A MEETING OF THE PEVENSEY AND CUCKMERE WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT BOARD WAS HELD AT THE SAFFRONS SPORTS CENTRE, COMPTON PLACE ROAD, EASTBOURNE BN21 1EA ON TUESDAY, 31 JANUARY 2017 AT 11.00 AM.
Elected Members Appointed Members Pevensey District Eastbourne BC * Bill Gower * Janet Coles * Martin Hole * Tony Freebody * Robert Miles Margaret Robinson * David Robinson * Pat Rodohan * Chris Wadman * Robert Smart Colin Swansborough
Cuckmere District Hastings BC/Rother DC * Richard Brown * Robin Patten Gill Hesselgrave (on behalf of * David White) Wealden DC Combe Haven District Kevin Balsdon * Monty Worssam * David White * Present (82%) Officers Environment Agency Local Authority * Luke Ball (Operations) * Nick Claxton East Sussex CC Peter Carver (IDD Clerk) * Sue Oliver, Eastbourne BC Russell Long (Operations * Nick Sangster, Hastings DC Manager) David Robinson Alan Dodge, Rother DC Teresa Willway (IDD PM) * Graham Kean, Wealden DC Water Management Alliance Tim Bartlett, Lewes DC (Observer) Phil Camamile (Chief * Executive) Mary Creasy (PA to Chief Natural England * Executive) * Cath Jackson Caroline Laburn (Technical & * Environmental Officer) Matthew Philpot (Project * * Officers In Attendance Engineer)
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01/17 WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES
01/17/01 Welcome and Introductions
Bill Gower, Chairman of the Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board, (WLMB) opened the meeting with around the table introductions for the benefit of Mr Tim Bartlett, Lewes District Council who attended the meeting as an observer.
01/17/02 Apologies
Apologies for absence were received for Messrs K Balsdon, C Swansborough, Ms M Robinson and Mrs T Willway.
02/17 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
02/17/01 Members were asked to return their completed Register of Members Interest form, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, copies of which all members had received. RESOLVED that this be noted.
03/17 MINUTES OF THE LAST BOARD MEETING
03/17/01 The minutes of the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB meeting held on 3 October 2016, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), were considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
03/17/02 Recruitment of Water Bailiff/Operations Manager (09/16/08)
Interviews for this role, (title changed to Operations Manager for convenience), were taking place directly after this meeting. RESOLVED that this be noted.
03/17/03 Differential Rating Order (09/16/09)
The Chief Executive reported that the Differential Rating Order as approved at the last Board meeting to maintain the pre-existing rate and levy profiles for the Pevensey and Cuckmere sub-districts had been confirmed by Defra, to take effect from 1 April 2017. RESOLVED that this be noted.
03/17/04 Standing Orders (10/16/02)
The Chief Executive reported that the Board’s Standing Orders, as approved at the last Board meeting, had been confirmed by Defra. RESOLVED that this be noted.
03/17/05 Financial Regulations (10/16/04)
The Chief Executive confirmed that a Lloyds Bank current bank account in the Board’s name was now operational and the Board’s
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application for VAT registration had been made. RESOLVED that this be noted.
03/17/06 Byelaws (11/16/06)
The Chief Executive reported that the Board’s Byelaws, as approved by the Board at its last meeting, were on schedule to be confirmed by Defra before the end of March 2017, subject to no objections arising from the consultation period that was currently ongoing and due to close on 28 February 2017. RESOLVED that this be noted.
04/17 PROJECTED OUT-TURN FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2017
04/17/01 Members considered and noted the indicative figures for the half year to 30 September 2016 and projected spend to 31 March 2017 on maintenance operations etc. for the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB, as provided by Peter Carver, EA, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
04/17/02 The Chief Executive reported that he was still waiting for confirmation from the EA of the closing financial position as at 30 September 2016. The Local Authority special levy payments, (second instalments for 2016/17), due in November 2016 had been paid to the EA rather than directly to the Board and the Chief Executive was also trying to liaise with Peter Carver for transfer of these monies to the IDB, although he understood that the EA were continuing to draw down on these monies to pay for maintenance work they were doing on IDB infrastructure. The figures currently provided by the EA did confirm that the EA still expected to transfer a closing balance of £65,288 to the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB at 31 March 2017 and the Chief Executive had therefore used this figure in the preparation of the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB Estimates for 2017/18 that would be considered by the Board later in this meeting. RESOLVED that this be noted.
04/17/03 The Chairman recorded his frustration over the amount of time the Chief Executive was having to spend trying unsuccessfully to obtain the required financial information from the EA. RESOLVED that this be noted.
05/17 BUSINESS PLAN
05/17/01 Members considered the Board’s draft five-year Business Plan, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), that had been produced by the Chief Executive using Defra’s standard model template with assets/statistics relevant to the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB and outlined strategies for the IDB that would complement the Lead Local Flood Authority, (LLFA), strategy for successful flood and coastal erosion risk management, (FCERM). Arising therefrom:
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05/17/02 Members queried how the IDB would be able to fulfil the objective of avoiding inappropriate development in areas of flood risk and managing land elsewhere to avoid an increase to flood risk, bearing in mind that IDBs are not statutory consultees in the planning process. Both the Chief Executive and Nick Claxton, Flood and Water Manager with East Sussex County Council, the LLFA recorded how both the IDB and the LLFA were working together as risk management authorities, (RMAs), to manage flood risk and the LLFA’s Local Plan would take the IDB’s Business Plan into account. Nick Claxton was also liaising with the Board’s Project Engineer concerning planning, including developments falling outside the IDB districts that may still impact on the efficient working of the IDB’s drainage infrastructure and comments made by the Project Engineer on planning applications were submitted to the relevant Local Authority website and taken into consideration by the LLFA. Additionally, the Board’s Byelaws applied to planning applications within the internal drainage district.
05/17/03 There was a suggestion that the Board should charge for pre- application planning advice.
05/17/04 Mr R Smart recorded that in his opinion there was some duplication between the LLFA and the Board’s strategies and whilst all parties do need to work together, should the LLFA be setting the agenda for the IDB, and what exactly were the IDB plans to alleviate the high level of flood risk existing in Eastbourne. Nick Claxton, LLFA recorded that Eastbourne Borough Council was also a RMA under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and whilst the LLFA sets out the framework and overall strategy direction, all RMAs need to act consistently within that agreed framework, but how exactly they do that is not the LLFA’s decision. From a LLFA view, Mr Claxton recorded that he was comfortable with the approach in the proposed Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB Business Plan and would be happy to work with the IDB to tweak the plan where necessary to avoid unnecessary duplication with the LLFA strategy. RESOLVED that this be noted.
05/17/05 It was proposed by Mr C Wadman, seconded by Mr P Rodohan and PJC/NC carried unanimously to approve the Board’s five-year Business Plan, subject to minor changes to avoid unnecessary duplication. RESOLVED that this be noted.
06/17 REGISTER OF DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
06/17/01 The Board’s Register of Drainage Infrastructure identifying a total of 103,077m of adopted ordinary watercourse, as compiled from information provided by the EA, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book and available of the WMAs website), was considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
06/17/02 Members were reminded that maps identifying the location of these watercourses by catchment were also available on the Board’s
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website: http://www.wlma.org.uk/uploads/PCWLMB_MapIndex.pdf.
07/17 TENDER PROCESS FOR MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS 2017/18
07/17/01 Members considered the Project Engineer’s update on the invitation to tender for provision of 2017/18 maintenance operations to the IDB and the proposal for the Board to delegate its authority for the award of the contract for this work. No tenders had been received by the closing date although several expressions of interest had been received, so it was proposed to start a new invitation to tender process with the award of contract decided either before or at the next Board meeting.
