Agenda item

The Chief Executive reported that 17 questions had been received under Standing Order 35 and they were all in relation to flooding at Stoney Stanton.

 

1. Question asked by Ms Ann Jackson

 

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding.

 

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents.

 

On Sunday 22nd September 2024, prior to Station Road, Stoney Stanton’s most recent near miss flood incident, an additional source of water was noticed entering the manhole at the top of Stressline’s drive on Foxbank Industrial Estate. This was previously noted in a report produced by Cllr Chris Stubbs in relation to the 2019 flooding. This is of grave concern to the residents of Mountsorrel Cottages and all those in the village affected by the 1st October 2019 flood.

 

What measures are Leicestershire County Council taking to identify the source of this water and who has responsibility for this water as it comes down the highway?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

This forms part of the wider project investigation work that the Council has been liaising with the Parish Council and Stoney Stanton Flood Action Group (SSFAG) about and will continue to be communicated to all relevant interested parties. The Council is developing a flood mitigation project, based on the findings of the formal flood investigation that is published on the Council website. Such projects are complex, require significant investigation, design and funding to achieve but are not a statutory function of the Lead Local Flooding Authority (LLFA) and are done only when resources permit.

 

The Highway Authority is responsible for draining water falling directly onto the public highway, not for conveying third-party water entering the highway from adjacent land.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“My question is about an unidentified water source. I know that you did the Section 19 report, but this water source was not identified in that report. It was there at the time we just didn’t know about it. As suggested in your response, no resources can be allocated to this unless it is identified and until it is identified no one can be held responsible.  My question therefore is when will this be investigated as this is important?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that, the County Council did not have all the details and requested that Ms Jackson discuss this directly with the Department to provide more details regarding the unidentified water source referred to.   The County Council carried out the section 19 investigation based on all the known factors available at that time. However, if additional information came to light following that investigation, the County Council did need to be made aware of that.  the Director suggested that the additional information could be provided either after meeting at the flooding drop-in session being held in the Members Lounge, or if local residents could send this to the Department it could then be considered further.

 

2. Question asked by Mr Phillip Pantling

 

“In Leicestershire County Council’s (LCC) April 2021 Section 19 Report detailing the 1^st October 2019 flooding of Stoney Stanton, numerous references were made to a ‘misconnected’ pipe that runs down the driveway between the two sets of Mountsorrel Cottages. This pipe was originally installed as part of a previous flood alleviation scheme and drained excess water away from the cottages into the floodplain that later became the Bellway development. This pipe was ultimately capped by Bellway contractors which backed up in 2019 contributing significantly to the flood. Following the installation of 13 new drains along Station Road, this original alleviation pipe was attached to one of the drains at the bottom of the driveway between the two sets of cottages. Now, when the drains block the water in the pipe backs up resulting in the very issue that it was designed to alleviate”.

 

“What immediate action can LCC take to mitigate the risk posed by this pipe in the absence of a previously available floodplain?”

 

 

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

Only the section that passes underneath Station Road is the maintenance responsibility of the Council in its capacity of a Highway Authority, and no immediate action is planned as there are no known issues with this section.

 

The new highway gullies do not connect on to this pipe as suggested. The flood mitigation scheme currently being designed will take into account all known issues found as part of the formal flood investigation and follow up modelling work.

 

3. Question asked by Emily Copping

 

“During their investigations into the 2019 Stoney Stanton flood, the LLFA identified a blocked pipe running into Foxbank Industrial Estate that significantly impacted the flood. To date, this issue remains unresolved.

