Agenda and minutes

Drop In/Ward Surgery

1.    MAIN MEETING – WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS (18:30)

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Kate Ravilious who welcomed everyone and set out the housekeeping rules and reminded residents that the meeting was non-political.

1.    Germany Beck Pumping Station – Mark Henderson CYC Flood Manager

Project Overview:

• Mark Henderson introduced himself and provided an update on the Germany Beck flood management project. He welcomed questions during or after the presentation.

Location & Infrastructure:

• Germany Beck and the associated pumping station were highlighted. Downstream impacts affect the A19 and local SSSI areas.

Flood Impacts:

• High water levels in Germany Beck can back up, causing flooding at Fordlands Road and Fordlands Crescent.
• In severe cases, temporary infrastructure like a scaffolded bridge is required to maintain access.
• Surface water drainage from residential areas (e.g., Fordlands Estate) contributes to local flooding, with approximately 300+ properties affected.
• Historical context: Around 20–23 properties were flooded in 2015.

Scheme Justification:

• Main drivers: prevent road blockages at Fordlands Road, reduce residential flooding at Fordlands Crescent, and manage tunnel drain overflow.
• Economic and community benefits: preventing flooding protects homes, ensures road accessibility (A19 carries ~16,000 vehicles/day), and supports broader local economic impacts.

Funding:

• Central government and City of York Council are co-funding the scheme based on the business case demonstrating flood risk reduction and economic benefits.

Pumping Station Function:

• The pumping station will draw water from Germany Beck when high water levels cause hydraulic locking at the Ings.
• Water will be pumped through an offline system into a wet well and then through a new culvert under the A19 to manage flow.
• Downstream risk is minimal; modelling shows the pumped volume is negligible relative to the total water body.

Project Timeline & Procurement:

• Specialist contractor procurement planned for April–May next year; contract to be approved by August.
• Site mobilisation and planning condition discharges will occur before work starts.
• Construction is expected to begin in autumn next year.

Budget:

• Indicative cost: ~£4.5 million, including 25–30% contingency. Final cost depends on market responses.

Sequence of Works:

• Key elements: pumping station, kiosk/pump panel, culvert, downstream headwall, and structural changes to upstream/downstream areas.
• Work may be phased; exact sequencing will be determined once the contractor is appointed.

Temporary Access & Storage:

• Parts of the park will be temporarily cordoned off for access, equipment storage, and work along the bank and parish field.
• Access will be via Fordlands Road. Temporary disruptions are expected, but benefits of the project are expected to outweigh short-term inconveniences.

Project Timeline:

• Work expected to start in autumn 2026 (following mobilisation).
• Duration estimated at around one year, slightly longer than the original 64-week business case projection.
• Design refinements may occur once the contractor begins work, similar to adjustments made after an architect hands over to a builder.
• Project completion anticipated by autumn 2027.

Constraints & Impacts:

• Key considerations include ecology, landscape, archaeology, and A19 impacts.
• Ecological protections:
  • Areas of ecological importance (SSSI/triple S) identified downstream of A19.
  • Pumping station designed to be eel-friendly, using slower, larger impellers (similar to an Archimedes screw) to allow safe passage of eels.
  • Water vole surveys conducted in September; further surveys planned in April.

Ecological Surveys & Protections:

• Spring 2025 surveys planned for water voles; mitigation measures and licenses required if present.
• No signs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

1.    Fulford Parish Field – Abigail Gaines – MakeSpace York

Parish Fields Consultation – Feedback Summary

• Purpose: Provide an update on the second phase of community engagement regarding the Parish Fields and the adjoining Persimmon Field.

Current Use of the Area:

• Parish Field: children’s play equipment, large grass areas used for football pitches and annual events (e.g., Fulford Show), and a sports pavilion.
• Persimmon Field: currently undeveloped; may be handed over to the parish council if proposals proceed.

Background:

• Section 106 funds from Persimmon Homes’ Germany Beck development are being considered for improvements.
• First consultation (2022) engaged 341 residents, mostly sports-focused; some groups (e.g., older residents, teenagers, those without internet access) were underrepresented.
• Top option previously was improving football pitches, sports pavilion, and adding paths, nature, and gardening spaces.

Second Consultation (2025):

• Aim: reach wider community, include informal/ formal sport, active lifestyles, and broader usage ideas.
• Surveys:
  • Online survey: 394 responses.
  • School survey (Year 9 and others): 252 responses.
  • Paper surveys also available.
• Engagement sessions included:
  • Drop-ins, coffee mornings, and informal discussions at Fulford Social Hall, Library, St. Oswald’s Church Hall, Fulford Show.
  • Workshops with Fulford students (including older girls).
  • Targeted focus groups at assisted housing (United Response, Delwood) and Ouse View Care Home.
  • Engagement with community champions to capture diverse perspectives.