07/17/02 It was proposed by Mr M Holes, seconded by Mr M Worssam and unanimously agreed to restart the invitation to tender process and to delegate authority to the Chairman’s Committee to approve a contractor and award the contract for 2017/18 maintenance operations from the tenders received, should it be necessary to take the decision before the next Board meeting. RESOLVED that this be noted.
08/17 ESTIMATES 2017/18
08/17/01 The estimates for 2017/18 were considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
08/17/02 The Chief Executive reported that in the absence of more detailed financial information from the EA the estimates had been based on the rate and special levy remaining the same as that used for each of the former EA administered IDDs in 2016/17. The maintenance estimate for 2017/18 had been based on information previously provided by the EA and industry standard unit costs for delivery of the maintenance work specified in the tender document. Provision for an Operations Manager was also included in the maintenance estimate 2017/18.
08/17/03 Members again recorded their disappointment and frustration over NC the lack of financial information provided by the EA and Nick Claxton agreed to report this at the next Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, (RFCC) Working Group. RESOLVED that this be noted.
08/17/04 Maintenance Works 2017/18
The Maintenance Works Estimate for 2017/18 comprising £180,000 for the Pevensey sub district and £10,000 for the Cuckmere sub district was considered in detail and approved.
08/17/05 Administration and Technical Support Services 2017/18
The Administration and Technical Support charges for 2017/18, (as included in the WMA offer approved by the Board on 3 October
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2016), totalling £43,145 for the Pevensey sub district and £1,211 for the Cuckmere sub district, was considered in detail and approved for inclusion in the Board’s rate estimates for 2017/18.
09/17 FINANCIAL YEAR 2017/18 LAY AND SEAL THE DRAINAGE RATE AND SPECIAL LEVIES
09/17/01 Annual Values
As the EA had not yet provided details of the aggregate annual values as at 31 December 2016 it was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the aggregate annual values as at the previous year, 31 December 2015, to be used for the purposes of raising and apportioning expenses from drainage rates and special levies for 2017/18.
09/17/02 Pevensey Sub District
It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the net requirement of £284,115 for 2017/18, which equated to a freeze on the drainage rate at 3.180p in the pound, and a freeze on the special levies due from the billing Authorities:
Agricultural Drainage Rates £11,104 Eastbourne Borough Council £215,288 Hastings Borough Council £10,897 Rother District Council £3,994 Wealden District Council £42,832
£284,115
09/17/03 Cuckmere Sub District
It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the net requirement of £10,989 for 2017/18, which equated to a freeze on the drainage rate at 16.540p in the pound, and a freeze on the special levies due from the billing Authorities:
Agricultural Drainage Rates £6,065 Wealden District Council £4,924
£10,989
09/17/04 It was agreed that the Chief Executive would contact the constituent PJC billing authorities in September 2017 to give them an indication of special levy payments for 2018/19. RESOLVED that this be noted.
10/17 OPERATIONS REPORT
10/17/01 The Operations Report as prepared by Matthew Philpot, Project Engineer (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), was
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considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
10/17/02 Both the Project Engineer and Environmental Officer had visited the Board’s area and held detailed discussions with the EA and NE to understand the challenges and opportunities for maintenance in the Board’s district.
10/17/03 The Engineer hoped to have access to local rainfall figures to include in the next hydrology report.
10/17/04 Health and Safety
There were no incidents to report during this reporting period.
10/17/05 Planning
The Engineer reported that he was liaising with Local Authority Planners and commenting on applications where there may be an impact on the Board’s drainage infrastructure and Nick Claxton, Flood Risk and Water Management for the Lead Local Flood Authority was working with the Local Authorities for the planning comments made on behalf of the Board to be formally accepted and considered in the planning consent process. RESOLVED that this be noted.
10/17/06 Members considered there was a requirement for the Board to have a dedicated resource to comment on planning applications’ impact on surface water drainage and to facilitate the Board collecting surface water development contributions and commuted sums where applicable, to ensure funding was in place to adequately maintain the Board’s infrastructure to manage the surface water discharge arising from new development. Further thought would be given to how this could be paid for. RESOLVED that this be noted.
11/17 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
11/17/01 The Environmental Report prepared by Caroline Laburn, Environmental Officer, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), was considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
11/17/02 Standard Maintenance Operations (SMO) CL
The Environmental Officer is developing a Standard Maintenance Operations, (SMO), document for the Board’s maintenance works. The SMO will be agreed with the EA and NE to ensure its compliance with the Water Framework Directive and then presented to the Board for consideration and approval.
11/17/03 Biodiversity Action Plan
The Environmental Officer will liaise with Natural England and the CL Sussex Biodiversity Partnership to develop a biodiversity action plan
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during 2017/18 for the Board’s consideration and approval. It was agreed to approve up to £5,000 funding in the 2017/18 financial year to facilitate this. RESOLVED that this be noted.
11/17/04 Green Links Project
It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to accept the invitation for the Board to become a partner in the Green Links Project, (briefing paper outlining the project is filed in the Report Book), which seeks to provide a network of green infrastructure for communities across Wealden, Eastbourne and Rother.
12/17 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
12/17/01 The Board’s Health and Safety Policy Statement, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), was considered in detail and approved.
13/17 RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY AND RISK REGISTER
13/17/01 The Board’s Risk Management Policy and Risk Register, (copies of which are filed in the Report Book) that had been compiled in accordance with the Smaller Authorities Audit Appointments Ltd Proper Practices Guidance for 2016 were considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
13/17/02 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to record the risk of receiving MEC a qualified audit opinion for the period 1 October 2016 to 31 March 2017, due to the lack of financial information provided by the EA.
14/17 ASSOCIATION OF DRAINAGE AUTHORITIES (ADA) MEMBERSHIP
14/17/01 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the Board’s membership of ADA for 2017 at a cost of £2,445 and Board members were apprised of the availability of the ADA website: http://www.ada.org.uk/. Post meeting note: All Board members have been set up by ADA to receive monthly eNews from ADA, via email.
15/17 SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SUDs) ADOPTION AND CHARGING POLICY
15/17/01 The policy on the adoption of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs), a copy of which is filed in the Report Book, was considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
15/17/02 The approval of the SUDs Adoption Policy gives the Board the option to consider their adoption on a case by case basis, but adoption is not obligatory. RESOLVED that this be noted.
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16/17 MEETING DATES 2017
16/17/01 The next Board meeting was scheduled for 16 May 2017 at 10.00 am in the Horseshoe Inn, Windmill Hill, Herstmonceux BN27 4RU.
16/17/02 There was a general consensus that the proposed 8 August 2017 meeting would not be necessary, therefore the meeting following the May meeting would be 31 October 2017.
17/17 RIVER CUCKMERE DISTRICT: TRAINING/INSPECTION
17/17/01 All Board members were invited to attend the training/inspection day on 20 March 2017 in the Cuckmere district.
18/17 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
18/17/01 Mr D White queried whether the IDB would have any control over the amount of sewage discharge from the Hailsham North sewage works affecting water quality and the ability of the IDB pumps to deal with this. It was acknowledged that an historic discharge consent from the EA is in place but that this is an ongoing issue that the EA and IDB officers would need to discuss. RESOLVED that this be noted.
19/17 OPEN FORUM TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH LEAVE OF CHAIRMAN
19/17/01 There were no members of the public in attendance.
20/17 CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
20/17/01 There was no confidential business to discuss.
