (LDP) included a sweep of policies which would help with those issues to protect trees, woodlands or hedgerows.   There was also green space and urban space protections included together with new policies on biodiversity net gains.

            Moving on to the report the Service Manager (Strategy) reported that this consultation from Welsh Water had been sent to key stakeholders and related to an update of their Water Resource Management Plan which was a statutory document which had to be refreshed on a 5 yearly basis.  This was to ensure the long-term security of water supply for business and domestic use.  Welsh Water had highlighted the drought experienced last year and had introduced drought reliance within this plan.   Members were referred to the map which highlighted the 23 planning zones in the report and at point 1.03 included the key objectives and drivers on how these measures would support those areas in deficit.  The overview of water supply by Welsh Water was given at 1.04 in the report to ensure that when severe events happen that Welsh Water were able to cater for supply as much as possible.  The Service Manager (Strategy) explained that  Flintshire was in the Alwen Dee zone and then provided information on how calculations were made.  Four areas had been identified as areas that would be in deficit with three in South Wales and one in North Wales.   He outlined how the demand management could affect the county and measures put in place to reduce daily consumption.  Increased water metering was also being promoted. 

            He referred to 1.10 of the report and the bullet points listed and explained why further clarification was required:-  

• He wanted clarification that the growth in Flintshire’s LDP had been factored into this planning. 
• That the Council fully supported the wider resilience measures to support leakage improvement
• Supported raising customer awareness on efficient use of water. 

·         that reductions in waste water going to treatment works from each domestic and commercial property could assist with less phosphates going into rivers

·         Encouraged greater connection between waste resource planning and waste water planning to enable improvements to be brought forward

·         Seek a commitment for more regular liaison and collaboration with Welsh Water as a key partner whether on a strategic level or local level.

            In response to questions from Councillor Mike Peers the Service Manager (Strategy) firstly responded to the point on leakage reduction saying maybe if a definitive programme was publicised it would help.  Welsh Water had an aging infrastructure they are working through but it was more a reactive process as it was a costly exercise.  Coordination with other statutory providers when undertaking road works to enable opportunities for shared work could be explored.

            In response to the question on run off and surface water the Service Manager (Strategy) explained developers had to consider more sustainable ways of dealing with surface water run-off.  Developers were still struggling with SUDS and this was something which had to happen.

            Councillor Ian Hodge asked if all new developments were required to automatically go on a water meter.  In response the Service Manager (Strategy) did not know as it was not a planning requirement but was a requirement for the water bodies.  Within the information provided from Welsh Water it appeared it was not which could be part of the problem and should be more actively encouraged especially allaying fears from larger families who do not want them.

            The Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection referred to future developments of the LDP with more properties being built and asked had Welsh Water taken this into consideration.  The upgrading of the sewerage treatment works which would be affected by the phosphate issues and ways of dealing with phosphates had been included in the LDP

            In response the Service Manager (Strategy) reported that Welsh Water had been a key stakeholder involved throughout the LDP and were aware of the growth, amount of houses and their understanding that the SUDS requirements would be included as part of surface water management.  Ensuring better communication and dialogue with Welsh Water was the best way to ensure they understood what the council was required to undertake and what their requirements were too.  The upgrading of the treatment works could not happen quickly enough as it was the best way to deal with the phosphates problems.

            In response to a question on the Milwr Tunnel from the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy, the Service Manager (Strategy) confirmed he would take this back as a separate matter and write to Welsh Water and ask specific questions as to the utilisation of the Milwr Tunnel for water abstraction and hydro power.

            The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) suggested an invitation be sent for a representative of Welsh Water to attend committee for a future meeting.  This was agreed by committee members

            The Service Manager (Strategy) said that dependent upon the date when a representative could attend committee, he was happy to draft the letter with regard to the Milwr Tunnel and that the consultation comments could go as per the recommendations.

The recommendations in the report were moved and seconded by Councillors Ian Hodge and Mared Eastwood

RESOLVED:

(a)      That Members note the content of this report and the main outcome of the draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024, that shows no supply resilience issues for the Alwen Dee zone that Flintshire is part of

(b)      That Members support the content of paragraph 1.10 of this report and give the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) delegated authority to prepare a final response and agree this with the Chair of this committee, prior to responding to the consultation by the due date.