Agenda item

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/079

Contact: Steve Smith, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 810435

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CA6).

Following the nationwide flooding events of 2007, the Pitt Review recommended that a single authority should be responsible for managing flood risk in local areas. This was endorsed by subsequent legislation, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, under which Oxfordshire County Council became the Lead Local Flood Authority for the County.  As part of its role as the Lead Flood Authority the council is required to produce, publish and maintain a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to state how the county council, in conjunction with other flood and water management authorities intend to work together effectively in order to manage areas identified as being at risk of flooding within the county.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for public consultation.

Following the nationwide flooding events of 2007, the Pitt Review recommended that a single authority should be responsible for managing flood risk in local areas. This was endorsed by subsequent legislation, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, under which Oxfordshire County Council became the Lead Local Flood Authority for the County. As part of its role as the Lead Flood Authority the council is required to produce, publish and maintain a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to state how the county council, in conjunction with other flood and water management authorities intend to work together effectively in order to manage areas identified as being at risk of flooding within the county.

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, queried what guarantees of co-operation there were for Thames Water and what would be the consequences if there was no co-operation. Councillor Rose explained that the County Council had no powers over Thames Water. However there was much greater dialogue now and an interest in moving forward. Councillor John Sanders went on to stress the importance of communication in order to maintain the confidence of residents. He noted that there was no distinct reference to the Western Conveyance or wider investment and stated that residents downstream of Oxford would need reassurance that they would be okay. Councillor Rose replied that in terms of modelling that was done by the Environment Agency and the County took advice from them. He believed that in terms of communications the County Council was doing all it could and everybody was being kept informed.

Councillor Howson, speaking as local councillor for St Margaret’s referred to a specific problem related to the Oxford Canal which formed an impervious clay barrier from housing on one side and Port Meadow. At the time of building a series of siphons had taken drainage water under the canal. In recent times with increased development the siphons had not been able to cope leading to occasional flooding. Estate management had had to obtain a licence to pump the excess water into the canal. Without that there would be regular flooding. He asked that small schemes to resolve local issues be considered alongside the larger schemes. Councillor Rose replied that they were looking at all measures all over the County and would be looking at local problems where ever they occurred.

Councillor Hards, local councillor for Didcot West, welcomed the strategy and suggested that in relation to page 6 in relation to the geology mention should be made of the layer of clay (with flints)  that lies on top of the bedrock. This causes problems with ground water. Great Western Park was a large development and would require a major piece of sewage infrastructure under the railway. In the meantime the first houses have been attached to the pumping station which was already known to be inadequate. He referred to the problems for residents this created and asked if anything could be done. Councillor Rose noted that this was largely the responsibility of other agencies.

Councillor Pressel, local councillor for Jericho & Osney, thanked Councillor Rose for his responses to her questions at Minute 45/14. She felt that the last sentence of the response to question 1 was complacent and although the response had been good it could be better such as the collaboration with Thames Water. She commented that it was a pity neither the Leader nor the Deputy Leader had been unable to attend a local meeting with Thames Water. Referring to the response to the question on consultation she commented that often the City was left to get on with it. Oxford City had very few parishes and the County Council had to look at other ways to contact local residents. Councillor Pressel commented on the Sustainable Drainage (SUDS) and Councillor Rose advised that from October the County Council would become the lead authority. The consultation on the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy would be open to all.

Councillor Rose introduced the report and moved the recommendations.

During discussion the Fire & Rescue Service were congratulated for their excellent response during the recent flooding. The Leader noted that at the Council’s CHOICE Awards he had presented a special award to Gary Mattingley from the Fire and Rescue Service for his part in keeping Oxford’s Botley Road open.

Cabinet welcomed the draft Strategy and stressed that whether for city or village the aim was to do what the County Council could to manage flood risk. The Leader stated that the Strategy was about community resilience. It was not a dry document and had to recognise the work of everyone: lots of small schemes could prevent major catastrophes. 

Cabinet discussed how to ensure that all partners and particularly Thames Water were engaged.

RESOLVED: to approve the Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for public consultation.