9 FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS FOR PEVENSEY & CUCKMERE WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT BOARD CASH POSITION Initial sums Final Half 1 Half 2 H2 Receivable Receivable Payable Balances Account of Budget EA PCWLB Combined Notes from EA from EA to EA from EA PCWLMB Oct-16 As collected As spent Post audit
75,738 Balance b/f 45,933 28,820 45,933 36,221 18,000 18,221
11,104 Drainage Rates 0 11,104 11,104 17,169 Via EA as cash collected 17,169 273,011 Special Levies 136,506 136,506 273,011 138,968 Via EA as cash collected 138,968 60,000 EA contribution 0 60,000 60,000 63,000 Opening transfer 63,000 344,115 Total Income 136,506 207,610 344,115 219,137 81,000 156,137
160,000 Maintenance 57,767 92,233 150,000 99,648 -99,648 20,000 Transfer Cost 10,000 10,000 20,000 11,000 -11,000 20,000 Operational 7,221 11,529 18,750 12,456 Operational overhead @12.5% -12,456 30,188 Support 20,188 10,000 30,188 10,692 Accrue costs to cover EA post abolition -10,692 2,958 Cost of collection 2,958 0 2,958 0 Invoicing & cash collection in EA hands 1,600 Audit fees 800 800 1,600 800 Separate audit fees to be accrued -800 109,370 Contribution to FD 54,685 54,685 109,370 55,474 -55,474 344,116 Total Expenditure 153,619 179,247 332,866 190,070 -167,578
75,737 Balance c/fwd 28,820 57,182 57,182 65,288 81,000 156,137 -167,578 18,221
H1 H2 Net receivable from EA 87,780 -22,492 2,769 Balance b/f 12,356 7,402 12,356 Payable by PCWLB -22,492
6,065 Drainage Rates 0 6,065 6,065 Net Cash position 65,288 4,924 Special Levies 2,462 2,462 4,924 3,000 EA contribution 0 3,000 3,000 13,989 Total Income 2,462 11,527 13,989
10,000 Maintenance 2,585 7,415 10,000 2,000 Transfer Cost 1,000 1,000 2,000 1,000 Operational 323 927 1,250 Operational overhead @12.5% 1,992 Support 1,300 692 1,992 Accrue costs to cover EA post abolition 1,219 Cost of collection 1,219 0 1,219 Invoicing & cash collection in EA hands 200 Audit fees 200 0 200 One audit for Cuckmere 1,578 Contribution to FD 789 789 1,578 17,989 Total Expenditure 7,416 10,823 18,239
-1,231 Balance c/fwd 7,402 8,106 8,106
11 PEVENSEY AND CUCKMERE WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT BOARD
BUSINESS PLAN POLICY STATEMENT
WATER MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE Last Review Date: 31 January 2017 Next Review Date: 01 April 2022 Version 1
This Business Plan and Policy Statement sets out the Board’s plans for delivering the Government’s aims and objectives in the area. This statement also includes an assessment of the risk of flooding in the Board’s area, and what plans we have to reduce that risk.
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Contents
INTRODUCTION ...... 3
HOW THE BOARD WILL DELIVER THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AIM AND OBJECTIVES ...... 4
Objective (a): to understand the risks of flooding and coastal erosion, working together to put in place long-term plans to manage these risks and making sure that other plans take account of them ...... 4
Objective (b): to avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood and coastal erosion risk and being careful to manage land elsewhere to avoid increasing risks ...... 5
Objective (c): to build, maintain and improve flood and coastal erosion risk management infrastructure and systems to reduce the likelihood of harm to people and damage to the economy, environment and society...... 5
Objective (d): to increase public awareness of the risk that remains and engage with people at risk to encourage them to take action to manage the risks that they face and to make their property more resilient ...... 6
Objective (e): to improve the detection, forecasting and issue of warnings of flooding, thereby co-ordinating a rapid response to flood emergencies and promoting faster recovery from flooding ...... 6
FLOOD RISKS IN THE BOARD’S DISTRICT ...... 7
Flood Risk from these Watercourses ...... 8 Standard of Protection ...... 9 Reduction and Management of these Flood Risks ...... 9
ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES ...... 10
REVIEW OF THIS POLICY STATEMENT ...... 11
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1. INTRODUCTION
Purpose
1.1 This policy statement has been prepared by the Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board (the Board) to provide a public statement of the Board’s approach to its management of flood risk and water levels in its district. The Board operates mainly under the Land Drainage Act 1991 and the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The Board manages water levels, including during times of drought, in ordinary watercourses and other water infrastructure within its district to serve the local community whilst also dealing with its obligations and commitments to the environment.
Background
1.2 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. However, delivery is the responsibility of a number of flood and coastal erosion “Risk Management Authorities” (RMAs) which includes the Board.
1.3 The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 gave the Environment Agency a ‘strategic overview’ of flood and coastal erosion risk management and provides them with a power to request information required in connection with their flood risk management functions. The Act included a new responsibility for Lead Local Flood Authorities to develop local flood risk strategies. The Act also places a duty of co-operation between RMA partners.
1.4 This Policy Statement sets out the Board’s approach to meeting the policy aims and objectives in the area and what plans are in place to reduce flood risk. Copies are available from the Board’s administration office at Kettlewell House, Austin Fields Industrial Estate, Kings Lynn, Norfolk and from the Board’s website: www.wlma.org.uk.
1.5 The Environment Agency has a duty under the Act to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England. The strategy was published in 2011. The Act also states that the EA must report to the Minister on flood and coastal erosion risk management including the application of the national strategy. The EA publishes this report annually.
1.6 The overall aim of the strategy is to ensure that the risk of flooding and
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coastal erosion is properly managed by using the full range of options in a co- ordinated way.
1.7 The key objectives to achieve this aim are to:
(a) understand the risks of flooding and coastal erosion, working together to put in place long-term plans to manage these risks and making sure that other plans take account of them;
(b) avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood and coastal erosion risk and being careful to manage land elsewhere to avoid increasing risks;
(c) build, maintain and improve flood and coastal erosion risk management infrastructure and systems to reduce the likelihood of harm to people and damage to the economy, environment and society;
(d) increase public awareness of the risk that remains and engage with people at risk to encourage them to take action to manage the risks that they face and to make their property more resilient;
(e) improve the detection, forecasting and issue of warnings of flooding, thereby co-ordinating a rapid response to flood emergencies and promoting faster recovery from flooding.
2. HOW THE BOARD WILL DELIVER THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AIM AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 The Board supports the Government’s policy aim and objectives for the management of flood and coastal erosion risk and water levels. The Board’s policy and approach will be consistent with the Government’s aim and objectives as follows:
Objective (a): to understand the risks of flooding and coastal erosion, working together to put in place long-term plans to manage these risks and making sure that other plans take account of them
(a) The Board will seek to promote the need for works in its district and create an understanding among people who live and work in it as to what the flood risk is and the efforts being undertaken to control it. They will also seek to achieve, directly and through local councils, a
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culture within which the watercourses are seen as vital to controlling flood risk, and enhancing habitat and amenity. Every effort will be made to dissuade abuse of watercourses.
(b) Once approved, the Board will publish and place on deposit at its office and on its website its proposed annual programme of works.
Objective (b): to avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood and coastal erosion risk and being careful to manage land elsewhere to avoid increasing risks
(a) The potential impact on flood risk through future development in the district or in the wider catchment draining to the district is fully recognised by the Board and it will take an active role in the assessment of structure planning, local plans, major development and, individual (planning) applications, including, where appropriate, providing pre- application advice and checking flood risk assessments to prevent inappropriate development and land use to ensure that flood risk is not increased. Where appropriate, the Board will seek contributions from developers to cover the cost of both immediate and longer term works necessary in ensuring that any potential increase in flood risk can be mitigated. Such contributions will be recorded in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated technical guidance.
Objective (c): to build, maintain and improve flood and coastal erosion risk management infrastructure and systems to reduce the likelihood of harm to people and damage to the economy, environment and society
(a) Within the drainage district a large proportion of the area is potentially at some risk to flooding and the Board will seek to retain this risk at acceptable levels through appropriate improvements and the implementation of a sound maintenance strategy. The Board will also input to and comply with the Local Flood Risk Strategies relevant to its Catchment and seek to ensure, where possible, that the Environment Agency’s flood defences, which also afford protection to the district are maintained to a satisfactory standard. It is of course not possible for all risk of flooding to be eliminated.
