Issue - meetings

This report provides Cabinet with a strategy for local flood risk management in the Council’s area, following the flooding of 2007, and the introduction of legislation for the management of risks associated with flooding and coastal erosion. Comments and recommendations for its content and approaches to public consultation are sought from Cabinet.

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve York’s Flood Risk Management Strategy at Annex 1of the report.

Reason:              To ensure the Council is compliant with its duties in the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and to ensure that we have a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy that can drive future flood risk investment needs.

Consideration was given to a report which set out a draft Flood Risk Strategy for York. This had been prepared following the introduction of legislation that gave the City of York Council major new responsibilities, as the Lead Local Flood Authority for its area. This including the development, maintenance, application and monitoring of a strategy for local flood risk management.

Members were asked to approve the Strategies content and the proposals for consultation both with partners and internally, prior to public consultation. It was noted that it was proposed to publish the full strategy in 2015 with a review in line with the six year Flood Risk Regulations cycle.

The Cabinet Member referred to the new responsibilities arising from the Flood and Water Management  Act 2010 and to the nature and variety of the different bodies and individuals involved. He confirmed that the Strategy would be a partnership approach, with statutory responsibilities but limited funds.

In answer to earlier questions from speakers, he referred to the two proposed policies in the Local Plan, mentioned at 7.2 of the Strategy, which detailed flood risks and drainage. Also to the issues of hotspots and to the approach being undertaken to relieve these, including the use of Flood Wardens.

The Leader also referred to the issues at Naburn, referred to by a speaker, he confirmed that a more comprehensive  examination was required of the issues involved as he believed that dredging would not have the desired result in reducing river levels upstream.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve York’s Flood Risk Management Strategy at Annex 1of the report. ^1.

Reason:              To ensure the Council is compliant with its duties in the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and to ensure that we have a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy that can drive future flood risk investment needs.