Agenda item

Report of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resident Services &Tackling Inequality.

The report seeks to outline and seek approval for the Council's flood water management  schemes and programmes to be delivered across the borough in the next financial year (2024/25).

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report which sought approval for the Council's flood water management schemes and programmes to be delivered across the borough in the next financial year (2024/25).

Following questions from Cllr Hakata, Cllr Brabazon and Cllr Cawley – Harrison the following information was noted:

• That Haringey had some of the most intensive SuDS implementation among the London boroughs, and in relation to planning system prioritising and supporting SuDS, it was noted that planning efforts were aimed at strengthening and updating policies to align with the latest Council policies and regional initiatives. The Planning team played a pivotal role in ensuring that new developments did not exacerbate flooding but instead contributed to improving drainage systems.

• With regards to progress in multi-agency collaboration, particularly with Thames Water, there was noted to be improved relations with Thames Water, addressing bursts in Crouch Hill and issues in Muswell Hill. Their proactive involvement before implementing SuDS schemes aided in flood mitigation. There was confidence in developing relationships to ensure collaboration despite competition among boroughs for Thames Water's attention. There were partnerships with the GLA and the Environmental Agency, which supported SuDS projects. There was focus was on improving relations with local businesses to mitigate flood damage.

• On the Turnpike Lane potential SuDS scheme, this was at an early stage of development and noted the frequent need for drain cleaning necessitated considering engineering solutions. Noted that one option was to utilise Ducketts Common to address the issues naturally, acting as a soakaway without compromising its status as a park. Efforts were underway to assess the feasibility of this approach, collaborating with TfL, the Environmental Agency, and businesses to determine the potential scheme.
• The focus of grant funding for SuDS schemes, for the next 10 years, was informed by Section 19 reports in both the East and West of the borough. With awareness of issues such as culverted waterways, the funding opportunities sought were to best address these challenges. Regarding the Highways SuDS scheme and residents' potential involvement, the suitability of the space was crucial and involved technical considerations. For example, on Turnpike Lane, adding more gullies had had a positive impact on managing water flow. Noted that different roads in the same area might have required different solutions, indicating that a SuDS scheme might not always have been the sole solution.

RESOLVED

1. To approve the Flood Water Management Investment Plan for the 2024/25 financial year as set out in the attached Appendix 1.

2. To delegate decisions relating to flood water management scheme design and implementation to the Head of Highways and Parking subject to any decisions which are key decisions being taken by Cabinet.

3. To authorise the Head of Highways and Parking to (a) carry out any required consultation in accordance with Appendix 2; and, having had due regard to all consultation responses submitted as part of the statutory consultation process, and having considered whether the Council should cause a public inquiry to be held, (b) to make any necessary traffic management orders, to give effect to the schemes identified in Appendix 1, subject to any decisions regarding the making of traffic orders which constitute key decisions shall be taken by Cabinet.

Reasons for Decision

The FWMIP sets out the Council’s flood water management and highways drainage resilience projects for the coming financial year and how these projects align with the Council’s strategic objectives.

This report provides detail of the funding arrangements, seeks authority to proceed with the development and delivery of these projects. Some of those projects detailed in this report will be subject to appropriate consultation in accordance with Appendix 2.

Alternative options considered.

No other alternative options were considered as the Council has a statutory

obligation to maintain the public highway network which includes keeping it reasonably clear of surface water. In addition, the Council, as the borough’s Lead Local Flood Authority, is responsible for taking the lead in managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater, and in some instances culverted watercourses. This 2024/25 investment plan has been informed by the Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, Highways Asset Management Strategy, and Highways Asset Plans. The proposed projects are those that have been identified as our priorities to further reduce the risk of future flooding in the borough.

The funding for the proposed projects comes from Council resources approved by the Cabinet as part of the capital and revenue programmes of work and excludes any external grants or contributions that the Council may receive throughout the year.