(b) Work will be carried out in accordance with best practice and to deliver best value for money taking due regard of local flood risk management
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requirements and strategies, and guidance available from DEFRA, the Environment Agency and other organisations.
(c) The Board’s powers to carry out flood risk management works are permissive (i.e. the Board is not obliged to carry out works) and their resources are limited. The Board’s policy is therefore to designate the watercourses in the district as either High, Medium or Lower Risk and apply their resources primarily to the proper maintenance and, where necessary, improvement of these channels and associated structures. The watercourses and structures so designated may alter to meet changing needs over time as necessary but the watercourses and structures at present so designated are shown in the Register of Drainage Infrastructure on our website: www.wlma.org.uk. Other watercourses are usually the responsibility of other bodies or the adjoining owners and the Board will only take action in respect of these latter watercourses where resources are available and where it is in all the circumstances appropriate for the Board to become involved, bearing in mind the powers available to other persons or bodies. The Board has a supervisory duty, under section 1(2)(d) of the Land Drainage Act 1991 over all matters relating to the drainage of land in their District and will, under this duty where appropriate advise others regarding the undertaking of works when it is not appropriate for the Board to exercise its own powers.
(d) The Board will regulate as necessary the actions of others using available powers to ensure their works do not increase flood risk.
Objective (d): to increase public awareness of the risk that remains and engage with people at risk to encourage them to take action to manage the risks that they face and to make their property more resilient
(a) The Board will liaise with all riparian owners to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities for maintenance, Bylaw compliance and Wildlife Regulations.
Objective (e): to improve the detection, forecasting and issue of warnings of flooding, thereby co-ordinating a rapid response to flood emergencies and promoting faster recovery from flooding
(a) The Board will assist the Environment Agency wherever possible in its provision of adequate and cost effective flood warning systems, co-
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operate with the Environment Agency and others where appropriate in responding to flood emergencies and will participate as necessary in exercises to develop and test emergency response procedures; reviewing such arrangements every two years.
3. FLOOD RISKS IN THE BOARD’S DISTRICT
3.1 As mentioned in Section 2 a large proportion of the drainage district is at some risk of flooding (including tidal flooding). The risk is controlled wherever it is practically and financially viable to do so. However, some variation in the standards of protection will apply. The Board will exercise as required its powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, any other relevant legislation and its Byelaws to seek to ensure that activities in and alongside its drainage system do not reduce flood protection standards and unnecessarily increase flood risk. The Board will where appropriate designate structures or features using section 301 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
The following outlines the key details of the District:
Total area of the District: 7,759 ha (Appendix 1) Catchment area draining to and including the district: 53,089 ha (Appendix 1)
Area of agricultural land: 6,116 ha (figure provided by the Environment Agency) Other land including residential and commercial property, amenity land, major road and rail infrastructure, other highways, etc.: 1,643 ha (there are currently 20,661 domestic properties and 1,492 non-agricultural businesses within the District) (Appendix 2)
The majority of the district is situated within numerous sites of national and international interest as shown in Appendix 3, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and RAMSAR sites:
1 The substantive provisions under Section 30 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Designation of Features), came into force on 1st August 2012 in England and Wales. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that owners do not inadvertently alter structures or features that potentially increases flood risk. These provisions allow the designation of third party flood and coastal erosion risk management structures or features that, in the opinion of the designating authority, affect a flood or coastal erosion risk. This makes it a requirement for the owner of a designated structure or feature to seek consent from the designating authority before altering, removing or replacing it. Page | 7
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SSSI Sites: Combe Haven Pevensey Levels Seaford to Beachy Head Milton Gate Marsh Arlington Reservoir
SAC Sites: Pevensey Levels
RAMSAR Sites: Pevensey Levels
3.2 The Board has provided the Environment Agency and East Sussex County Council with information on the major flood defence assets for which the Board has operating authority responsibility.
3.3 Assets for which the Board has operating authority responsibility are also recorded in the Register of Drainage Infrastructure, as shown on the Board’s website and in Appendix 4 of this document:
Ordinary Watercourse (in km): 103 km Raised Embankments (in km): 0 Pumping Stations (no.): 6 Key Water Level Control Structures (no.): 204 Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (no.): 0 Reservoirs (no.): 0
It should be noted that our systems are wholly and completely dependent upon a number of strategic assets controlled by the Environment Agency that pass through or are adjacent to the Board’s District; the nature and extent of which is also shown on our website. The Land Drainage Act 1991 provides the Board with statutory powers to carry out maintenance and improvement works for drainage and flood defence purposes, rather than imposing a duty on the Board to carry out such works. The Board has a Water Level Management Plan in place to manage surface water on the Pevensey Levels.
3.4 Flood Risk from these Watercourses
This section sets out the Board’s assessment of flood risk taking into account the following:
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Policy Statement
(a) Assets in place considering design standard, general condition and economic life; (b) Environment Agency Flood Risk Maps, Catchment Flood Management Plans, System Asset Management Plans and Shoreline Management Plans; (c) Local Flood Risk Strategy, as developed by the Local Flood Risk Management Partnership; (d) Hydrological models covering the Board’s catchment area; (e) Access to adequate revenue funding for maintenance work and capital finance for improvement work; (f) Other information such as the history of flooding and land use impacts.
3.5 The areas which are more vulnerable to flooding due to the particular local circumstances are adjacent to main rivers and sea defences, which are controlled by the Environment Agency (Appendix 5):
Length of Main River (in km): 191.24 km Length of Raised Embankments/Sea Defences (in km): 14.23 km
3.6 Standard of Protection
Through the operation and maintenance of the pumping stations, water level control structures and the arterial watercourses that the Board has control of, the Board seeks to maintain a drainage and conveyance standard capable of providing a level flood protection to agricultural land and developed areas, which affords a useable and functional freeboard, even during flood events. This target will be strived for by working closely with our partner organisations and with the appreciation that the dynamic and varied local challenges could reduce the ability to achieve this aspiration and that some over-spilling from the system is possible. It should also be noted that the long term climate change impacts will increase the flood risk to known vulnerable areas and may increase the risk to areas presently considered to have an acceptable protection.
3.7 Reduction and Management of these Flood Risks
The Board monitor the condition of its pumping stations, water level control structures and watercourses, particularly those designated as high priority; over-spilling from which could affect property. Consistent with the established need a routine maintenance programme is in place to ensure that the condition of the assets is commensurate with the standards of protection which are sought. Where standards are not at the policy level and
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Policy Statement
improvement works can be demonstrated to meet with DEFRA criteria, improvement works will be considered and undertaken as appropriate, subject always to the availability of adequate funding. The Board will also consider carrying out works to reduce flood risk where it is not presently possible to meet DEFRA criteria but works are considered to be practical and financially viable by the Board. If appropriate this will be done in partnership with other RMAs.
3.8 The Board welcomes any comments from its agricultural ratepayers, special levy paying councils, flood risk management partners and members of the public on the condition of its system, which could lead to any increased flood and coastal erosion risk.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
4.1 The Board has nature conservation duties under the Land Drainage Acts of 1991 and 1994, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003, the Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and as a competent authority under the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994. When exercising its permissive powers, the Board will comply with these obligations in a positive way.
4.2 Much of the Board’s watercourse maintenance work constitutes vegetation control and de-silting and is a vital routine requirement. Whilst inevitably some short term impact will arise, this management is also essential to maintain the diverse aquatic habitat in the district. The Board has access to environmental expertise from their Environmental Officer, and is in the process of developing a Biodiversity Action Plan and a Standard Maintenance Operations policy document, which will clearly show how their functions will be carried out in an environmentally sensitive way and how the environment can be enhanced. The Board maintain only a small proportion of the total watercourse length in the district, the significant majority being the responsibility of the adjoining land owners and other bodies.
