To agree to make byelaws in connection with drainage matters to assist the Council in meeting its statutory duties and in its role to help reduce the risk of flooding for local communities.

RESOLVED

That the proposal to make drainage byelaws, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed.

RECOMMENDEDto Council

that the byelaws, following completion of the stakeholder consultation, be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that proposed byelaws in connection with drainage matters to assist the Council in meeting its statutory duties and to help reduce the risk of flooding for local communities.  The primary purpose of these proposed byelaws was to ensure efficient drainage within the Council’s area.  The associated benefits of making the proposed byelaws were:-

·         managing and reducing flood risk;

·         improving water quality;

·         improving biodiversity;

·         ensuring drainage infrastructure would be maintained and adapted over time; and

·         improving the quality of life for people by improving the quality of public spaces and the water environment.

In response to a question, the Director of Regeneration and Business confirmed that Local Planning Authorities must satisfy themselves that the proposed minimum standard of operation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on new developments was appropriate.  Drainage systems would also need to comply with the Council’s Sustainable Drainage Policy.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to monitor and enforce the efficiency of flood defences and support work with developers and local communities to reduce flood risk now and in the future.

RESOLVED

that the proposal to make drainage byelaws as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be endorsed.

RECOMMENDEDto Council

that the byelaws following completion of the stakeholder consultation be adopted.