Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room One, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln Lincs LN1 1YL. View directions

Contact: Andrea Brown  Democratic Services Officer

Items
No. Item

27.

Apologies for Absence/Replacement Members

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs A M Austin, Mrs W Bowkett, B M Dobson, and Mrs C J Lawton.

 

It was noted that the Chief Executive, having received notice under Regulation 13 of the Local Government (Committee and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, had appointed Councillors L Wootten and C J T H Brewis to replace Councillors B M Dobson and Mrs A M Austin respectively, for this meeting only.

28.

Declarations of Councillors' Interests

Minutes:

It was noted that some members of the Committee were members of Internal Drainage Boards across the County.

29.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Flood and Water Management Scrutiny Committee held on 26 February 2018 pdf icon PDF 157 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee held on 26 February 2018, be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

30.

Announcements by the Chairman, Executive Councillors and Lead Officers

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Executive Councillors and Lead Officers to provide the Committee with any announcements.

 

Councillor C Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy and Place advised the Committee of the following:-

 

·         Flood Prevention Scheme at Middle Rasen – It was reported that the Flood Prevention Scheme would be getting underway as residents in Middle Rasen had experience flooding on three occasions in the last ten years, particularly the Gainsborough Road area of the village where 11 properties had been flooded internally.  The Committee was advised that the scheme would help reduce the risk of flooding and protect 51 homes.  The estimated overall cost of the scheme was £600,000, to be jointly funded by Lincolnshire County Council, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency;

·         Waterways Strategy – It was noted that Lincolnshire County Council was continuing to work with partners to unlock the visitor and economic benefits around the County's waterway's; also taking advantage of strategic opportunities to join up with emerging thinking concerning the potential benefits arising from flood risk management and water resource planning; and

·         National Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy – It was highlighted that the council was fully engaged with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency in the early stages of developing a new national Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.  It was highlighted further that there was a recognition of the need to accommodate local priorities and the extent to which effective water management could support delivery of a wide range of benefits, for example to facilitate growth through prioritised flood risk management.  The Committee noted that discussions moving forward would make sure that a full range of local community, business and environmental priorities could be embedded within the emerging national approach to managing water.

31.

Anglian Water's Consultation Draft Water Resources Management Plan pdf icon PDF 70 KB

(To receive a report by David Hickman (Growth and Environment Commissioner) which outlines the key points proposed for LCC and its partners' response to the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) consultation)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from David Hickman, Growth and Environment Commissioner, which provided the Committee with some key points proposed for Lincolnshire County Council and its partners' response to the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) consultation. 

 

A copy of the proposed Lincolnshire response document was circulated at the meeting.  The Committee was invited to consider the response and comment on the proposal.  It was highlighted that the response had to be made by 1 June 2018; and members of the Committee were also urged to make a response through their respective district councils.

 

In a short introduction, the Growth and Environment Commissioner made reference to key elements that had been identified in developing a joint response between partners, details of which were shown on pages 13 and 14 of the report.  Also, attached at Appendix A was a copy of the executive summary of the Water Resource Management Plan for 2019 for the Committee's consideration.

 

During discussion of the draft proposals circulated at the meeting, the following comments were raised.

 

·         The need to include in the response any other emerging strategies;

·         That the introduction of smart meters should be accompanied by a public awareness campaign.  Also, officers agreed to look into the issue raised with regard the procedures taken in relation to leaks when a meter had been installed;

·         The need to stress the engagement of all stakeholders at a local level regarding the infrastructure to ensure future water availability;

·         The need for investment to accommodate climate change impacts at an early stage to mitigate any problems coming forward and to also reduce the impact on the bill payer;

·         Ensuring that future housing development included a water plan and water disposal plan.  The need for more to be done regarding rain water harvesting, particularly with new housing developments.  It was highlighted that Lincolnshire County Council was working hard with regard to grey water and rain water harvesting.  It was reported that currently there was flexibility for developers, if it could be shown that the introduction of these initiatives would make a development financially unviable.  It was highlighted that to enforce the harvesting of rain water; and the use of grey water, there would need to be changes made to Building Regulations;

·         One member highlighted that electricity supply was also a pinch point effecting economic growth within the County.  The Committee was advised that the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership was conducting a study regarding electricity supply;

·         A question was asked as to whether the costs associated with future proofing had been checked.  The Executive Councillor for Economy and Place confirmed that the figures had been discussed at the customer engagement forum; and had been the subject of robust challenge; and

·         Proposed Water Storage facilities in the south west of the county.  The Committee was advised that there were no specifics at this time and that a number of ideas were being developed with regard to water security.  It was noted that there were no definitive plans  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

32.

Review of the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership

(To receive a report by David Hickman (Growth and Environment Commissioner) relating to the review of the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from David Hickman, Growth and Environment Commissioner, which advised the Committee of recent developments in the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership; and invited comments on possible priority areas for development as part of the forthcoming review of the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Strategy.

 

Appendix A to the report provided the Committee with details of the draft terms of reference for the Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Water Management Partnership.

 

The report highlighted that since 2012 flood risk management had increasingly been recognised as an integral part of a wider issue of managing water as a resource that was essential for economic growth nationally, particularly, in the east of England. Page two of the report provided a list of significant areas identified as needing updating. 

 

It was highlighted that the first strategy was agreed in December 2012, and that since then flood risk and drainage management had increasingly come to be seen as a significant component in achieving a wider range of strategic objectives, particularly with regard to economic growth and infrastructure planning.  It was noted that the establishment of Local Enterprise Partnerships, responsible for Strategic Economic Plans had particular relevance in Lincolnshire because of the importance of sustainable water supply and resilience to major sectors of the County's economy, with particular reference being made to agri-food and the visitor economy.