 

Why, after 5 years, have the LLFA not used their enforcement powers to rectify this issue?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The LLFA has worked extensively with the owner of Stressline to highlight the issue on their private land that they have riparian responsibilities for. This is in accordance with the Leicestershire Ordinary Watercourse Regulation and Culvert Policy.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“I was asking about a drain running into the Foxbank Industrial Estate. After working for 5 years with landowners I cannot see we are any further forward and in terms of the damaged pipe, and it is damaged rather than blocked, this pipe that is damaged significantly impacted the 2019 flood.  We have got no progress to report on that drain so you are effectively leaving residents to reflood by not addressing it. Despite all this work with landowners we are no further forward, and I am now asking for a date when this repair will be completed so we can resolve one issue on our list?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that the pipe referred to was privately owned by Stressline.  The County Council had been in regular engagement with Stressline. They did begin to make alterations to that pipe and so the County Council has followed its policy and the rules set out in the response, by which the Council engages with the landowner.  The Council was not aware of any further actions being taken recently. recently The County Council had tried to make frequent contact with Stressline and given the lack of response were looking at what further steps could be taken. It was highlighted  that if flooding did occur internally and could be pinpointed to be as a result of the suggested obstruction then Stressline would be potentially liable for that flooding, and they had been made aware of that. the process hadn’t ended and so the Council did not have a date when those works would be completed, but the Council would continue to engage with the landowners and push for that to happen.

4. Question asked by Mr Glen Hoult

 

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding. During their investigations into the 2019 flood the LLFA identified that a pipe running into Foxbank Industrial Estate was blocked, significantly impacting the flooding.

To date, 5 years later, this issue remains unresolved. I would like to know what action has been taken?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The LLFA has worked extensively with the owner of Stressline to highlight the issue on their private land that they have riparian responsibilities for. This is in accordance with the Leicestershire Ordinary Watercourse Regulation and Culvert Policy.

 

5. Question asked by Mr Neil Brown (SSFAG)

 

“On behalf of the Stoney Stanton Flood Action Group (SSFAG) we would like to submit a question to the scrutiny committee please as follows:

 

After the flooding in Stoney Stanton on the 1st October 2019 an S19 report was produced where it was stated that the local community, flood action group, parish council and the flood warden would be kept updated with actions being taken and consulted on updates to the flood action plan. When will the consultation take place so that new issues identified can be incorporated and the plans be publicly disclosed to us?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

SSFAG is and will continue to be kept up to date with flood mitigation scheme project progress as it occurs. The project is at the outline business case stage with the Environment Agency, who is required to scrutinise bid submissions for National Flood Funding which funds this project, and relevant updates on progress with this stage will be conveyed to the Parish Council and SSFAG once concluded. The community can raise new issues with the Council at any time, either via the Customer Service Centre, the Parish Council or SSFAG.

 

6. Question asked by Mr Shane Reynolds
   
   

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding.

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents.

On Sunday 22nd September 2024, prior to Station Road, Stoney Stanton’s most recent near miss flood incident, an additional source of water was noticed entering the manhole at the top of Stressline’s drive on Foxbank Industrial Estate. 

 

This was previously noted in a report produced by Cllr Chris Stubbs in relation to the 2019 flooding. This is of grave concern to the residents of Mountsorrel Cottages and all those in the village affected by the 1st October 2019 flood.

 

What action will LCC take to ensure that this water is re-routed away from Watercourse B (identified in the Section 19 report from 2021) to prevent it generating further load on an already damaged and overwhelmed drainage system?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

This forms part of the wider flood mitigation scheme that the Council has been liaising with the Parish Council and SSFAG about. Updates will continue be communicated to all relevant interested parties at an appropriate stage. The Council is developing a flood mitigation scheme, based on the findings of the formal flood investigation that is published on the Council website. Such projects are complex, require significant investigation, design and funding to achieve but are not a statutory function of the LLFA and are done only when resources permit.

 

7. Question asked by Mr Neil Brown

“I would like to personally submit a question to the scrutiny committee on the 7th November please.

On 1st October 2019, 5 years ago, more than 30 residential properties in Stoney Stanton suffered a significant flood event.

 

Part of the investigations, afterwards included a CCTV survey of the main drains in the village was conducted and a report produced on the 19th April 2021. This report highlighted many issues and defects. To what extent have these defects been addressed, and can proof be provided?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

A detailed survey was conducted which identified assets belonging to several different agencies and landowners and those findings have been taken into account as part of the ongoing flood mitigation design. Any defects found at the time of the survey were reported to the relevant responsible agency/landowner.

 

8. Question asked by Mr John Stone

 
“I am approaching the Committee regarding the flood risk to the Godfrey Close development adjacent to Station Road, Stoney Stanton.

