Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on the emerging proposals for the Phase Two River Aire Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme in advance of widespread engagement with stakeholders. In addition, the report seeks approval for the submission of funding applications, together with the subsequent undertaking of an accelerated package of advanced works.

Further to Minute No. 170, 20^th April 2016, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the emerging proposals for the Phase Two River Aire Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme in advance of widespread engagement with stakeholders. In addition, the report sought approval for the submission of funding applications, together with the subsequent undertaking of an accelerated package of advanced works.

Members welcomed the innovative proposals which had been submitted and how they would build upon phase one of the scheme. With regard to phase two, Members specifically welcomed the ‘whole catchment’ approach which was being taken.

With regard to phase two, the Chair welcomed the offers of cross-party support which had been made during the discussion in respect of approaching Government for the financial support required to deliver such proposals.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the emerging proposals for Phase Two in relation to Natural Flood Management; the construction of actively controlled river floodwater storage areas; the removal of existing obstacles effecting the river channel in high flow events; and the residual construction of linear defences and potential terracing, be noted;

(b)  That widespread engagement to be undertaken with stakeholders on the emerging proposals, be approved;

(c)  That support be given to ensure that defence works are progressed as quickly as possible; that the submission of business cases to ascertain funding in relation to £3.4m of advanced works be endorsed; and subject to the outcome of those business cases, that the necessary ‘authority to spend’ for the undertaking of such works be delegated to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Housing;

(d)  That it be noted that a further report will be submitted to Executive Board in December 2017 which seeks approval of the outline business case submission to the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the subsequent planning application submission.