Decision details

Resolved that Executive:-

1)    Accepted the findings of the project development plan report and endorsed the recommended strategic and long term approach to the management of flood risk in Taunton, listed in section 6 of the non-technical summary;

2)    In partnership with EA to progress the identified short term priorities of: Longrun Meadow, the town centre defence improvements on the left bank of the River Tone (Frieze Hill to Town Bridge) and Firepool Lock to an appropriate design standard to secure the necessary consents and implementation;

3)    Sought the approval of Full Council for the allocation of £6,000,000 capital funding from already earmarked Community Infrastructure Levy, New Homes Bonus and s106 contributions, to be apportioned in consultation with the S151 Officer, to progress the identified short term priorities of Longrun Meadow and improvements to the left bank of the River Tone (Frieze Hill to Town Bridge);

4)    Used the project development plan as a basis for future investment planning. To develop a funding strategy to support implementation of the entire preferred approach, noting that a number of schemes had wider benefits such as increased bio-diversity and public amenity that might attract sources of funding other than flood defence related. Work with partners and stakeholders including the Environment Agency to secure appropriate national ‘Flood Defence Grant in Aid’ ((FDGiA) and Local Levy; Somerset River Authority grant; as well as partnership opportunities with Somerset County Council, Wessex Water; Natural England; Canal and Rivers Trust and others towards those schemes;

5)    Noted that consultation and engagement would take place with residents, stakeholders and partners on the individual schemes in the preferred approach as they progressed to detailed design and necessary consents for implementation; and

6)    Supported the appointment of dedicated project management capacity, to be funded from the capital allocation referred to above for an initial period of two years, to secure the necessary expertise and approvals to progress the shorter term priorities identified in recommendation 3, and to identify funding and wider opportunities as they arose.