Agenda item

This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Climate Change – Councillor Peter Pilkington.

The report is part of the Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme Project Delivery Plan which sets the framework of measures to be implemented in phases over the next 30+ years which will reduce the current flood risk, and appropriately mitigate against the future impacts of climate change over the next 100 year period. 

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.

During the discussion the following points were raised:-

·         Councillors thanked the officers for bringing the work forward.

·         Councillors wanted to ensure that all stakeholders were involved in the work to protect the town from major economic damage.

·         Councillors queried whether any other areas had been identified to help with the flood alleviation other than Longrun Meadow.

Yes, other areas had been identified, which included Vivary and Bradford on Tone.

·         Concern was raised that not all groups had been consulted with on the work being carried out.

·         Concern was raised on the burden placed on the areas located further downstream and queried what support could be given by neighbouring areas to alleviate that.

There were much wider projects being carried out to help alleviate flooding in other areas.  The report just focused on the Taunton area.

·         Concern was raised on the impact of flooding as a result of planning permission being granted to new developments within the area.

The report looked at the existing issues in Taunton.

·         Concern was raised on the cost of the scheme.

Many organisations were contributing towards the cost and officers had also looked into what funding was available.

·         Councillors queried whether there was anything within the Agricultural Bill that could assist.

The Bill included information on the promotion of better husbandry of soil which would act as the first line of defence.

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.