Defra Community Flood Resilience Pathfinder

Surface Water Runoff Grant Scheme

Applicant Guidance Notes – May 2014

The purpose of the scheme is to promote a positive relationship between landowners/tenants and their neighbours where there is clear evidence that surface water runoff is causing flooding/a flood risk to property, but that the apportioning of liability is likely to be a contested civil matter. Therefore, the scheme is not designed to absolve or remunerate land owners/tenants where clear legal obligations to act exist. Every land owner or tenant with responsibility under their tenancy for the drainage of their land (the applicant) has access to this scheme provided they have the support of their Cornwall Councillor or Parish/Town Council (the sponsor). The grants can be used for a range of small scale interventions where surface water runoff from the land represents an unacceptable flood risk to one or more property in a neighbouring community. Examples of interventions that may be considered suitable for funding through the Grant Scheme include: 1  The digging of ditches or laying of French Drains and Soakaways where they can be shown to have a positive impact to reducing runoff.  The construction of earth banks, hedges and other structures which will divert runoff into a recognised watercourse or appropriate storage area.  The construction of ‘leaky dams’ or structures that will slow the flow of water into a watercourse that is susceptible to being overwhelmed.  Subsoiling of farmland, where it can be demonstrated that runoff can be reduced.  Decommissioning and blocking gateways and other points through which runoff is escaping towards neighbouring properties during heavy rainfall.  Planting of vegetation intended to improve soil stability such as willow or capture floodwater such as Culm grass.  Any other intervention that in the view of land drainage team opinion is a viable medium to long term means of reducing runoff impact.

The Grant Scheme: Basic Rules

 The total sum available within the Grant fund is initially £25,000 although additional funds may become available. This must be allocated before 30 September 2014 and all works must be completed by 31 December 2014.  Grants of up to £5000 are available.  Evidence of ‘best value’ must be clearly demonstrated.  For projects costing over £5000 you can apply for a contribution towards the project costs, provided the total cost will not exceed £10,000.  In the opinion of the Council Land Drainage Team, the scheme must not exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and will, on the balance of probabilities, reduce flood risk to the ‘at risk’ properties.  Grants are not offered retrospectively.  Grants are not offered where, in the opinion of Cornwall Council there is a clear legal obligation on the part of the landowner/tenant to carry out the work.

What’s eligible? 1  Applications should focus on ‘low tech’ interventions which deliver a clear and demonstrable reduction in flood risk to neighbouring properties. What’s not? 1  Retrospective funding for work that has already been commenced or contracted.  The grant is not available to fund interventions on publicly owned or maintained land.  Work that in the opinion of the Cornwall Council carries with it a clear legal obligation on the part of the land owner or tenant.  Work that will not or cannot be maintained in future.  Work of such a scale or complexity that it requires planning consent (except where runoff is to be diverted into an existing watercourse and simply requires Land Drainage consent).

How does it work?

Applications can be made by completing the appropriate form available from the Community Flood Resilience Manager: Martyn Alvey, 01872 326796 [email protected]

Your application must carry the support of an appropriate sponsor e.g. Parish or Cornwall councillor and will be assessed to ensure it meets the grant eligibility criteria. A member of the Cornwall Council Land Drainage Team will carry out a site based assessment to confirm the viability of the intervention in flood risk management terms. There are no set submission dates for applications, provided they are received by the closing date, however, allocation will be on a ‘first come’ basis. Please get your applications in at least 6 weeks before the intended commencement of the work so that we have time to process it. If approved, work must be completed within 3 months.

What is required to apply?

1. Complete the application form 2. Working with a suitable sponsor e.g. Parish or County Councillor 3. Provide evidence to show that the intervention is appropriate. 4. Provide details of the applicant’s bank account (or identity of another organisation who can act as banker for funds such as a Parish/Town council). 5. Provide any relevant cost estimates or suppliers’ quotes.

What is required to receive payment?

Payment will be authorised on the production of appropriate receipts. Where the work is to be carried out by the landowner/tenant, an invoice for work carried out will be required. The work will be liable for inspection by Cornwall Council and/or the sponsor before payment can be released.

Advice

For more information, advice on potential projects and other possible funding sources and availability, please contact the Community Flood Resilience Manager: Martyn Alvey, 01872 326796 [email protected]