4.3 When carrying out work, be it maintenance or improvement work, and consistent with the need to maintain satisfactory flood protection standards, the Board will aim to:-
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Policy Statement
• Avoid any unnecessary or long term damage to agricultural interests and natural habitats;
• Monitor any gains and losses of biodiversity and report the results annually to the Environment Agency; and
• Take appropriate opportunities to enhance habitats.
4.4 The Board will play its full role in sustaining the Water Level Management Plan prepared for the Pevensey Levels SSSI, in conjunction with Natural England and other interested parties and will review the plan in accordance with guidance.
5. REVIEW OF THIS POLICY STATEMENT
5.1 The Board will review and update when appropriate this Business Plan and Policy Statement within a period not extending beyond 5 years.
Cautionary Note
Page | 11
22 560000 580000 Watershed Catchment Area
MAP KEY 120000 120000
- Board's Boundary (7759 ha) - Board's Watershed (53089 ha)
KEY 100000 100000
N
Meters 5000 0 5000 10000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and BEST FIT database right 2016. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey 100057850.
1:148099 27/10/2016
PevenseyCuckmereWLMB 560000 580000
23 540000 560000 580000 600000 Board's Boundary
140000 140000 MAP KEY
- Board's Boundary
- Council Boundaries
Wealden District Council
KEY Rother District 120000 120000 Lewes District Council Council
Hastings Borough Council
N
100000 100000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey Meters on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and Eastbourne 5000 0 5000 10000 BEST FIT database right 2016. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey 100057850. Borough Council 1:214436 25/10/2016
PevenseyCuckmereWLMB 540000 560000 580000 600000
24 555000 560000 565000 570000 575000 Evironmental Designations
AshburnhamAshburnham ParkPark
ParkPark 115000 CornerCorner HeathHeath 115000 AshburnhamAshburnham ParkPark BlackhorseBlackhorse QuarryQuarry MAP KEY MarlineMarline ValleyValley WoodsWoods- RAMSAR & SAC BurghBurgh HillHill FarmFarm MeadowMeadow Marline Valley Woods (No SPA's present) MarlineMarline ValleyValley WoodsWoods- SSSI LowerLower DickerDicker HerstmonceuxHerstmonceux ParkPark PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels CombeCombe HavenHaven 110000 HighHigh WoodsWoods 110000 PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels
PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels ArlingtonArlington ReservoirReservoir KEY Milton Gate Marsh PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels River LineRiver Line MiltonMilton GateGate MarshMarsh PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels BlackhorseBlackhorse QuarryQuarry 105000 FirleFirle EscarpmentEscarpment 105000 PevenseyPevensey LevelsLevels FolkingtonFolkington ReservoirReservoir LullingtonLullington HeathHeath SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead LullingtonLullington HeathHeath N SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead 100000 100000
SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and BEST FIT database right 2016. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey 100057850. SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead 23/01/2017 SeafordSeaford toto BeachyBeachy HeadHead PevenseyCuckmereWLMB
555000 560000 565000 570000 575000
25 555000 560000 565000 570000 575000 Map Index 115000 115000 MAP KEY
Map Index Catchment Number Catchment Name CMT212G Cuckmere (N) CMT212G Cuckmere (S) CMT213P Whelpley CMT214P Horse Eye and Down CMT215P Glynleigh CMT213P CMT218P CMT221G CMT216P Manxey CMT217G Pevensey CMT218P Waterlot (N) CMT218P Waterlot (S) 110000 110000 CMT219P Star Inn CMT216P CMT220P CMT220P Barnhorn CMT221G Combe Haven CMT214P CMT222G Willingdon and Langney
CMT212G KEY CMT219P CMT215P CMT217G 105000 105000
CMT222G
N 100000 100000
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and BEST FIT database right 2016. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey 100057850.
21/10/2016
PevenseyCuckmereWLMB
555000 560000 565000 570000 575000
26 560000 570000
EA Main River
Waldron Gill
Christian's MAP KEY River Hugletts - EA Main River - IDB Watercourse Stream Ash Bourne Nunningham - Pumping Station Stream Powdermill - Water Control Structure Ninfield Watermill Stream Stream Stream Hurst Puckeridge Moorhall Haven Stream Stream Kentland
110000 Whepley Combe 110000 Fleet Sewer Haven
Wallers KEY Glenleigh Haven Sewer Chilley Stream
Pevensey Cuckmere Haven River
N Lottbridge Horsey Sewer Sewer 100000 100000
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and BEST FIT database right 2016. All rights reserved. Meters Ordnance Survey 100057850. 3000 0 3000 6000 04/11/2016 1:234351 PevenseyCuckmereWLMB 560000 570000
27 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
CATCHMENT ID: CMT212G CATCHMENT NAME: CUCKMERE HAVEN REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN212G0101 Freshwater Stream (EA 1526) TBC 5,886 DRN212G0102 Freshwater Stream (EA 1526) TBC 727 DRN212G0201 Milton Hide Stream (EA 1527) TBC 593
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT CUCKMERE HAVEN 7,206
CATCHMENT ID: CMT213P CATCHMENT NAME: WHELPLEY (PRIVATE PUMP) REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN213P0101 Magham Sewer (EA 1345) TBC 2,208 DRN213P0201 Bowley Sewer (EA 1344) TBC 1,837 DRN213P0301 Sackville Sewer (EA 1343) TBC 1,718
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT WHELPLEY (PRIVATE PUMP) 5,763
CATCHMENT ID: CMT214P CATCHMENT NAME: HORSE EYE AND DOWN - RICKNEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN214P0101 Rickney Sewer (EA 1358) TBC 330 DRN214P0102 Rickney Sewer (EA 1358) TBC 1,770 DRN214P0103 Rickney Sewer (EA 1358) TBC 1,433 DRN214P0104 Rickney Sewer (EA 1358) TBC 1,293 DRN214P0201 Drove Sewer (EA 1357) TBC 1,033 DRN214P0202 Old Whelpley Sewer (EA 1354) TBC 646 DRN214P0301 Snapsons Sewer (EA 1353) TBC 641 DRN214P0401 Horse Eye Sewer (EA 1351) TBC 1,256 DRN214P0402 Horse Eye Sewer (EA 1351) TBC 3,179 DRN214P0403 Horse Eye Sewer (EA 1351) TBC 243 DRN214P0501 White Dyke Sewer (EA 1359) TBC 1,945 DRN214P0502 Lewens Sewer (EA 1355) TBC 1,190 DRN214P0601 Crossing Sewer (EA 1356) TBC 1,844 DRN214P0602 Crossing Sewer (EA 1356) TBC 776
09 December 2016 Page 1 of 6
28 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
CATCHMENT ID: CMT214P CATCHMENT NAME: HORSE EYE AND DOWN - RICKNEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN214P0701 Down Sewer (EA 1349) TBC 1,387
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT HORSE EYE AND DOWN - RICKNEY 18,966
CATCHMENT ID: CMT215P CATCHMENT NAME: GLYNLEIGH - DROCKMILL REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN215P0101 Drockmill Hill Gut (EA 1346) TBC 2,579 DRN215P0102 Drockmill Hill Gut (EA 1346) TBC 553 DRN215P0201 Downwash Ditch (EA 1360) TBC 1,488 DRN215P0202 Winters Cut (EA 1361) TBC 451 DRN215P0203 Winters Cut (EA 1361) TBC 383 DRN215P0204 Winters Cut (EA 1361) TBC 785 DRN215P0301 Otham Feed (EA 1362) TBC 346 DRN215P0302 Otham Feed (EA 1362) TBC 186 DRN215P0303 Otham Court Ditch (EA 1363) TBC 544 DRN215P0304 Otham Court Ditch (EA 1363) TBC 70 DRN215P0401 Duck Puddle (EA 1348) TBC 1,032 DRN215P0501 Wadham New Cut (EA 1364) TBC 667 DRN215P0601 Maryland Sewer (EA 1347) TBC 767
