Update on the
Local Flood Strategy.
Decision:
Minutes:
The
report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Municipal and
Gwynedd Consultancy, the Head of Highways and Municipal Services and the Assistant
Head of Gwynedd Consultancy. Attention was drawn briefly to the following
principal points:
- The Head
of Highways and Municipal Department explained that the document detailed
inland and coastal flooding risks but that these were considered separately.
- The
inland flooding risks were discussed and it was
explained that each area was considered independently in order to state the risks
that impact on different parts of the county. In the past, it was considered
that too local a consideration had been made and therefore the department was
eager to look at areas according to catchment areas in order
to ascertain the more real risks.
- The
coastal flooding risks were discussed. It was emphasised that the department
wanted to ascertain the most vulnerable areas in order to
apply for grants to get materials to protect them.
Members
were given an opportunity to ask questions and offer observations. During the
discussion, the following matters were raised:
It was asked by approximately how much the sea level would rise as a result of the climate change impact, and what could be
done to prevent this and the situation in the Fairbourne
area.
- In
response to this query, the Assistant Head of Gwynedd Consultancy noted that
there was a presumption that the sea level would increase by approximately a
metre in the future due to climate change.
He explained that there was a specific plan for the Fairbourne
area in the context of mitigating the impact and the effect on the community.
He noted that a community impact assessment would be undertaken.
Reference was made to the department's intention to look regularly at
the catchment areas to review their flooding risks. It was asked how the department would
undertake this.
- In
response to the query, the Assistant Head of Gwynedd Consultancy confirmed that
a number of minor projects were being implemented
within the catchment areas to get clear information about each area. These projects are rectified prior to the
submission of information to Natural Resources Wales who feed the information
into their database.
- It was
expanded that it was possible to use Natural Resources Wales'
map to see how many properties there would be in a high-risk area in the
catchment area. As information was fed regularly into the database, this
information was likely to consistently change. As the department worked in high risk areas and resolved problems, the information would
be fed back to Natural Resources Wales for them to update their information.
- It was
emphasised that although this process took time, the priorities that would need
to be followed would change with time to ensure that flood prevention support
went to the areas where it was most needed. The information was transferred
from the department to Natural Resources Wales twice a year. This was
sufficient for the department.
It was noted that it was key to consider what side effects the projects
to safeguard the coast in one catchment area had on nearby areas. It was possible that resolving coastal
flooding risks in one community had a negative impact on another area. It was
important to take these risks into consideration when trying to produce a
framework.
In response to observations in the context of flooding risks in Pwllheli
and Porthmadog, it was noted that Natural Resources Wales led on plans in these
areas. It was explained that there was
input from the Department and enquiries would be made regarding the
timetable. A member emphasised the
importance of communication with communities.
Reference was made to the department's strategy to look at inland and
coastal flooding separately. It was
asked if there was a risk for the full picture to be lost by not considering
both together.
- In
response to this query, the Assistant Head of Gwynedd Consultancy emphasised
that this was not a problem. Since projects were implemented as parts of
catchment areas, these impacts would not be lost.
- It was
expanded upon that there was collaboration with many organisations such as
Natural Resources Wales, and Town and Community Councils. In the past, collaboration had been challenging. The situation had improved by now and
everyone had a shared vision and aspiration.
Thanks
were expressed for the report.
RESOLVED
To accept the report, noting the observations
made during the meeting.
Supporting documents: