Agenda item

To consider a report by the Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition (copy enclosed) updating members on progress with investigations into the flooding events across Denbighshire in November 2012 and to seek members’ views on potential emerging recommendations.

9.40 a.m.

The Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition (CDECA) presented a report (previously circulated) updating members on progress with investigations into the flooding events across Denbighshire in November 2012 and sought members’ views on potential emerging recommendations.  The terms of reference and commission for investigation had been attached to the report.  A full report would be submitted to Council following completion of the investigations.

The report detailed the significant flooding which occurred at 12 separate locations involving approximately 500 properties.  The Council’s investigation was being supported by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) with independent experts having been commissioned to carry out the investigation at Glasdir, Ruthin due to the complexities at that location.  Work was being coordinated by the Flood Investigation Working Group and two Stakeholder Briefings had been provided which included summaries of findings to date and emerging recommendations.  Details of interim action to address identified flood risks had also been provided.

The CDECA provided some further context to the report advising of recent legislation governing flood risk management and the Council’s responsibilities as Lead Local Flood Authority in that regard.  Overall initial findings suggested that –

·         it was an exceptional weather event (flood risk rating of close of 1:200) with high river levels, persistent rainfall and already saturated ground resulting in river banks being breached and flood defences overtopped

·         Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water confirmed that water had not been released from Llyn Aled and Llyn Aled Isaf Reservoir and therefore had not been a contributory factor

·         river levels records demonstrated that the tide was not the cause of flooding at Rhuddlan and St. Asaph

She also verbally updated the committee on progress with the investigations into each of the 12 separate locations subject to flooding.  Members questioned various aspects of the investigation process in order to satisfy themselves that all avenues were being explored and also sought clarification on the responsibilities of all those involved in both managing and maintaining flood defences.  Mr. Keith Ivens and Mr. Mark Pugh, NRW provided further information regarding the technical points covered during the investigation together with the role of NRW as part of that process and their responsibilities on flood risk in terms of preparation, maintenance and responding to incidents.  During the detailed debate the following action points were raised –

·         residents in other parts of Ruthin had also been refused insurance cover or faced significantly higher premiums due to historical flood events and members asked that the effectiveness of the Ruthin Flood Alleviation Scheme be brought to the attention of the insurance industry with a view to ensuring flood risk was also assessed appropriately within those areas

·         due to under-capacity and restrictions associated with culverts in the Llanbedr DC area members asked that the practicalities be explored of ensuring that all future planning applications for areas affected by surface water flooding included adequate sized culverts/gulleys within the plans prior to planning permission being granted

·         reference was made to Rhyl’s Flood Plan and resident Flood Wardens and it was suggested that this best practice initiative be extended to other parts of the county

·         members requested that enquiries be made with the Welsh Government as the Trunk Road Agency on whether recent work undertaken on the A494 had affected the drainage channels for surface water

·         it was suggested that NRW become more proactive in issuing evacuation alerts to residents in known flood risk areas

·         officers be asked to explore the possibility of establishing a multi-agency group of all stakeholders, including the Council (officers and members), NRW, Dwr Cymru, land owners and fishing groups, to devise and implement a long-term management strategy for river maintenance from source (spring) to coast with a view to mitigating future flood risks, and

·         agreed that a separate meeting be arranged between Councillor Alice Jones and the CDECA, Senior Engineer, Flood Risk Management, and NRW to discuss her specific concerns including the erosion of the river bank in St. Asaph and possible tidal effect on the flooding incident in November 2012.  An information report back on that discussion be submitted prior to the committee’s next meeting.

[RM to progress the above action points]

RESOLVED that, subject to the above action points, the progress report on investigations into the flooding incidents in November 2012 be received and noted.