Minutes:
The Principle Environmental Health Officer (Water Management Team) delivered a presentation on the subject of flood management and drainage projects in the District.
During the delivery of this presentation the following issues were raised for Members’ consideration:
· The North Worcestershire Water Management Team (NWWM) provided support services and advice in Bromsgrove district, Redditch Borough and Wyre Forest district.
· The NWWM had been introduced as a shared service following the 2007 floods. At this time it had been recognised that by sharing services staff could share knowledge and the service would be more resilient.
· The NWWM team worked on a catchment area basis. Bromsgrove district was served by three different catchments.
· The team worked closely with external partners, such as the Environment Agency and WCC’s Highways Department, both to resolve flooding issues and to undertake preventative work.
· There had been a number of flooding issues in Bromsgrove district in the previous 18 months, particularly in Alvechurch and Bromsgrove town centre.
· The NWWM provided advice on planning applications. As part of this process the NWWM encouraged Planning Officers to consider the impact of a development both upstream and downstream on existing houses and businesses. Planning Officers were also encouraged to consider whether any actions could be taken as part of the development to improve local circumstances in relation to the risk of flooding.
· Officers were considering both the Council and WCC’s assets with a view to identify which water courses were located on Council land and how action could be taken to mitigate the risk of flooding.
· When problems were identified on private land the NWWM would initially approach landowners to advise them on the problem and to request action. In most cases, particularly when the land owner lived locally and felt part of the community, action would be taken by the landowner.
· Formal enforcement action was rarer and tended to occur when the landlord could not be contacted or was unwilling to co-operate.
· Flooding often occurred when there was limited capacity along water courses to accommodate an accumulation of water. For this reason the NWWM regularly reviewed water courses to identify any locations where water could build up.
· There was no fixed solution to alleviate flooding. The causes of flooding and measures that could be taken to prevent flooding in future needed to be assessed on a case by case basis.
· The inclement weather was part of an increasingly common pattern and the NWWM was working on the basis that this would continue for the foreseeable future.
· The work of the NWWM was largely influenced by the Land Drainage Act 1991 and the Flood Water Act 2010.
· WCC would be commissioning the NWWM to undertake Sustainable Drainage Approval work on their behalf. It was likely that the team would start to deliver this work in the autumn, though the timescales remained to be confirmed.
· Local knowledge was key to a forward planning approach to mitigating flood risks. For this reason any information that Members could provide and any opportunities for the NWWM to interact with Councillors and Parish Councillors who would be familiar with local needs, was welcomed.
At the end of the presentation Members discussed some additional matters relating to this subject:
· The NWWM team’s powers to access private land.
· Officers confirmed that the Land Drainage Act 1991 permitted the County Council or representatives acting on their behalf to access private land to undertake works as long as adequate notice had been provided. If the landowner refused to undertake any work the NWWM could take action and recharge the landowner.
· The impact of the Environment Agency’s wildlife policies on flooding in the district. Officers confirmed that whilst the Environment Agency was cognisant of the potential impact of flood prevention measures on wildlife the body was relatively flexible and the agency’s work to address recent flooding problems had been helpful.
· The impact of local farmers’ practices on flooding within the district. Members were advised that the majority of farmers were keen to maintain their land to reduce the risk of flooding. However, in cases where farmers had let land on short leases for potato farming there had been some problems with silt levels which had contributed to the risk of flooding and there had been less incentive for the farmers with the short-term leases to take action to alleviate the problem.
· The relationship between the NWWM and regional representatives of the National Farmers’ Union which had had a positive impact on Officers’ efforts to communicate with local farmers about flood prevention measures.
· The responsibility of Severn Trent Water. The company had a 5 year capital programme which was used to determine where investment should take place. The NWWM had been consulted about the appropriate content of the next 5 year plan and it was hoped that this would ensure that specific flood prevention measures within the district would take place in the next few years.
· The selection of particular locations as priority areas for water management projects in Bromsgrove. These locations had been selected because Officers had identified that key infrastructure was at risk of being flooded at these locations.
· Flooding problems in Charford which had impacted on South Bromsgrove Community High School and Charford Bowling Club.
· Problems with overflowing sewage on the A38 during recent flooding events. Officers urged Members and residents to report problems with sewage to Severn Trent Water as soon as these were observed to ensure that the company was aware of the need to resolve the problem.
· The potential for other Council services, such as the cleansing team, to assist with clearing blockages to mitigate the risk of flooding.
· The value of the contribution provided by lengthsmen in many areas to water management due to their local knowledge.
· Many Members praised the NWWM and reported that the support and advice provided by staff in the team during recent flooding events had been really helpful.
At the end of the discussions a number of Members noted that they had numerous additional questions on the subject. It was agreed that these should be forwarded on to the Officers after the meeting and the responses circulated for the consideration of all Members. Members further agreed that it would be useful to receive an update from officers on the work of the NWWM and progress with implementing the next round of planned works in approximately 12 months’ time.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.