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT GLYNLEIGH - DROCKMILL 9,851
CATCHMENT ID: CMT216P CATCHMENT NAME: MANXEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN216P0101 Kentland Sewer (EA 1367) TBC 1,555 DRN216P0102 Kentland Sewer (EA 1367) TBC 694 DRN216P0103 Kentland Sewer (EA 1367) TBC 1,216 DRN216P0201 Church Farm Ditch (EA 1339) TBC 1,278 DRN216P0202 Church Farm Feed (EA 1338) TBC 603 DRN216P0301 Curteis Ditch (EA 1337) TBC 1,475
09 December 2016 Page 2 of 6
29 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
CATCHMENT ID: CMT216P CATCHMENT NAME: MANXEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN216P0401 Mark Dyke (EA 1333) TBC 1,529 DRN216P0501 Upper Dowles Stream (EA 1366) TBC 2,012
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT MANXEY 10,362
CATCHMENT ID: CMT217G CATCHMENT NAME: PEVENSEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN217G0101 Burgh Fleet and Monkham Sewer (EA 1332 TBC 1,078 DRN217G0102 Burgh Fleet and Monkham Sewer (EA 1332 TBC 901 DRN217G0103 Sew Ditch (EA 1334) TBC 572 DRN217G0201 Dowles Stream (EA 1331) TBC 1,355 DRN217G0202 Dowles Stream (EA 1331) TBC 538 DRN217G0301 Hankman Sewer (EA 1342) TBC 810 DRN217G0401 Callows Stream (EA 1355) TBC 1,490 DRN217G0402 Manxey Sewer (EA 1330) TBC 1,885 DRN217G0403 Manxey Sewer (EA 1330) TBC 637 DRN217G0501 Martins Ditch (EA 1341) TBC 1,610 DRN217G0502 Martins Ditch (EA 1341) TBC 62 DRN217G0601 Wrenham Stream and Bill Gut (EA 1326) TBC 3,638 DRN217G0701 Tower Ditch (EA 1328) TBC 1,361
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT PEVENSEY 15,937
CATCHMENT ID: CMT218P CATCHMENT NAME: WATERLOT - HORSEBRIDGE REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN218P0201 Waterlot Stream (EA 1229) TBC 1,107 DRN218P0202 Waterlot Stream (EA 1229) TBC 4,089 DRN218P0301 Lamb Inn Stream (EA 1239) TBC 1,664 DRN218P0401 Pinnock Stream (EA 1231) TBC 253 DRN218P0402 Pinnock Stream (EA 1231) TBC 432
09 December 2016 Page 3 of 6
30 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
CATCHMENT ID: CMT218P CATCHMENT NAME: WATERLOT - HORSEBRIDGE REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN218P0501 New Guy Stream (EA 1232) TBC 456 DRN218P0601 Inn Strean (EA 1233) TBC 2,497 DRN218P0602 Boreham Pond Stream (EA 1235) TBC 695 DRN218P0603 Waterhouse Stream (EA 1238) TBC 1,082 DRN218P0701 Dodsons Ditch (EA 1234) TBC 304 DRN218P0801 Nunningham Sewer (EA 1236) TBC 1,509
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT WATERLOT - HORSEBRIDGE 14,088
CATCHMENT ID: CMT219P CATCHMENT NAME: STAR INN REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN219P0101 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 109 DRN219P0102 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 1,886 DRN219P0103 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 2,017 DRN219P0104 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 286 DRN219P0105 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 580 DRN219P0201 Waterlot Stream (EA 1229) TBC 2,530 DRN219P0202 Waterlot Stream (EA 1229) TBC 519 DRN219P0203 Waterlot Stream (EA 1229) TBC 407 DRN219P0301 Cheney Stream (EA 1230) TBC 835 DRN219P0401 Pinnock Stream (EA 1231) TBC 726 DRN219P0501 Foul Ditch (EA 1227) TBC 737 DRN219P0601 East Stream (EA 1228) TBC 762 DRN219P0701 Star Inn Feed Ditch (EA 1241) TBC 273 DRN219P0702 Star Inn Feed Ditch (EA 1241) TBC 153
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT STAR INN 11,820
09 December 2016 Page 4 of 6
31 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
CATCHMENT ID: CMT220P CATCHMENT NAME: BARNHORN REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN220P0101 Stream Ditch (EA 1226) TBC 314 DRN220P0102 Barnhorn Ponds Stream (EA 1240) TBC 1,156 DRN220P0201 East Stream (EA 1228) TBC 850
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT BARNHORN 2,320
CATCHMENT ID: CMT221G CATCHMENT NAME: COMBE HAVEN REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN221G0101 Russell Stream (EA 1127) TBC 289 DRN221G0201 Rackwell Stream (EA 1129) TBC 165
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT COMBE HAVEN 454
CATCHMENT ID: CMT222G CATCHMENT NAME: WILLINGDON AND LANGNEY REACH ID WATERCOURSE NAME PRIORITY LENGTH (M)
DRN222G0101 Middle Sewer (EA 1427) TBC 742 DRN222G0201 East Langney Sewer (EA 1429) TBC 2,644 DRN222G0202 East Langney Sewer (EA 1429) TBC 211 DRN222G0203 Springfield Farm Ditch (EA 1430) TBC 243 DRN222G0204 Springfield Farm Ditch (EA 1430) TBC 260 DRN222G0301 Wrenham Stream and Bill Gut (EA 1326) TBC 1,283 DRN222G0302 New Mountney Sewer (EA 1237) TBC 780 DRN222G0401 Lottbridge Sewer (EA 1426) TBC 147
TOTAL WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN CATCHMENT WILLINGDON AND LANGNEY 6,310
09 December 2016 Page 5 of 6
32 Register of Drainage Infrastructure Adopted Ordinary Watercourses by Catchment
TOTAL HIGH PRIORITY WATERCOURSE LENGTH 0 TOTAL MEDIUM PRIORITY WATERCOURSE LENGTH 0 TOTAL LOWER PRIORITY WATERCOURSE LENGTH 0
TOTAL ADOPTED WATERCOURSE LENGTH IN DISTRICT 103,077
09 December 2016 Page 6 of 6
33 Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB Operations Report January 2017
1. REVENUE MAINTENANCE WORKS
The Engineer and Environmental Officer have visited the area and undertaken detailed discussions with the Environment Agency Operations team, Mechanical & Electrical team and Ecological team. This has aided in the development of a scope of work which it is believed will meet the current standards of maintenance, whilst also looking at additional work which could further benefit the area.
Discussions were also held with Natural England on the legislative and ecological timings of work as well as the risks and opportunities the new Board will work to. A further meeting was held with the Board Chairman, who accompanied the team on the ground to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities present.
Following this visit a detailed Tender document for maintenance work across the catchment was produced and advertised for potential contractors to tender against. The tender formed a programme, which represents an aspirational baseline of the work the engineer and ecologist feel would be most beneficial for the area, following the aforementioned discussions.
Unfortunately no responses were made to the tender, though officers are now in discussions with the Environment Agency and other local contractors regarding the work required and it is hoped an agreement will be made in the coming weeks for next year’s work. It is recommended that the award of work be deferred to the Chairman’s Committee.
The costings provided to the Board are based on the programme of works discussed and have figures within it which are based on experience and industry standard rates, which we are confident, are achievable. We will aim to prioritise the various drains into High, Medium & Low priority over the next quarter with the assistance of our new Operations Manager, which will also aid in a prioritisation of maintenance throughout the year.
An Operations Manager Job role has been advertised, which it is felt will be key to provide all interested parties with a local, single point of contact for the area. Interviews for this role will be held shortly and we hope to have the successful candidate in place by March 2017. This individual will be a key person for the Board and landowners in the local area.
