Agenda item

This report gives an update in relation to the York 5 Year Flood Plan. The Executive Member for the Environment is asked to note the update report and the evidence presented by the Environment Agency in the session. Feedback is sought from the Executive Member on all content.

Resolved:           That the update report and the evidence presented by the Environment Agency in the session be noted.

Reason:              The Executive Member is updated on the progress of the flood risk management works programmes in York and is able advise to ensure wider links and opportunities are considered and built into the process.

The report providing an update in relation to the York 5 Year Flood Plan was considered and feedback from the Executive Member was sought on all content. The Flood Risk & Asset Manager (CYC) as well as the Partnerships and Strategic Overview Manager (Environment Agency) were available for comments. It was noted that the work in Clementhorpe was being fast-tracked and that the pumping capacity at the Foss Barrier would be increased from 40 to 50 tonnes per second. In response to further questions from the Executive Member, it was:

·        confirmed that the ground investigations would take place in Summer 2017 and works were progressing as quickly as possible taking into account consultations and testing undertaken by the designers as well as factors out of control such as poor ground partition in certain locations;

·        clarified that project communication included quarterly newsletter, Facebook page and planned opening of the exhibition centre; further communication was planned after the consultation phase ended;

·        explained that the funding secured for the Foss Barrier work (Annex 1) was £17.0M but the approved funding was £19.4M. If more than £19.4M was needed, further approvals would have to be secured;

·        agreed that further updates on progress on the flood scheme would be given through the Decision Sessions and separate communication for each locality would be created;

·        suggested that the case for additional resources would be publicly made to Yorkshire Flood and Coastal Committee on behalf of York residents.

The Officers then gave an update in relation to the following localities:

Clifton Ings (Annex 1):

No major flooding risk was present. Two projects were currently ongoing:

·        Barrier Bank work: expected to start in 2019; the barrier might need to be raised 1m higher;

·        a pumping station at Blue Beck to give reassurance to community.

The residents would be informed about the development as soon as possible. It was also agreed that further updates would be provided to the Executive Member. It was then added that erosion was not currently causing any issues but it could in the future; potential solutions to this problem would be considered. It was also agreed that the flood management and catchment study report would be presented during the next Decision Session.

Hob Moor/York Central (Annex 1)

Further consultations with residents were organised. Holgate Beck review had been undertaken; there was no risk connected with electricity supplies. The need to balance the localised defences with pumping stations was highlighted.

Foss Barrier Progress (Annex 1)

The project was progressing well. The new building would be constructed before Christmas 2017.

It was also added that, for any queries from residents, the York Flood Plan (Environment Agency) could be contacted on yorkfloodplan@environment-agency.gov.uk.

It was suggested that a signposting system to the updated reviews on progress in each of the locations could be created.

The Chair was appreciative of the work undertaken and highlighted the support available to the Officers to prevent potential delays in implementation of the projects. It was then 

Resolved:           That the update report and the evidence presented by the Environment Agency in the session be noted.

Reason:              The Executive Member is updated on the progress of the flood risk management works programmes in York and is able advise to ensure wider links and opportunities are considered and built into the process.