Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development updating Executive Board on the progress of proposals to provide flood defences for the City, and seeking approval to a phased approach to providing flood defences, with the aim being to complete Phase 1, to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the city centre area (between Leeds Station and Knostrop Weir), by the end of 2015.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress of proposals to provide flood defences for the city. In addition, the report sought approval to a phased approach to providing flood defences, the aim being to complete Phase 1 to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the city centre area (between Leeds Station and Knostrop Weir), by the end of 2015. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board welcomed the phased approach which had been proposed and emphasised the vital importance of an effective flood alleviation scheme for both the city and the regional economy.  In addition, Members highlighted the inflexible nature of the criteria applied by DEFRA to flood alleviation and requested that representations were made to DEFRA on this matter.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be acknowledged that the original comprehensive flood defence scheme, costing £188,000,000 (whole life costs at 2011 figures), which would provide a 1 in 200 year standard of flood protection, will not be funded in the near future.

(b)  That in light of resolution (a) above, approval be given to a phased approach to providing flood defences as the most pragmatic way forward at this time, with the aim being to complete Phase 1 to achieve a 1 in 75 year Standard of Protection for the City Centre area, from Leeds Station  to Knostrop Weir by the end of 2015.

(c)  That, should it be affordable and practicable, elements of Phase 1, as outlined within paragraph 3.9 of the submitted report, be progressed at the earliest opportunity.

(d)  That it be agreed that Leeds City Council, as lead Local Flood Authority, working with partners, should lead and procure further work to develop proposals and to secure funding in order to progress Phase 1, currently estimated by the Environment Agency at £75,800,000.

(e)  That Leeds MPs continue to liaise proactively with Defra and the Environment Agency in order to support Leeds City Council in its ambition to progress a flood defence project for the city by providing minimum match funding, seconding technical staff and sharing all relevant technical information.

(f)  That expenditure of £500,000, made available from the Council’s Capital allocation of £10,000,000 to progress the recommendations of the submitted report, including further feasibility and associated work, be authorised.

(g)  That the phased approach, as highlighted within paragraph 3.9 of the submitted report be agreed, subject to detailed technical assessment.