Agenda item

To consider a referral to Scrutiny in the name of Cllr Illingworth, regarding flood risk management in Kirkstall.  

The Scrutiny Board considered a Referral to Scrutiny in the name of Cllr John Illingworth about the impact of aspects of Flood Alleviation Scheme 2 (FAS2) on Kirkstall residents.

The following people were in attendance for this item:

Cllr Helen Hayden   - Executive Member

Martin Farrington   - Director of City Development

Richard Dennis   - Civil Engineering Manager

Peter Charlesworth - Project Principal, BMMJV

Richard Dennis delivered a presentation providing an overview of the background to FAS1 and FAS2. The presentation highlighted the impact of the 2015 Boxing Day floods and the potential economic impact of such an event occurring in Leeds during the working week.

The Scrutiny Board was provided with the background to the phased approach to flood risk management adopted by Leeds City Council after 2015. The presentation included examples of cutting-edge technology such as moveable weirs, linear defences, and a flood storage area at Calverley, as well as natural flood management within the catchment of the River Aire.

Cllr Illingworth outlined his concerns about aspects of the FAS2 scheme in Kirkstall, which he proposed could offer scope for future learning and potentially strengthen aspects of the current programme.

Cllr Illingworth highlighted three general concerns about FAS2:

§  Flood storage:  Impact on the city’s overall flood storage capacity given the decision not to progress with proposals for storage at Rodley.

§  Sheet Steel Piling: Impact of the use of sheet steel piling on biodiversity.

§  Green space: A lost opportunity to release more green space in densely populated parts of the inner city by displacing economic activity to less populated areas.

Cllr Illingworth requested that further consideration be given to specific aspects of the scheme that have a direct impact on Kirkstall:

§  Flood storage capacity: Cllr Illingworth requested confirmation as to whether additional capacity has been identified to compensate for the “loss” of proposed storage at Rodley.

§  Kirkstall Meadows: Concerns were raised about the impact of retaining three rugby pitches in close proximity to a nature reserve.

§  Kirkstall Valley Farm and the adjacent allotment: Cllr Illingworth raised concern that new flood management mechanisms could increase the flood risk for the farm and allotments, potentially resulting in the contamination of the land with raw sewage and thereby risking the farm’s organic certification.

§  Flow control structure at Kirkstall Abbey: Reassurance was sought about the appearance and value for money that will be provided by a new flow controller at Kirkstall Abbey.

Richard Dennis responded by noting that the current flow control mechanism at Kirkstall Abbey is not suitable as a modern-day flood management asset. However, he reassured the Board that the current controller will be retained as a historical asset. The Board was informed Government funding allocated to FAS2 cannot be used for other purposes within a locality.

Officers clarified that there is an increased risk of flood depth at Kirkstall Valley Farm, as opposed to an increase in flood risk. The increase in flood depth would only occur when that land is already in flood. It is forecast that there would be no difference in flood depth during a 1 in 10-year event. During a 1 in 200-year event the difference in depth would be 150mm at a point when the site is already experiencing depths of between 750mm and 1.5m.

The Scrutiny Board was advised that substantial consultation took place about plans for additional flood storage in Rodley. In response to significant community concern about the potential impact on Rodley nature reserve, the Executive Board chose not to progress with flood storage proposals.

In response to proposals for a ‘managed retreat’ from flood zones in Kirkstall, officers noted that such an approach would not have met the Government criteria for funding in the aftermath of the 2015 flood event. The Government required a flood prevention scheme and the Council secured £160m for its subsequent flood risk management proposals. 

Officers confirmed that FAS2 will protect 1,048 properties and 370 existing businesses, and will unlock 1,613 new homes. The scheme has been scrutinised by Defra Executive Commission, Environment Agency Major Projects Team and Her Majesty’s Treasury. In all instances it has been assessed as providing good value for money. 

Martin Farrington noted that Kirkstall Meadows is currently laid out as rugby pitches and is in private ownership. The Environment Agency regards playing pitches as compatible with flood zones. However, historically flooding has contaminated the land making three of five pitches unsuitable for use.  Sport England was a statutory consultee with regards to the two pitches still in use. It is intended that part of the site will continue to be used as sports pitches. 

Officer reassured the Scrutiny Board that where possible FAS2 aims to maximise opportunities to improve the local environment. Professor Sir John Lawton, Chair of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, has been part of the programme Board.

Residential and commercial property damage in Kirkstall in 2015 was considered, along with the emotional impact for people living and working in the area. Consideration was given to SMEs who face prohibitively expensive insurance premiums. It was noted that FAS1 provides evidence of the positive impact of effective flood risk management on insurance premiums. 

The Executive Member suggested that for every £1 spent on protecting a property £5 is saved in renovation and clean-up costs, as well as early intervention delivering carbon savings and reducing insurance premiums.

Otley FAS scheme was highlighted as an example of how protective interventions can deliver substantial benefits to local people.

Officers reiterated that FAS2 is an integrated programme of interventions that stretch along the whole of the River Aire’s catchment area. In 2015 almost 3,000 residential properties within the catchment area were affected by flooding.

The Scrutiny Board was provided with information about the natural flood management measures incorporated into FAS2, including the planting of two million trees.

It was the view of the Executive Member that it would not provide good value for money at this stage to re-engage external modelling experts to meet with Cllr Illingworth and officers to further test elements of the scheme that are in progress and fully funded.

It was proposed that some of the principles of concern discussed at the meeting might be applied when the Board considers other schemes, including those presented within the Annual Flood Risk Management Report.

RESOLVED:

-  That further scrutiny of this specific issue will not be scheduled within the current work programme.