Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet note the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme proposals and will provide on-going support, feedback and suggestions to help shape/inform the ongoing process.

2.    Cabinet agrees to work with the Environment Agency to deliver improvements as part of the Green Links programme along the River Ribble and Darwen which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces.

The Cabinet Member (Environment), Councillor Susan Jones, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that provided information on the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme.

The existing Preston and South Ribble flood defences were built between the 1960’s and the 1980’s. These defences are now reaching the end of their design life and are required to be either repaired, raised or replaced. Additionally some locations will require new flood defences.

The Environment Agency have secured all the funding necessary for the scheme but not for the enhancements that may be required following the series of public engagement events. The Council have been asked to look to fund some additional enhancement for the scheme which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces along the River Ribble and Darwen.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet note the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme proposals and will provide on-going support, feedback and suggestions to help shape/inform the ongoing process.

2.    Cabinet agrees to work with the Environment Agency to deliver improvements as part of the Green Links programme along the River Ribble and Darwen which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The Council is focused on ensuring South Ribble remains a great place to live and work by protecting green and open spaces and safeguarding our environment. The protection for our residents and businesses against flooding is essential especially for residents living near the River Ribble and River Darwen. The Council want our residents to feel that where they live is a place where they can be happy, healthy and safe.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Do nothing or reduce the scheme. The flood risk modelling has shown that the residents and businesses in the area are at significant risk of flooding and that the current defences are coming to an end of their design life and are required to be either repaired, raised or replaced.