2. PUMPING STATIONS
Bornhorn No Major Problems Reported
Drockmill No Major Problems Reported
37
Horsebridge No Major Problems Reported Manxey No Major Problems Reported
Rickney No Major Problems Reported
Star Inn No Major Problems Reported
3. HEALTH AND SAFETY Nothing to report this period
4. CONSTRUCTION WORKS Nothing to report this period
5. HYDROLOGY – UK Overview (extracts from http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2016)
October began wet in the south with low pressure moving across the country, but an easterly type became established by the 3rd, and the rest of the month had mostly easterly winds, which brought showers into many eastern coastal areas, but plenty of sunshine for the west and especially the south-west. The weather turned more unsettled between the 15th and 19th. For most of the month temperatures were mostly near or a little below normal, but it was warm at the end of the month.
November began quiet and mild in the south, but colder air quickly spread southwards via a slack northerly airflow. Northerly winds were frequent in the first third of the month, and there was some snow in the north on the 9th. The weather turned more unsettled around mid-month. Storm Angus brought wet and windy weather and flooding especially to the south-west on the 19th/20th, and another system on the 21st brought rain and flooding further north. The month ended with high pressure in charge, and it was mostly dry and sunny and increasingly cold.
December began settled with high pressure in charge, and cold and frosty in the south but with temperatures nearer average in the north. From the 6th to the 20th, southerly winds brought generally mild and often quiet weather, though with some rain or drizzle at times. The 21st to 26th was unsettled and windy, especially in the north, but the month ended quiet, with widespread frost and fog especially in the south.
38 Rainfall: Monthly Rain Totals Long Term Met Office SE Region recorded average Average January 131.8 80.1 February 56.7 53.4 March 86.8 62 April 54.2 51.8 May 64.8 52.8 June 95.9 53 July 21.0 47.7 August 40.3 56.3 September 47.6 68.2 October 33.3 79.9 November 103.1 85.7 December 18.8 81.2
2016 Rainfall 140
120
100
80 Met Office SE Region 60 recorded average
Rainfall (mm) 40 Long Term Average
20
0
6. STAFF/WORKFORCE – MEETINGS - TRAINING/EDUCATION
Engineer attended the following meetings:
17 November 2016 ADA Conference (London)
7. COMPLAINTS/ENFORCEMENT None this reporting period
8. PLANNING COMMENTS
It is envisaged that the Board’s Byelaws will be confirmed by DEFRA before 31 March 2017, (assuming that we do not receive any objections during the ongoing consultation period, which closes on 28 February 2017).
39 Planning comments made on the following applications:
- WD/2016/3053/F for 220 Coast Road, Pevensey Bay BN24 6NR - 38860 - Old Marshfoot Farm, Hailsham, Flood Risk and Drainage - WD/2016/1948/MAO for land to the east of North Street, Lower Horsebridge, Hailsham BN27 4DR - Planning Consultation - 1 Whittle Drive, Eastbourne (Ref: 161393) - Comments on the Development and Site Allocations Plan, Rother District Council
40 Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB Environmental Report January 2017
The following information pertains to environmental work carried out for the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB involving the Technical and Environmental Officer (TEO) from the 3 October 2016 – 11 January 2017.
1. Information for the Board
Standard Maintenance Operations Document Development
A Standard Maintenance Operations (SMO) Document is currently being developed in order to ensure that future maintenance of the PCWLMB catchment is carried out to a uniform and good standard. The other Boards within the WMA (Eastern) have SMOs agreed with Natural England (NE) and the Environment Agency (EA), and have been consulted upon to ensure Water Framework Directive compliance. The SMO has proven to be a useful document when maintenance has been challenged by those who do not agree with the way in which watercourse maintenance has been carried out. It is also a document to which operatives and contractors can be trained and can be audited to ensure compliance.
A draft version of the SMO will be circulated to NE and the EA for comment once the TEO has an understanding of the maintenance requirements of the Cuckmere catchment.
A methodology for the way in which Floating Pennywort and Crassula helmsii is dealt with during maintenance will also need to be considered within the document.
Green Links Project
The PCWLMB has been invited to become a partner in the Green Links Project; a project that aims to provide a network of green infrastructure for local communities across Wealden, Eastbourne and Rother.
The project aspiration aims to, “Build a sustainable, enjoyable and beautiful place for the local community, by improving biodiversity, flood resilience, water quality and public access to green space”.
Being a partner within this exciting catchment scale project is likely to bring benefits; joined up thinking at the planning stage on delivering SUDs of the correct size and in the correct place to achieve maximum biodiversity benefit and flood resilience, improved green infrastructure outwith the SSSI boundary, improved health and well- being opportunities for communities and the management of common issues such as non-native species and water quality at the catchment scale. Working in partnership with other bodies often opens funding avenues which cannot be accessed as an individual body and allows partners to influence each others thinking in a joined up manner (Please see appendix 1 for further information on the project).
The timescale for movement on this project has been discussed with Cath Jackson, (NE) and is estimated to be as follows: Planning authorities and other potential partners will be approached more formally in February 2017 and the most suitable locations for housing development in line with SUDs developments and green infrastructure will be investigated in the Summer 2017.
41 Biodiversity Action Plan Funding
A sum of £5,000 has been set aside for biodiversity work within the Pevensey and Cuckmere WLMB catchment for the 2017-2018 financial year. It is proposed that a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the area will be put together over the next couple of months after consultation with Natural England and other stakeholders from the Sussex Biodiversity Partnership, to prioritise habitats and species which could benefit from future action and funding.
One of the major threats to biodiversity in the catchment is non-native invasive species. Short-term and long term considerations for measures to control and/or eradicate non-native invasives will need to be considered during the production of the BAP.
Funding for BAP projects will be reviewed annually.
Training in the Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1) and the Spraying of Herbicides in or Near a Watercourse (PA6W)
During this period and following a successful test on the Safe use of Pesticides in the last period, several WMA (Eastern) IDB operatives, the Technical and Environmental Assistant (TEA) and the Technical and Environmental Officer (TEO) passed the practical examination on the Spraying of Herbicides in or near water using a Knapsack sprayer (PA6W).
Six operatives from WMA (Eastern), the TEA and TEO are now trained to store, carry and apply herbicide by means of a knapsack sprayer to areas in or near water.
It is hoped this training will allow the WMA (Eastern) group to help tackle and improve the control of non-native invasive species in the catchments affected.
2. Statutory Duties towards Conservation
Prework Checks and Site Visits
The following information lists pre-works checks and site visits undertaken by the TEO during the period:
01 November 2016 The TEO and the Engineer paid a visit to the Pevensey Levels, where the Board’s Chairman conducted a tour of the area. We looked at some of the pumping stations, tried to gain an understanding of the land use and water management within the Pevensey catchment and were introduced to the problems with invasive species in the area.
3. Meetings and Training Attended:
10 October 2016 The TEO attended and passed the CSCS Card Test for Professionals, on Health and Safety Awareness on Construction sites.
19 October 2016 A Team Meeting of the Eastern WMA was held at Kettlewell House, Kings Lynn.
02 - 03 November 2016 Meetings were held with officers from the EA and NE with the aim of gaining an understanding of the maintenance requirements of the PCWLMB area, the water level management requirements and biodiversity of the area.
42 The outcome of the meeting with Cath Jackson (NE) was an exciting opportunity for officers of the PCWLMB to participate in a surgery to meet occupiers, with the aim of understanding their water/land management issues or requirements. It is hoped that the surgery will be a starting point to allow officers to explore opportunities to make a difference to managing water levels and moving toward sustainable solutions to improve the condition of the Pevensey Levels SSSI and SAC. The surgery is booked for 30 January 2017 at the Horseshoe Inn, Windmill Hill, Herstmonceux, BN27 4RU.
16 November 2016 The TEO completed and passed the practical test; PA6W Herbicide Spraying with a Knapsack, in or near water.
