Agenda item

The Committee considered a presentation by the Director of Environment and Transport, which provided an updated on work being undertaken to deliver the Flood Risk Management Strategy with particular focus on flood preparedness, response and recovery in the light of recent flooding across the County. A copy of the presentation marked ‘agenda item 10’ is filed with these minutes.

Arising from the discussion the following points were made:

i)               Members recognised that conducting flood exercises and building flood resilience would be critical for the future. It was suggested that focus should be given to community engagement to ensure residents themselves were better prepared for future flooding events and in particular took steps to protect their own property.

ii)              It was noted that the County Council managed the risk of highway flooding and, as Lead Local Flood Authority, worked with district councils and other partners to manage flood risk generally across the County. However, its role was limited as it did not have powers to enforce works to be undertaken, even when an issue and responsibility for that issue had been identified, nor was it allocated resources to carry out works in default. 

iii)            A leaflet containing the contact details of relevant organisations with responsibility for flooding matters had been circulated at recent engagement activities in areas known to be at risk of flooding.  A Member questioned the accuracy of the leaflet regarding riparian responsibility for ditches, which was shown to be along the centre line of the ditch.  The Director undertook to clarify the position and to amend the guidance being provided if necessary.

iv)            Members commended parish and town councils and Flood Wardens for the work they did supporting communities both during a flood event but also to promote the need to be better prepared for the future.

v)             A Member commented that some communities found it frustrating that flooding in their area might not qualify for a full section 19 investigation.  Members were reassured that in such cases the Flood Risk Management Team would always informally investigate such events and would seek to address issues in much the same way as was undertaken under the section 19 process meaning the practical outcome of work undertaken by the Team would be very similar.

vi)            Members shared their concerns regarding the impact increased housing and industrial developments would have on flooding across Leicestershire. It was noted that under the current planning system, developers had to demonstrate that a proposed development would not create any additional surface water run off than an existing green field site and when designing a scheme would be expected to conduct ground testing to check current surface water run-off levels.  The Director highlighted that the County Council was only a statutory consultee to the planning process and whilst it could suggest mitigating actions, this was ultimately a matter for the local planning authority to determine.

vii)           Members expressed frustration with regard to the current process of grant funding payable from DEFRA, and officers were pressuring DEFRA (alongside other authorities) for a rule change which would enable grants to be paid to the Council in advance to better support grant applicants.

viii)         A Member of the Committee noted that the supporting documents of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy appeared out of date requested information on the challenges with the Environment Agency to address this. Officers suggested that a discussion outside of the meeting would help clarify the documents being referred to.  

The Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and Transport thanked the Risk Management Team for its dedication and professionalism.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the presentation on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy be noted;

(b)  That the Director of Environment and Transport be requested to confirm the position regarding riparian responsibility for ditches and to amend the guidance being provided to residents if necessary.