 

On 1st October 2019, three properties flooded – one internally. On 29th December 2023 and 2nd January 2024, the floodplain to the rear of the development was in flood. The website www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk  acknowledges the estate is in a high flood-risk area.

 

Planning permission is a matter for the Blaby District Council, which relies on the Leicestershire County Council's advice on flood-related issues.

The Leicestershire County Council (LCC) is gaining approval for a flood alleviation scheme, which will help reduce the flood risk to the area, including Godfrey Close. However, the taxpayer and not the developer will bear the costs of such a scheme and the flawed planning process.

 

Has the LCC investigated or inquired of the developer and their consultants why they did not recognise the flood risk to Godfrey Close and the properties downstream at the time of the development?” 

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

Planning applications are considered by the relevant Local Planning Authority using the best available evidence at the time. There is no legal requirement for the developer to take further action based on new information that was not available to them at the time of the application.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“Thank you for the response to my question that I received this morning. Firstly, a point of clarification, in your response you state that there is no legal requirement. If I may, this is not what I asked. My question is concise, has the County Council enquired as to how we have finished at this position with respect to the flood risk to Godfrey Close and the downstream flood risk. That is my question, I am not challenging that there is a legal requirement, but I am requesting an answer to my question please?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that, essentially the decision to grant that application sat with the local planning authority and what information was available and whether this was taken into account was unknown, but it was not possible to go back and relook at that decision. The Council could give some form of assurance that the County Council were taking on board what had been said and that the technical expert that was s leading on the flood alleviation scheme and flood modelling was looking at that. The Council were not in a position to go back in time in regards to the planning application which was a matter for the Local Planning Authority.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“Thank you, and yes, I am aware of that, but the answer to my question is straight forward, has the County Council reviewed the planning application for which the answer is either yes we have or we have not?  What I am asking here is, given the problems that we all accept with Godfrey Close, has the County Council enquired as to how we have got to this position?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that, as the Lead Local Flood Authority and being responsible for the section19 report the Council’s role was to look at and investigate the causes and potential options to help alleviate the cause for the future and to see what could be done about that. The Council were not in a position to go back over history and the very many factors that will have come into play. What the Council could do was identify what was causing the problem at this point in time and what could be done to alleviate that.  Going back and looking at previous planning applications determined a number of years ago, would not be the Councils role. The Council were engaging and focussing on the issues now and what could be done to address those and who was responsible to take action for that.

 

9. Question asked by Judy Askwith

 

“You will be aware of the ongoing flooding risk on Station Road Stoney Stanton. On September 26th 2024, we were at high risk of flooding, after a very heavy downpour of rain. It became obvious that water was pouring into the ditch behind Mountsorrel Cottages from the bottom of Robertson Close on the Smithy Farm estate. This water was adding to the water flooding into the ditch from the holding chamber/headwall, increasing the threat that the cottages and gardens would flood yet again. On inspection by the residents, it appears that the kerbstone design in Robertson Close was inefficient.

 

Is Leicestershire County Council aware of this highways drainage issue and what are their plans to address the ongoing flood risk it presents”.

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The Council is not aware of any reports of this; however, officers will investigate the report of the kerb design in Robertson Close being inefficient and a direct update will be provided accordingly.

 

10. Question asked by Chris Askwith

 

“The Committee is/should be fully aware of the flood water at the rear and front of Mountsorrel Cottages question as follows:

The A19 report states that the water chamber at the rear of Robertson Close is hydraulically inefficient and that the exact impact of this needs to be investigated.

 

Has this investigation been conducted and if so what recommendations were made and when will they be implemented?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

This forms part of the wider flood mitigation scheme that the Council has been liaising with the Parish Council and SSFAG about. Updates will be communicated to all relevant interested parties. The Council is developing a flood mitigation scheme, based on the findings of the formal flood investigation that is published on the Council website, such projects are complex, require significant investigation, design and funding to achieve.

 

11. Question asked by Mrs Peggy Hardy

 

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding. 

 

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents. 

