Agenda item

That the Flood Risk Management Strategy be noted. 

The Head of Assets and Transportation introduced Mr. R. Barry (Project Engineer) and Mr. I. Wellwood (Acting Engineering Services Manager) to the Committee. 

The Head of Assets and Transportation introduced the report to seek comments on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy prior to the formal submission to Cabinet and then Welsh Government (WG).

The strategy identified the responsibilities of the Council and other risk management partners in terms of flood risk and what communities could do to involve themselves.  The Head of Assets and Transportation detailed the background to the report and explained that wide consultation had taken place but only 14 responses had been received.  Other authorities had indicated that they had received a similar number of responses to the consultation exercise.  Work was now required to develop and implement the strategy which would be considered by Cabinet before being submitted to the Minister for consideration. 

Councillor Ian Dunbar referred to the difficulties of residents in flood risk areas to get insurance for their properties and asked whether residents would be able to secure insurance for a reasonable premium once the strategy was implemented.  The Project Engineer said that flood maps affected insurance and different insurance companies used different mapping tools but some did use the maps provided by Natural Resources Wales, formerly the Environment Agency.  The strategy would allow for categorisation of areas into low, medium or high risk areas for flooding which should assist residents with obtaining insurance at a realistic cost.  He added that individuals could also obtain information about flood risk areas from Natural Resources Wales. 

The Head of Assets and Transportation said that the strategy would support officers in undertaking detailed mapping and identification of specific areas of flooding.             

            Councillor Derek Butler raised concern about issues which were previously the responsibility of the Environment Agency but which had been passed on to local authorities with no funding to carry out the works.  He also spoke of planning applications being permitted on flood areas which he felt was a concern.  The Director of Environment recognised the issues raised and said that it was reported that for 2014/15 and beyond, WG had confirmed that the level of funding allocated was likely to be £90k minimum for the foreseeable future, which would be provided through the Revenue Support Grant provision on an annual basis to all local authorities.  He added that in the current financial climate, this would be a challenge.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that certain activities had not been implemented yet so there could be further demands on the Council. 

            Councillor Nancy Matthews referred to the issue of gullies and also asked if the Planning and Development Control Committee would be given specific training on the strategy.  The Head of Assets and Transportation responded that the issue of gullies would form part of the assessment of risk.  He explained that the strategy was a complex issue and advised that he would discuss the suggestion about training with colleagues in the Planning Department. 

            Councillor Colin Legg apologised for not submitting his response to the consultation exercise but indicated that he would do so as soon as possible. 

            Councillor Veronica Gay raised concern about the cost of maintenance of areas such as the Balderton Brook in Saltney and sought assurance that a programme would be put in place and would be delivered.  The Project Engineer responded that the brook was classed as a main river and was therefore the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales (NWR) but that NWR had a regime in place to monitor it twice a year.  Councillor Gay asked for the details of a contact in NWR so that she could discuss her concerns about cross border water from Chester Business Park.          

            The Head of Assets and Transportation suggested that regular updates on the strategy be provided to the Committee.  The Chairman suggested that the Facilitator liaise with the Director about the most appropriate time to receive an update on the strategy.   

RESOLVED:

That the Flood Risk Management Strategy be noted.