Minutes:
Councillor P L Spenceley provided some background information and then Moved her Motion, as detailed below:
‘That at its meeting on 23rd February 2023 Council resolves to agree to work in a proactive manner to engage with all appropriate authorities to pursue the realisation of a flood alleviation scheme for Heybridge and that, with this in mind, it recognises the need for invitation to involvement of all Heybridge ward members and other members as appropriate through the formation of a Heybridge Flood Alleviation Scheme Working Group.’
The Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance provided the Council with detailed information on the work that had been ongoing through the Coastal and Flooding Group and direct dialogue with the Environment Agency (EA). He shared an update on the Heybridge Flood Alleviation project and advised that the EA was taking the project forward to Outline Business Case which would look to refine four previously identified preliminary options, shortlisted in 2019 following Stakeholder Workshops. The EA would undertake public engagement / consultation exercises and more detailed briefings during 2023 / 24. At this point he reminded Members of the four options:
· Diversion of High Flows from the Maypole Road ditch;
· Diversion of High Flows from both the Maypole Road and Langford ditch;
· Improvement of Flow conveyance through existing Holloway Road and Langford ditch systems;
· Property level protection measures.
The Director suggested that Members consider setting up a Member Reference Group (similar to that in place for the A12 consultation) to keep Members informed alongside the Flood and Coastal Group and to support Officer representative with the EA as the work progressed.
Councillor S White proposed an amendment to Motion, that the Reference Group be set up as suggested by Officers, but this be District Wide due to flooding issues being across the whole of the District. In response the Chairman advised he could not accept this amendment as it negated the purpose of the original Motion.
A debate ensued and in response to questions raised the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance provided further clarification in respect of the monies awarded for the work, the current work of the Flood and Coastal Group and how the EA would set up a strategy or reference group for external stakeholders which Officers would be engaged with.
Councillor Spenceley proposed an amendment to her Motion “…formation of a Heybridge Flood Alleviation Scheme Reference Group’. She noted that there were other areas in the District with flooding issues but advised that Heybridge was one of seven schemes highlighted and adopted by Essex County Council for the whole of Essex. The amendment was duly seconded.
The Chairman then put the amended Motion to the Council, and this was duly agreed.
RESOLVED that the Council works in a proactive manner to engage with all appropriate authorities to pursue the realisation of a flood alleviation scheme for Heybridge and with this in mind recognises the need for invitation to involvement of all Heybridge Ward Members and other Members as appropriate, through the formation of a Heybridge Flood Alleviation Scheme Reference Group.