 

Inaccurate records

Section 19 report states that: Unfortunately, limited accurate records are held in relation to the capacity, connectivity and condition of the multiple drainage networks and interactions between different sub-catchments and drainage networks in Stoney Stanton.

 

Would it be right to state that these inaccurate and incomplete records invalidate any modelling that was conducted in relation to planning for the Bellway development and the Section 19 report?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The formal flood investigation report was conducted before the detailed modelling was carried out which has now provided further clarity on the drainage systems in Stoney Stanton. The planning application for the Bellway development took place many years before the detailed modelling was carried out.

 

Supplementary Question asked by Ann Jackson on behalf of Mrs Peggy Hardy

“In the Section19 report it says that there were inaccurate records held at the time in relation to the capacity, connectivity and conditions of multiple drains. Do the inaccurate records invalidate the modelling that was created? In relation to the Bellway Development, if you are working with wrong information, does this invalidate it?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that, as suggested, detailed accurate information is required to get a valid picture to mimic and plan ahead. When the County Council carried out the formal investigation, extensive engagement was carried out with the flood action group and the Parish Council at the time and a snapshot in time was taken which suggested a very complicated drainage system was in place, following which the County Council requested funding from the Environment Agency to carry out a detailed drainage investigation. This was then done after the investigation.

 

A technical expert mapped out all the inaccuracies and all the concerns which were then all resurveyed at the request of the technical expert following which he had subsequently factored into the flood model that had designed the scheme which now factored in the new detailed drainage work investigations. It was suggested that the findings in the section 19 report were almost superseded by the new studies and was a snapshot in time.

 

This further report had been shared with the Parish Council, but the Director undertook to share this again.

 

12. Question asked by Samantha Abbott



“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding. 

 

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents. 

 

BOUNDARY FARM

  

On 2nd January 2024, residents of Station Road, Stoney Stanton, came painfully close to seeing their houses inundated by rising water levels following a period of sustained heavy rainfall. In many ways, these events replicated those of 1st October 2019, when residents were less prepared and much less fortunate. 

 

Similar conditions were experienced on both 22nd and 26th September 2024. However, what was different in September 2024 was the amount of silt present in the water arriving at Station Road from Boundary Farm. On inspection, a 600m pipe at Boundary Farm was discovered to be 50% full of silt. This silt is clearly causing an issue at Boundary Farm but, if dislodged, it will present a potentially catastrophic problem; blocking pipes further down the system, including the pipe at Stressline, which has already been identified, by LCC, as defective and a significant factor in the 2019 flooding. 

 

In addition to the risk of blockage, the volume of water coming from Boundary Farm is a very real issue.  At present, this water is, to some extent, being held by the silt blockage. However, when free-flowing, this water overwhelms the system and results in flooding.  

Mr Jamie Forman (Operational Real Estate Manager, LCC) is aware of the aforementioned issues and agreed to conduct an investigation, the outcome of which is yet unknown.

 

What do LCC intend to do in the longer term in relation to this matter and proposed future development plans that may not take into account this volume of water?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

Future development plans will be considered at the time they are made using the best available information at the time and incorporating flood modelling thereby ensuring any mitigation measures required as part of any planning consents meet current statutory requirements as a minimum, The County Council, as a landowner and co-promoter of proposed development west of Stoney Stanton has, through extensive public engagement, gained an understanding of the current flooding problem and is committed to bringing forward a flood mitigation scheme that, in addition to meeting statutory requirements, provides greater protection to the properties in the Station Road area of the village.

 

13. Question asked by Mrs Elizabeth Perry



“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding. 

 

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents. 

  

On 2nd January 2024, residents of Station Road, Stoney Stanton, came painfully close to seeing their houses inundated by rising water levels following a period of sustained heavy rainfall. In many ways, these events replicated those of 1st October 2019, when residents were less prepared and much less fortunate. 

 

Similar conditions were experienced on both 22nd and 26th September 2024. However, what was different in September 2024 was the amount of silt present in the water arriving at Station Road from Boundary Farm. On inspection, a 600m pipe at Boundary Farm was discovered to be 50% full of silt. This silt is clearly causing an issue at Boundary Farm but, if dislodged, it will present a potentially catastrophic problem; blocking pipes further down the system, including the pipe at Stressline, which has already been identified, by LCC, as defective and a significant factor in the 2019 flooding. 