09 January 2017 WMA officers and operatives completed a Health and Safety and Environmental Awareness Training day. The training day covered various aspects of health and safety awareness, the SMO document and hydromorphological harm, non-native invasive species and biosecurity. Dr Katy Owen the officer from the Norfolk Non- Native Invasive Initiative also made a presentation illustrating the importance of awareness of these species and what to do if they are found.
4. Non - Compliance Nothing to report within this period.
5. Complaints Nothing to report within this period.
6. Assents Granted and/or Applied for Nothing to report within this period.
7. Freedom of Information Act Requests None during this period.
43 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 Green links Across Wealden, Eastbourne and Rother
Project aspirations To build a sustainable, enjoyable and beautiful place for the local community by improving biodiversity, flood resilience, water quality and public access to greenspace Summary
This project aims to deliver the planning policy requirements of Rother, Wealden and Eastbourne by providing a network of green infrastructure.
• These green spaces would provide a range of services for local communities: flood alleviation, water quality, recreational space and biodiversity.
• A cross authority network around the Pevensey catchment would provide a cost effective, coherent and resilient solution to green infrastructure at an appropriate scale. Background
The Pevensey Catchment covers land within Wealden, Rother and Eastbourne districts. At the centre of the area is Pevensey Levels Site of Scientific Interest – one of the most significant wetland sites in the UK. Recent assessment of the economic value of the area for the local community concluded that it delivers £17 million of benefit to the local community through biodiversity, food production, recreation and protecting the main road and train transport links from floodrisk1.
The catchment around the site provides water to the local community and also presents flood risk and resilience opportunities – particularly in the face of climate change. Outside of the Pevensey Levels SSSI there is also significant area of important wetland habitat including wet grassland and open water, eg Eastbourne Park. 150,000 people live in the area and many more visit.
1 Pevensey Levels Water Management Review 2014, Natural England and Environment Agency ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT APPENDIX 1 Approximately 20,000 new houses are planned in the area – 11,000 in Wealden, 5000 in Eastbourne and 3000 in Rother. All three local plans focus on sustainable water use and drainage, public access to greenspace and linking up and enhancing existing areas of biodiversity.
There is a strong partnership of local communities, authorities and national agencies in place to deliver the project inside Pevensey Levels SSSI which has successfully:
• Set up the first Water Drainage Board to deliver appropriate water level management
• Identified and put in place appropriate land management, eg to tackle non-native invasive species.
• Tackled water quality issues. What could this project deliver?
1. Sustainable drainage is essential in this area to ensure flood resilience and water quality. Attempting to deliver SUDS on a development site basis is unlikely to deliver schemes of the right size in the right place to achieve maximum biodiversity benefit. If planned at a larger scale, SUDS could deliver a joined up green infrastructure across the area. A way to deliver this would be to model the best places then put in place development levy to deliver the landscape scale scheme.
2. An improved and enhanced green infrastructure by delivering appropriate land management and encouraging community access through education and involvement. This could potentially be funded through further development levy, perhaps alongside grant-funding. Again this could deliver multiple benefits including:
• Improved public health. Access to natural greenspace has been proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
• Biodiversity. Managing the 1000 ha of wet grassland outside the SSSI which would make the protected site more resilient to climate change.
• Growing natural capital by encouraging stronger links between local food producers and the local community.
• A better understanding of the essential services the landscape delivers, eg clean water, and an appreciation of the roles of water companies.
3. Cost effective catchment-wide management of issues such as non-natives, eg mink. It is now widely recognised that catchment wide solutions are the most effective for many issues including water quality and non-native management. Potential partners for this project
Potential partners for this project include: Wealden, Rother and Eastbourne Councils, Southern and South East Water, Environment Agency, Natural England, the local farming community and the Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board. This partnership could complement the existing Pevensey and Cuckmere Catchment Partnership http://www.cplcp.org.uk/
In association with Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board
Health and Safety Policy Statement
31 January 2017
Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions for all our employees, contractors, and agency staff working on our behalf. In addition we will seek to ensure the work that we carry out does not affect the health and safety of others, e.g. our customers, visitors and members of the public.
We will achieve this policy, in part, by:
1. Appointing competent Managers who are responsible for health and safety in their respective areas;
2. Ensuring that adequate resources and sufficient financial arrangements are in place to control health and safety risks arising from our work activities;
3. Consulting with all our employees, consultants and contractors on matters affecting their health and safety and providing information, instruction, training and supervision, as appropriate;
4. Seeking advice and assistance from external organisations to supplement our own in-house health and safety initiatives;
5. Monitoring and reviewing the health, safety and welfare arrangements we have put in place at least every twelve months to determine their continued effectiveness;
6. Setting goals and following action plans to ensure continuous improvement in health and safety performance; and
7. Promoting a positive health and safety culture within our organisation, e.g. with Managers leading by example.
This statement is intended to encourage a positive attitude to safety and should be used in conjunction with the additional safety guidelines issued periodically.
I look forward to your full co-operation and support.
…………………………………….. Chief Executive
44
SuDS ADOPTION POLICY
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) adoption policy
1. Adoption of SUDS within the Board’s Drainage District
The Board will consider the adoption of SUDS within its Drainage District where the SUDS cater for more than one property owner. The decision whether to adopt will be made:-
• On a site specific basis
• Dependent on the IDB having had input to the design from an early stage so that: • Adequate access and working space is allowed around the SUDS for future maintenance with machinery. • Landscaping designs consider the future maintenance and access to the SUDS. • Space is allowed within the site design for deposition of arisings from the SUDS, whether it be annual weed cutting material, or more infrequent material, so that this did not have to be removed, but instead accommodated on site.
Generally, for guidance, the Board may only consider adopting the type of SUDS which:-
• Are above ground and can be maintained using the equipment commonly used by IDBs, such as flails, basket cutters etc. for example storage ponds, swales, and flood storage areas (it is felt that other types of SUDS may better be suited for adoption by another authority).
• Have a maintenance regime similar to the rest of the IDB’s infrastructure, e.g. cutting once or twice a year, (it is generally felt that SUDS infrastructure that needs maintaining much more frequently such as public open space or swales in front of properties may better be suited for adoption by another authority).
2. Adoption of SUDS within the Board’s “extended area”
The Board may also consider adopting SUDS outside of its Drainage District, but within its hydraulic catchment area, if doing so will be of a benefit to the Drainage District, subject to the same conditions as shown above.
3. Adoption charges for the Board to adopt SUDS
A one-off upfront Adoption Charge will be payable, by the developer, to the Board as part of the Board’s adoption procedure. This charge is based on the present value of the total maintenance cost associated with the SUDS over the design life of the development (usually 100 years unless it can be demonstrated to be less). The annual maintenance costs used to calculate this charge will be based on a maintenance programme agreed as part of the SUDS consenting and adoption process.
45 Distributed to: Pevenesey & Cuckmere WLMB Members Balsdon, K Brown, R Coles, Ms J Freebody, A Gower, W Hesselgrave, G Hole, M Miles, R Patten, R Robinson, D Robinson, Ms M Rodohan, P Smart, R Swansborough, C Wadman, C White, D Worssam, M
Key Partners/Supporting Officers Oliver, Ms S (Eastbourne BC) Beaumont,Ms C (Rother DC / Wealden DC) Dodge, A (Rother DC) Kean, G (Wealden DC) Sangster, N (Hastings BC)
Claxton, N (E.Sussex CC - LLFA)
Jackson, Ms C (NE)
Ball, L (EA) Carver, P (EA) Long, R (EA) Robinson, D (EA) Willway, Mrs T (EA)
Edwards, R (CLA)
Camamile, P (WMA) Creasy, Mrs M (WMA) Philpot, M (WMA) Laburn, Ms C (WMA)
Pevensey & Cuckmere WLMB Meeting 31 January 2017