Objections raised over flood plan proposals

Published on 28th June 2007 in News

'Dangerous details' in a flood-risk management plan could seriously jeopardise the future of Goole and its surrounding villages, senior councillors and officers have warned.

As the area struggles to come to terms with the latest floods, bosses at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) have made serious objections to the Aire Catchment Flood Management Plan.

A draft proposal, drawn up by the Environment Agency (EA), recommends that deliberate action could be taken to increase the frequency of flooding in the Lower Aire Plain, which covers Snaith, Gowdall, Rawcliffe and West Cowick.

This action would be taken to "deliver benefits locally or elsewhere."

In a summary of the effects of such action, the report predicts that more flooding may recreate the natural floodplain and wetland habitats and there would be potential improvements in landscape quality.

A reduction in the demand on material resources and in the cost of flood management were also quoted.

However, the report acknowledges that there are "no gains for people" and a possible increased risk for one ancient monument.

"Some settlements may be abandoned," it says, as well as "increased agricultural damages and loss of high-grade land."

Reduced economic activity is another possible effect.

ERYC officers are particularly concerned about the lack of detail in the plan, which does not specify which towns and villages in the area would be protected and which would not.

"Flood risk is already a major risk for some residents but through the prosposals it could become even more so," said Pete Ashcroft, ERYC's spatial planning manager.

"Our concern is for the existing residents and businesses, including farming, and the blight that can be put on the area," said Cllr Stephen Parnaby, leader of the ERYC.

"We're trying to attract new jobs into the area and investors could be put off."

Even if some areas are defended, officers are concerned that they could become cut off if land around them is flooded.

"In Snaith, the historic part is built on high ground, but the surrounding area is not and they could be isolated for as long as the water remains high," said Mr Ashcroft.

Goole and the nearby villages have suffered several flood problems over the years - in particular, at the beginning of this week and in Gowdall in 2000.

"It didn't take long for us to have the biggest lake in the country," said Andrew Milner, assistant chief executive at the ERYC.

The lack of consultation with public has angered the ERYC.

"My question is: 'How have they consulted on this?'" asked Cllr Parnaby.

"I'm not aware that they've consulted with the parish councils, certainly not with the public."

A further concern was who would foot the bill for the cost of the flooding, which officers said is likely to affect Goole too.

"Flood water will seep into Goole," said Mr Ashcroft.

The concerns have been put into a report to next week's Cabinet meeting and, if approved, will be passed to the EA.

Stuart Jenkinson, project officer at the EA, said that the document was simply an overview.

"It's not a document that has a great deal of detail in it," he said.

"It's more of a discussion document."

"It's not our intention to write off towns and villages."

Mr Jenkinson said a situation where people are isolated was not something the EA want to happen.

On consultation, he said that professional bodies, MPs, local authorities and parish councils had been consulted.

"Nothing's going to happen immediately," he said.

"It's a long-term scheme - not something we're going to do lightly."

The official deadline for consultation has now passed but Mr Jenkinson said the Agency would still be interested to read comments that members of the public would like to make.

The contact details are: Stuart Jenkinson, Project Officer, Phoenix House, Global Avenue, Leeds, LS11 8PG.

Snaith and Cowick Town Council has already objected to the plan.