Agenda item

(To receive a presentation from Peter Bateson, (Witham Fourth District IDB), which provides the Committee with an update on the completion of the Wrangle Bank Flood Defence Project)

Peter Bateson from the Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board (W4IDB) provided the Committee with an update on the completion of the Wrangle Bank Flood Defence Project.  A video was presented to the Committee, which provided a bird's eye view of the project.

The Committee was advised that as a result of the tidal surge in 2013, two breaches had occurred along The Wash shoreline.  It was highlighted that a landowner led lobby Group, The Wash Frontagers had approached the Environment Agency to take action.  A partnership project was then formed which was led by the (W4IDB).  It was highlighted that Lincolnshire had a very strong Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership, which was led by Lincolnshire County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority, other partners included the Environment Agency, District Councils, Internal Drainage Boards and other environmental bodies.  It was highlighted further that The Partnership was seen as a national exemplar.

It was highlighted that the project had been included on the six year capital programme for the Anglian Northern Region Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and that the Flood and Coastal Risk Management, (FCRM) grant in aid (GiA) allocation had supported the construction of a bank to the height of 6.5 metres. It was highlighted further that when the Local Enterprise Partnership had learned of the project it had been keen to support it further.  This had resulted in a successful European Regional Development Fund application to Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government for additional funding under the growth agenda to build a resilient profiled bank to the height of 7 metres, to ensure better protection.

The Committee noted that the procurement exercise had been completed by the County Council; and that 10 compliant tenders had been received.  A preferred contractor was appointed and works had commenced on site during the Spring of 2018.

The Committee was advised further that the project had been completed in December 2018; and had improved protection for 438 properties, 3,400 hectares of prime farmland; and had also provided at least 10 hectares of habitat creation behind the bank.  It was noted that the spoil for the bank had been donated in-kind by the rural community (fourteen separate landowners) giving up 20 hectares of farmland.  It was noted further that the banks would form part of the National Coastal Path in 2020.

It was highlighted that the delivery and funding for this project had saved around £2m compared to initial estimates, based on similar schemes. 

Members of the Committee welcomed the presentation and extended their congratulations to the work done by The Partnership, particular reference was made to involvement of the W4IDB in leading and managing the project at no cost to them, which had resulted in a reduction in capital costs to the project.  It was highlighted that approaching local landowners for spoil had also helped reduce costs.

Reference was also made to burrowing animals.  The Committee was advised that burrowing animals were not allowed to habit first line defences; and that the Environment Agency had the necessary license to remove them to protect the banks.  It was noted that badgers were protected animals, and that in some circumstances artificial sets were created to ensure that badgers were rehomed.

Members of the Committee extended their thanks for the excellent presentation; and to the effective partnership working of all the agencies/bodies and land owners involved which ensured the success of the project. 

RESOLVED

That the update of the Wrangle Bank Flood Defence Project be received.