Agenda item

This Strategy will be publicly consulted on during September and October 2015, with a view to publishing a final draft by the end of the year. The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Panel are asked to consider and comment upon the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The Lead Local Flood Authority Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, makes Bath and North East Somerset Council a Lead Local Flood Authority and we are responsible for managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses in the area.

He added that a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy has been drafted and will be publicly consulted upon during September and October 2015, with a view to publishing a final document by the end of the year.

He said that officers were also seeking advice on who within the Council they can approach for a steer on the appropriate level of promotion of the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for the management of surface water.

The Chairman asked if planning officers take into account the potential for surface water when deciding on new developments.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that evidence is gathered pre-application and during an application. She added that policy wording may need amending.

The Senior Engineer for Drainage said that the Sustainable Drainage Policy was within the Placemaking Plan.

The Chairman asked if the views of officers associated with this matter should be more enhanced in the planning process.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that their views are equally important, but said that they would likely face a challenge from developers on the viability of proposals. She added that Case Officers would make recommendations if they felt that work was required following a discussion.

Councillor Liz Richardson said that she felt that all developments within the Bath and Chew Valley basins should be built with SuDS and that the Environment Agency should be more involved in the process.

The Senior Engineer for Drainage said that the Environment Agency would be consulted on any development within a flood zone.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien commented that as it was desirable to live and build in B&NES that planning consent must be adhered to.

Councillor Fiona Darey said that she agreed with this comment.

Councillor Barry Macrae said that a balance of views must be found and that he would like to see a firm statutory position from the Council.

The Chairman asked what role officers played in emergency planning.

The Lead Local Flood Authority Manager replied that they do have a role in the process in that they produce various plans that include flooding. He added that as a Lead Local Authority we have Flood Representatives that report incidents to us. He said that the Environment Agency has also put Flood Wardens in place in Chew Magna and this could be extended to other areas.

Councillor Liz Richardson said that she was aware of an exercise to practise flood drills without the actual use of water within the Chew Valley.

The Chairman asked if the Council would be able to deal with an incident should one occur at Twerton Lock.

The Lead Local Flood Authority Manager replied that a major incident plan is in place to cover a number of eventualities.

Councillor Charles Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Finance & Efficiency commented that following incidents in 2012 the Emergency Planning Team were praise for their role.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

1.1  Recommend that the Cabinet should be the appropriate body to sign-off the final version of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

1.2  Recommend the endorsement of the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy to the Cabinet.

1.3  Recommend further discussion with the Strategic Director for Place on the matter of the Council’s support or otherwise for sustainable drainage systems.