Doncaster Metripolitan Council Communities and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel Meeting

There were no apologies for absence made.

None.

There were no declarations of interest made.

There were no public statements made.

The minutes of the Community and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel held on the 23^rd January 2023 were approved as a true record.

A report was provided to the Panel with details of the outcomes of the review and consultation undertaken on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (2023 – 2029).  The Panel was also provided with an opportunity to consider and comment on the draft strategy.  It was explained that the new strategy was more in keeping with the National Flood Risk Management Strategy and had been built on improved information and also accounted for emerging legislation.

A discussion took place that included the following areas.

Public Consultation – An outline was provided of the consultation exercise and Members were reassured that robust public consultation had been undertaken, despite there being a small number of responses being made from the public.  Members heard how a two-tier approach had been undertaken, the first part which involved partnership organisations (consulted with to make sure that the document was as accurate as could be) and then the second part (which was the public consultation stage), was live for 4 weeks over July and August 2023.  It was outlined that the public consultation had been communicated through being;

·    advertised in the borough wide newsletter; and

·    uploaded to the Council consultations page, and flood risk management landing page; and

·    raised through word of mouth with customers, developers and members of the public to increase awareness.

It was clarified that public consultation had also included engagement with groups from areas such as Fishlake that had been greatly impacted by floods before.  Members heard that the draft strategy had been shared with them and comments invited on the proposals made. 

Flood Wardens – Members heard that it was the Emergency Planning Team which promoted and led on the recruitment of Flood Wardens.  It was acknowledged that engagement in encouraging Flood Wardens (to register onto the Council’s volunteering scheme) had lessened in recent times or because the individual had moved away.  It was explained that efforts were being made to drive more recruitment for Flood Wardens.  Members heard that the Emergency Planning team had started an initiative with the Environment Agency about 2 years ago to be recruiting Flood Wardens again, which had been slow to progress due to other competing service pressures.

It was noted that there were currently around 50 Wardens, with the majority being within the Fishlake Community.  Members welcomed the recognition that further work needed to be undertaken by promoting this issue in certain areas.  It was suggested that Community Groups might provide a potential source when undertaking this work. 

It was acknowledged that the training of Flood Wardens was an important issue as well as being able to give them more confidence.  It was noted that there was an issue around managing people’s behaviour as sometimes when floods occur then situations could be dangerous for residents who have not been trained. 

A Member spoke about their own experiences and challenges faced when they had previously offered to volunteer during a flood, it was offered to discuss this further outside of the meeting.

Surface Water and planning applications – A Member raised concerns about the impact of surface water when considering planning applications.  Members were assured that there was a well-established process in place as well as being part of a National Planning Policy Framework.   There was a brief discussion about the benefits of the Flood Risk Management Strategy being embedded in the Local Plan.

Future Preparedness - Members were pleased to hear that the Council was more prepared for a potential future flood risk due to its improved relationships with partners, better resourcing, investments being made and information.  It was explained that available intelligence provided a better understanding about where the flooding hotspots were.  It was outlined that there was a call out rota through the winter months to provide a 24 hour call out service. Members were assured that the situation was regularly being monitored through forecasts, river levels and by liaising with officers on the ground on receipt of weather warnings and that planning was being made for the future through potential schemes that could be delivered. 

It was viewed that the value of the being prepared and interventions undertaken was demonstrated following the flooding event in February 2022.  This was considered as a near miss and could be seen as preventing more significant flooding across the city.  It was acknowledged that the strategy was a necessary piece of work but that it was important to also think about longer-term considerations.  

Monitoring and identifying potential areas that may be flooded in the future – Members were told that whilst the investment programme focused on the recovery of the 2019 flood, steps were being taken to proactively deliver projects to certain communities before the flooding occurs.  It was commented that some of the challenges in planning for the future might involve issues around potential displacements.

RESOLVED that the Panel;

1.          Supported the proposed Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2023 - 2029 and welcomed the report.

2.          That further information is sought on whether the strategy can form part of the Local Plan as a planning policy document.  This is with the view that consideration be given to ensuring that the principles are reflected within the Local Plan, should the strategy be unable to form part of the Local Plan due to legislation requirements. 

The Senior Governance Officer presented the Scrutiny Work Plan that had recently been agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

RESOLVED: That

·       the update be noted.

CHAIR:                                                                         DATE: