To receive a presentation in relation to partnership working with Anglian Water including information on planning applications, flood risk management and funding to mitigate the ability of drainage to manage excess water.

The Sustainable Drainage Engineer provided Members with supporting information regarding the Council’s approach to planning and flood risk management and the importance of the relationship with strategic partners. Representatives from Anglian Water (AW) then went on to deliver a presentation which set out their key challenges, approach to flood risk management, the costs associated with prevention and remedy and the future proofing of the service.

Members were advised of AW’s role in the planning process, that residents were able to contact AW online to request comments on specific planning applications with AW’s website setting out the process in detail. Engagement with strategic partners such as highways and development management was crucial and AW were lobbying to change the ‘right to connect’ legislation currently in favour of developers.

In light of the presentation Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           Since AW’s prior attendance at Scrutiny, communication and collaboration had improved with the Council.

·           Concerns that conflicting information from AW was impacting developer contributions to planning applications.

·           That historic issues raised in Moggerhanger had identified the water pressure was at expected levels.  However, any future developments would have conditions applied in order to mitigate additional burdens on the system.

·           The importance of ensuring customers received a cost effective and accessible service.

·           Concerns at the lack of effective communication between AW and other strategic partners when works were scheduled and the subsequent disruption to customers.

·           Methods of addressing problems in known flood risk areas with traditional procedures no longer suitable.

RECOMMENDED: -

1.     That Council planning officers consult AW as part of the process for individual planning applications and strategic planning documents where the public sewerage system or other AW asset is concerned, or where there is a known history of flooding from the public sewerage system.

2.     That the Council and AW determine further actions required to improve the planning process, including; quality of AW responses, triggers for consulting AW and opportunity for automatic consultation, and training sessions between CBC and AW staff.

3.     That Local flood issues associated with AWs system be made known to the Council’s Flood Risk Management Team so these may be considered for partnership funding under AMP7.

4.     That residents and individuals be encouraged to report flooding from a public sewer to AW so it may be recorded for further investigation.