Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

With the permission of the Chair, the item was moved up the agenda so that the members of public present could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations Manager as well as hearing earlier the words of the Site Representative for Lakeside Allotments and the two Members of WWA-South who were present.

Following on, Members discussed the specifics of the proposals with questions regarding the layout, ditch orientation and flow levels of the various water courses being answered by the Operations Manager.

Although the Committee sympathised with the allotment holders’ frustration about flooding, potentially involving sewage water, it was mutually agreed by all present that the allotments were situated on a flood plain. There was no simple or inexpensive solution to the issue which had appeared to worsen in recent years. Some plots were unusable in the winter, and the viability of the soil and the longevity of any mitigation was unknown.

The Committee was unanimous in agreement to decline both recommendations in the report in favour of alternative proposals.

It was therefore proposed by Cllr A Bailey and seconded by Cllr J Treloar that the Council developed a strategy to engage with Thames Water and other interested parties to review the issues being experienced. In particular a request be made to Windrush Against Sewage Pollution to provide the historical flow rates of Colwell Brook. Members were unanimous in support.

Additionally, Members further agreed to review an earlier topographical survey regarding hydrology movement. If any further survey work was found to be needed, then Officers should review and report back to the Committee.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report and verbal contributions be noted and,

2.      That, a strategy be developed to engage with Thames Water and interested parties and,

3.      That, Officers investigate any additional hydrology survey work that may be required.