 

In addition to the risk of blockage, the volume of water coming from Boundary Farm is a very real issue.  At present, this water is, to some extent, being held by the silt blockage. However, when free-flowing, this water overwhelms the system and results in flooding.  

Mr Jamie Forman (Operational Real Estate Manager, LCC) is aware of the aforementioned issues and agreed to conduct an investigation, the outcome of which is yet unknown.”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

Please refer to the response to question 12 above.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“I would like to clarify that my original question submitted doesn’t mention the development west of Stoney Stanton, my question was regarding not only the volume of water coming from Boundary Farm but silt as well, so as riparian owners LCC have a duty not to allow us to flood or to block our existing drains with silt. So, I want to ask what action LCC are going to take about this?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Corporate Resources responded that the culverts  in the County Council’s land at Boundary Farm, there was only one which was within its ownership - the one under the gateway from the access from Fisher Close. It was accepted that at the present time this did have a small amount of silt in it which was washed down from the land there and on occasions contained debris which had been deposited over the hedge by the ditch by other householders within the estate. It was not just silt therefore but sometimes included garden waste. The ditch beyond the gateway had been regularly cleaned by the County Council’s tenant over the years and this was  connected to a drainage headwall which then led into the culvert. This was connected to the various houses and out into the back of a ditch or another drain at the back of Mountsorrel Cottages. Once the water gets to the head wall which is on the Council’s boundary line it becomes the next riparian owners’ responsibility.

 

Silt did wash down from farmland and  the other ditches on the farm were regularly maintained but did not actually connect into the culvert at that point and were diverted into the neighbouring owners land and then onwards towards Station Road.  In terms of action, the County Council would continue monitor the ongoing situation and at appropriate times request or instruct the tenant that they should be taking further action to clear the ditch.

 

14. Question asked by Brett Jackson

 

 “What immediate action will LCC take to protect residents and their properties from the threat presented by the current situation at Boundary Farm?

 

Re- flooding Station Rd Stoney Stanton exacerbated by building Bellway housing estate on floodplain opposite Mountsorrel Cottages

 

What action will be taken against developers who profited from local housing modelling/permissions, to prevent taxpayers and residents having to foot the bill for remedial work to rectify the impact of the development”.

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The Council has no remit to take any action against a developer who correctly acquired planning permission from the Local Planning Authority.

 

Supplementary Question

 

“I am not sure that my supplementary hasn’t already been answered. The question I asked was poorly written and I’ve asked about action taken against developers when I should have asked about action taken with developers because following planning permission being granted, and all the conditions of the planning permission we assume being adhered to, there were a number of problems that resulted from the conditions, like the lagoons next to the estate don’t actually fill up, the rest of the lagoons do but that lagoon doesn’t work. There were curb stones that were raised which stops water going into that flood plane and also a historic culvert pipe that ran down our shared access that ran into that and that was capped. So, I can’t believe that any of those things were part a comprehensive planning permission scheme. So, I was asking actually, and I ask again, what would the Council or whatever body is responsible do with the developer to actually alleviate the problems they have created. We haven’t really addressed problems that have exacerbated flooding and increasing the chances of flooding are taken out in the original planning process and that has not happened. So, I am asking who is responsible, if it is not Bellway then who is?”

 

Response from the Chairman

 

At the request of the Chairman, the Director of Environment and Transport responded that, this had been raised with the technical expert who was carrying out the re modelling study and he had suggested that this was being taken into account. Additionally, the ponds issue referenced, were also being considered as to how they can be best utilised and enhanced as part of the flood scheme. It was noted that in respect of the decision of the local planning authority, as suggested previously, no action can be taken against local planning authorities decision but the County Council had taken on board what had happened and were working with partners to improve the situation going forward.

 

15. Question asked by Mrs Claire Shenton

 

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding and proposed a number of recommended actions to be taken in order to prevent further flooding. 

 

In both January and September of 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents. 