 

The Committee was advised that the review would look at parts one and two of the existing Joint Lincolnshire Flood Risk and Drainage Management Strategy.  The review would look at all relevant areas that needed to be introduced into the strategy, as well as any material that was no longer required.  The report provided a list of strategies and initiatives that had been developed since 2012, which would need to be taken into account.

 

It was reported that early discussions with partner organisations had suggested a number of themes that might be expected to feature in a revised strategy.  These were:-

 

·         Developing the linkages between water management and securing economic growth and environmental enhancement;

·         Effective linkages with major regional and national strategic infrastructure initiatives, particularly involving water resources;

·         Develop new, forward-looking suite of measures & indicators through development of second edition of the strategy;

·         Develop public & stakeholder communications & engagement strategy; and

·         Maintain awareness of partnership nationally, proactive engagement regionally and nationally in key policy developments.

 

The Committee was invited to comment on the broad themes as detailed above.  During discussion, the Committee raised the following points:-

 

·         Confirmation was given that the Environment Agency was keen to see the Strategy come forward; especially its dovetailing into wider issues;

·         The need to ensure that all Internal Drainage Boards were consulted, as they had a wealth of local knowledge.  It was also highlighted that information relating to IDBs would help also with the Environment Agency with their capital programme refresh;

·         The success of joint working relationships within Lincolnshire and the need to build on these further;

·         One member also highlighted the issue of ensuring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

33.

Environment Agency Update pdf icon PDF 117 KB

(To receive a report by Deborah Campbell (Environment Agency) which invites the Committee to consider and comment on the activities of the Environment Agency including progress of key capital schemes)

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report from the Environment Agency, which provided the Committee with an update on the progress made on key capital schemes.

 

Deborah Campbell, Coastal Manager, Environment Agency provided the Committee with further updates in relation to the following projects:-

 

·         Boston Barrier – The Committee was advised that the scheme was underway; and members of the Committee were encouraged to have a look of the £100m flagship scheme.  It was highlighted that lots of information had been posted on social media.  It was highlighted further that the scheme was on programme; and on budget;

·         Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Strategy Review – The Committee was advised that the consultation period had finished on 22 March 2018.  The feedback had been evaluated and work was ongoing in preparation of the SGP Strategy with the SEA for formal consultation later in the year and that a further update would be received later in the year;

·         Lincshore (Interim Beach Management Lincolnshire Coast) – The Committee was advised that the dredger had been on the coast over the last few weeks; working over two bank holidays.  It was highlighted that the dredger would be there until 22 June 2018;

·         Horncastle and Louth Improvements – The Committee was advised that both reservoirs had been in use over the Easter period; and that it had been great to see them in action.  It was highlighted that positive comments had been received.  The Committee was advised that it was the intention to remove both of these schemes from future reports going forward;

·         Black Sluice Catchment Works – The Committee noted that the Rationalising the Main River Network pilot project had completed the formal consultation phase for the South Forty Catchment.  It was noted further that the responses received had been lower than expected; but had been mainly positive for the local pilot (20 kilometres of network being transferred to Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board).  It was noted further that the project was due to be completed in the summer of 2018;

·         Lincoln Defences – It was reported that this scheme had been accelerated.  The Committee was advised that the strategic outline business case had been submitted.  It was highlighted that initial assessment of costs and benefits had highlighted a likely need for around £2.3m of additional partnership funding;

·         Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy – The Committee was advised that the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy set out how the Environment Agency and its partners would seek to manage flood risk around the estuary over the next 100 years.  It was highlighted that a comprehensive review of the document had commenced in 2014, with a view to the document being signed off in 2020.  The report advised that the review boundary had been extended to include all tidal flood risk below the seven metre contour line.  Once the short list of options had been finalised, the Committee could expect to receive a further update; and

·         Donna Nook Managed Realignment Site – It was hoped that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

To report progress on the investigations made in the County under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) pdf icon PDF 59 KB

(To receive a report from Paul Brookes (County Flood Risk Manager) which provides the latest position of all current investigations in the County under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010)

 

(Members are asked to view the current Section 19 spreadsheets online (also contained in Appendix A) and inform Democratic Services in advance if they wish to highlight any particular sites at the forthcoming Scrutiny Committee meeting)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Paul Brookes, County Flood Risk Manager, which invited the Committee to consider and comment on the investigations undertaken in the County under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

 

Warren Peppard, Flood Risk & Development Manager advised the Committee that in Quarter 4 (January to March 2018), there had only been one new Section 19 investigation started.  The investigation related to chronic groundwater flooding of a single residence in Sibsey.  It was noted that for the same period last year, no flood events had been reported.

 

Appendix A to the report presented provided the Committee with a record of current flood investigations in the County, that were being carried out in accordance with Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

 

RESOLVED

 

That progress made on investigations undertaken within the County under Section19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 be noted.

35.

Flood and Water Management Scrutiny Committee Work Programme pdf icon PDF 103 KB

(To receive a report from Daniel Steel (Scrutiny Officer) which presents the Terms of Reference of the Flood and Water Management Scrutiny Committee and invites the Committee to consider its Work Programme for the coming year)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee gave consideration to a report from Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, which enabled the members to consider and comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity was focussed on areas of greatest benefit.

 

Pages 53/54 of the report provided the Committee with a copy of the work programme for the Flood and Water Management Scrutiny Committee up to 11 February 2018.

 

One member requested a further update in six months' time relating to the Special Levies for Internal Drainage Board's.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Flood and Water Management Scrutiny Committee Work Programme, as presented, be agreed subject to the inclusion of the item mentioned above.

 

 
 
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