Issue - meetings

This report provides an update regarding progress on the York Five Year Flood Plan, including work carried out by the Environment Agency, since the last update in December 2017.

Resolved:  To note the update report and the evidence presented by the Environment Agency.

                   To recommend that officers prepare a report for Executive to review the strategic development issues relating to the flood defence schemes across the city.

Reason:     To update the Executive on work done to progress the five year flood plan for York.

The Executive Member considered a report that provided an update on progress with the York 5 Year Plan, including work carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) since the last update in December 2017.

The EA representative reported that they had been working closely with communities across the city to look at what could be done to mitigate flood risk in each community area. There had been polarised opinions in some areas and the EA would continue to meet with groups.  Cllr Dave Taylor had volunteered to co-ordinate discussions in Fishergate.

During the discussion on the report, the following points were made and clarified:

·        The B16 flood cell (New Walk) had been split into eight sub-cells.  Though a drain on staff time, this had proved effective and was likely to save time in the longer term. A monthly newsletter was distributed within the cell.

·        Feedback was encouraged from residents and communities, and it was hoped to get people on board with any plans that would be implemented.

·        A proposal was being developed in cells F8, F10 and F11 to combine resources into upstream storage, similar to work done in Pickering, to create benefits all the way downstream into the city.

·        A workable solution had been developed for Clementhorpe Road and a detailed design was now being developed, with a view to start building in the Autumn.

·        Blue Beck in Cell B10 would require additional approval processes before work could be done, to ensure no damage was done to the SSSI.

·        It was suggested that a report be taken to Executive outlining how funds had been spent to date, future spending plans, and how key decisions would be scrutinised and supported by the council’s democratic process.

·        Work was ongoing to identify social media groups across the city, and the EA were working with council communications teams to ensure messages were effectively communicated.

·        The council’s newly appointed resilience officer would work closely with the EA project team and the council’s Emergency Planning Unit to ensure flood resilience

messages and works programmes were developed in the city.

Resolved:  (i)      That the update report and the information presented by the Environment Agency be noted.

                   (ii)      That Officers be recommended to prepare a report for Executive to review the strategic development issues relating to the flood defence schemes across the city.

Reason:     To update the Executive on work done to progress the five year flood plan for York.