 

BOUNDARY FARM

  

On 2nd January 2024, residents of Station Road, Stoney Stanton, came painfully close to seeing their houses inundated by rising water levels following a period of sustained heavy rainfall. In many ways, these events replicated those of 1st October 2019, when residents were less prepared and much less fortunate. 

 

Similar conditions were experienced on both 22nd and 26th September 2024. However, what was different in September 2024 was the amount of silt present in the water arriving at Station Road from Boundary Farm. On inspection, a 600m pipe at Boundary Farm was discovered to be 50% full of silt. This silt is clearly causing an issue at Boundary Farm but, if dislodged, it will present a potentially catastrophic problem; blocking pipes further down the system, including the pipe at Stressline, which has already been identified, by LCC, as defective and a significant factor in the 2019 flooding. 

 

In addition to the risk of blockage, the volume of water coming from Boundary Farm is a very real issue.  At present, this water is, to some extent, being held by the silt blockage. However, when free-flowing, this water overwhelms the system and results in flooding.  

Mr Jamie Forman (Operational Real Estate Manager, LCC) is aware of the aforementioned issues and agreed to conduct an investigation, the outcome of which is yet unknown.

 

Mr Forman has not responded to numerous requests for an update, are the investigations complete and when can we expect a response and action plan?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

Investigations by the Council’s Property Services on the Council’s tenanted property, Boundary Farm, and the effects of water flows and ditch management have not identified any specific solutions which would impact on flood events at Station Road which have not already been identified by the LLFA.

 

The natural topography of the farmland means that any rainfall immediately to the west of Stoney Stanton will generally flow in to a ditch belonging to the Council’s property and thereby in to a collection of culverts and open ditches (identified in the Section 19 report) towards Station Road. As noted in the questions, there is some silt build-up in a short length of culvert within the Council’s property, and further silt or debris in other culverts and open ditches outside of the Council’s ownership. Whilst the culvert within the Council’s property can be cleared of silt build-up at the appropriate time it is not considered that the ditch within the Council’s ownership particularly contributes to the silt and debris further downstream. The Council’s farmland is currently used for growing of grass, and consequently the surface is not regularly disturbed, reducing the expected volumes of soil washing off the land.

 

No new survey investigations have been undertaken, however the LLFA has previously undertaken extensive survey work in the area and has developed a flood alleviation project for the area involving the provision of attenuation and other measures on land forming part of Boundary Farm. The requisite land has been set aside for this purpose It is not intended that the Council’s Property Services (or tenant) undertakes any other works other than routine maintenance prior to the outcome of the bid for National Flood Funding.

 

16. Question asked by Diane Pantling

 

“In April 2021 LCC reported on a number of items relating to flooding at Stoney Stanton. One point related to, works that have been conducted with regards to new drains located in the village. Were sufficient numbers of new drains created to assist in addressing the flooding problems that are repeatedly encountered in the village”.

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The Highway Authority is responsible for draining water falling directly onto the public highway, not for conveying third-party water entering the highway from adjacent land. The number of gullies installed are in excess of the recommendations set out in the Council’s Leicestershire Highway Design Guide for the highway catchment area.

 

17. Question asked by Susan Dobby

 

“Following the flooding of Stoney Stanton on 1st October 2019 the LLFA conducted an investigation and produced a Section 19 report into the cause of the flooding. The report proposed a number of recommended actions to prevent a reoccurrence.

 

In both January and September 2024, heavy rainfall and inadequate drain maintenance culminated in unnecessary and avoidable flooding of the highway and subsequently of driveways and gardens. Properties narrowly avoided flooding thanks to the diligent and resourceful response of residents of Mountsorrel Cottages.

 

On page 20 of the Section 19 report it is noted that watercourse B has been restricted by encroachment of private gardens onto the watercourse.

 

What actions have been taken against the riparian owners for the encroachment of gardens onto the watercourse?”

 

Reply by the Chairman

 

The LLFA has engaged directly with the relevant landowners and informed of their riparian responsibilities. This is in accordance with the Leicestershire Ordinary Watercourse Regulation and Culvert Policy.