Agenda item

Presentation by the Environment Agency

Minutes:

The Committee received a presentation from the Environment Agency (EA) on Planning and Flood Risk.  They reported that they had two strategic roles in the Planning system which included advice on the Local Plan and Development control and detailed these in depth to Members.

 

It was reported that the EA expected Local Plans to have Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Level 1 with a preference to avoid flood risk or manage if factors means level 2 or 3 site are required for development.

 

It was then noted that the EA was a statutory consultee regarding planning applications.  It was reported that the County Council was the lead local flood authority for certain types of water concerns like surface water drainage but the EA would comment on flood risks.

 

The EA presented what calculations they use when considering flood risks and what they expected developers to do to mitigate these risks.  They reported that the two questions they pose when considering applications were will it firstly be “Made safe for its lifetime” and secondly “without increasing flood risk elsewhere”.  They then wished it to be noted that responding to planning consultations was not a simple yes or no but object to the principle or in the details of the application along with recommendations of planning conditions.

 

The Committee then asked questions and wanted reassurances that the models used were correct especially with changing data and the added complication of climate change.  It was reported that uncertainties were written into the models. 

 

Members then wanted to know what data sources were used to create flooding models and whether local knowledge was included.  It was reported that information was taken from known flooding events and physical gauges and models were updated whenever the data changed.  It was noted that anecdotal evidence should be used when collating site specific data and it would be investigated if this had not happened.  The Committee suggested that a reporting mechanism with Parish Councils could be advantageous to the EA. 

 

Members asked how often flooding zones were reviewed as there had been an instance where the Planning Committee had approved an application based on a ‘no objection representation made by the EA only for the flood zone to change on the site soon after.  Members expressed their concern that the Planning Committee were making decisions based on out dated professional advice.  The EA committed to investigate when the zoning changed for the site in question and let Members know.  They also agreed to look at why local knowledge had not been considered when initially giving their comments on the planning application.  They did assure the Committee that the models now used suggested that the site was safe and reported that they would pass these models on to help reassure residents in the area.

 

Further concern was expressed regarding sewage works especially in the Fradley area and it was agreed that the EA would discuss these issues with Seven Trent Water on the Committee’s behalf.

 

When asked, it was confirmed that dredging of rivers did not make a big enough positive impact and now the preferred method was to re-naturalise them as it was more environmentally friendly.

 

The Environment Agency was thanked for their attendance and their assistance to the Committee.

RESOLVED:  That the information given be noted.