Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2015 were approved as a correct record.

There were no apologies for absence.

An overview of the recent flooding event, describing the work undertaken since Boxing Day 2015, was presented to the group.

Pumping continued until 12 February 2016 to contain flood waters and protect properties due to the highest spring water levels being recorded. A pump remained in place at Taylors Yard, Malton.

Queries were raised regarding the diversion of a pump from Brawby. It was explained that, due to the widespread nature of flooding across many areas of the country, pumps were in exceptional demand and the provision had to be prioritised to local areas most in need where property was at risk.

In response to a question about Kirkham Sluice, the Environment Agency (EA) representative confirmed that the sluice had been decommissioned. However, the EA were to liaise with Parish Councils with regard to the future of the sluices.

It was proposed that the EA presents a reminder of the effects of sluices, including their upstream impacts, to a future meeting of the Group.

Further discussion took place considering hydraulic modelling by Yorkshire Water; tree works by EA contractors; manual versus mechanical operation of Prior Pot pumping station and the effects of potential developments on fluvial, surface water and sewage flooding.

It was proposed that the Head of Planning and Housing be asked if there was any money available from developer contributions to fund flow monitoring of the culvert under the A64, in order to consider the possible effects of any development at Eden Farm.

The representative from NYCC took questions on the Malton and Norton Flood Study Report.

The report had been prepared to account for bidding for Government grants and that the aim was to bid for finance for Option 5 as outlined in the report. If finance was unavailable for this preferred option, then the bid would be scaled down.

Although NYCC had nothing in the budget at this time for funding to submit a bid, should data become available to prepare a bid, this would be progressed. It was noted that any bid for funding would require support  from partners, community involvement and funding commitments.

This item was considered as part of the general discussion on Natural Flood Management.

Cllr Potter reported on the situation with the Slowing the Flow scheme following the recent flooding events on Boxing Day onwards. Indications are that the scheme worked effectively, as modelling had shown that there would otherwise have been flooding in properties in Pickering.

There was considerable national media interest in the scheme however, caution was raised that this was not viewed as a "dream solution".

Group members agreed that solutions had to be considered on a case by case basis and that, in most cases, a combination of hard and soft defences would be appropriate.

A general discussion then followed on various natural flood management solutions being used or considered including those used by the Scottish Environment Agency, who were now developing a handbook on Natural Flood Management.

The representative from the EA reported that works had not been progressed due to the recent flooding incident. Due to the season it would be likely to start in September/October 2016.

At the Chairman's request, it was agreed that the start time of the next meeting would be 6.00 pm.

Thursday 30 June 2016 at 6.00 pm.