Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCT) as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) will be commencing a Flood Alleviation Scheme programed to start construction in March in the fields above Bronallt Terrace. The proposed scheme will be part of an Upper catchment management plan which aims to alleviate flood risk to approximately 36 residential properties, 3 business and several highways.
The LLFA is acting in accordance with its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) high level objective to ‘Reduce the Consequences of Flood Risk.’ The strategy was published in January 2013 in accordance with Clause 10 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The LFRMS objective aligns with the 5 overreaching national objectives set out within the National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Wales.
The area in which the works are proposed is Abercwmboi, which is within the Aberaman South Electoral Ward which is identified as being the 4th highest risk ward within RCT's Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). The proposed works fall within the Abercwmboi Community area, as identified by the Communities at Risk Register (CaRR), which is ranked 27th in Wales for surface water flood risk.
Description of Works
The Abercwmboi area has been subject to several flooding events in recent years, the most significant incident occurred on the 15th and 16th February 2020 following Storm Dennis, where 28 properties internally flooded with a further 32 properties experiencing external flooding. This flooding event was the 2nd event following Storm Bronagh which occurred during 2018 which identified the same level of internal flooding.
In response to these events, RCT have proposed to carry out land drainage improvement works to facilitate an upper Catchment Attenuation Wetland, designed to reduce the peak flows to the downstream existing culvert along with the provision of a debris control basin to reduce the potential of debris blocking the downstream culvert structure, which is in an area at high risk of flooding.
These initial proposed works will aim to provide a Q100 + 40% climate change Standard of Protection to the community of Abercwmboi.
In undertaking these works the scheme will aim to deliver on the following objectives within Council’s LFRMS.
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Reduce distress by decreasing the population exposed to flood risk.
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Reduce community disruption by reducing the amount of residential and commercial property exposed to flood risk.
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Reduce risk to life by reducing the number of people exposed to risk of flooding of significant depth and velocity.
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Reduce disruption to critical infrastructure or support the preparation of plans to allow their operation to be maintained.
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Improve or not detrimentally affect water quality
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Where possible, improve naturalness - reducing modifications to channels, water bodies and, where appropriate, create or enhance natural floodplain storage linked to nature conservation and landscape initiatives.
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Ensure projects are designed and constructed in a sustainable way.
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Maintain, or where possible, improve the status of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Sites of Importance for Nature and Conservation (SINC) sites and contribute to the RCT biodiversity action plan.
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Develop a better understanding of the risks of flooding from surface runoff, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and plan how best to communicate and share information with communities and businesses on all forms of flooding.
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Also undertaking these works the scheme aims to deliver multiple benefits as per the ‘Wales Future Generations Act Wales’.
- A Healthier Wales – These works will directly support the alleviation of flooding to approximately 36 properties and reduce the impact of isolation for a further 24 residential properties which equates to the benefit to 138 residents (taken as 2.3 residents per household nationally) which in turn will improve the mental well-being and health of the local community.
- A Resilient Wales – The proposed works aim to create an upper catchment attenuation wetland, which enhances the existing ecology by reintroducing a natural and biodiverse environment for local fauna and flora. The works will further provide social resilience through an adaptive design intended to manage future impacts of climate change.
- A More Equal Wales – This work will be to the benefit of all parts of society, all will be allowed to fulfil their potential by reducing the likelihood of flooding and enabling long-term resilience for the local community.
- A Wales of More Cohesive Communities – Connectivity is critical and this work will allow us to maintain community’s significantly important routes. As an organisation the safety of our communities is paramount and this work will also significantly reduce the risk for commuters, school users and local businesses.
- A Globally Responsible Wales – The project proposes the use of natural flood risk management techniques to mitigate existing flood risk whilst enhancing the local ecological and social environment.
Notice of Intention to Start Land Drainage Improvement Works
The proposed flood risk alleviation scheme is deemed permitted development under Part 14 (Development by Drainage Bodies) of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. As such the council is undertaking a consultation process under The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999 and 2006. Consultation will run from 20th January 2022 – 21st February 2022.
The Council does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of the proposed improvement works. With reference to Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999, as well as the characteristics of the improvement works, the location of the improvement works and the type and characteristics of the potential impact, it is considered that the proposed works will not have a significant effect on the environment.
The works description is detailed above and summarised as follows:
- Works to attenuate surface water/ordinary watercourse flows, thereby reducing peak flows to the downstream existing culvert infrastructure.
- Creation of a graded basin to facilitate the attenuation of surface water and ordinary watercourse flows within the field area.
- Creation of a maintenance path around the attenuation basin including access ramps.
- Installation of diversion channels and culvert structures to divert the watercourse in and out of the attenuation basin
- Installation of a Swale feature to accommodate surface water drainage within the northern portion of the field
- Reinstatement of all areas affected by the above works.
Any person who wishes to do so may make representations in writing in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works to the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU within 30 days of the date of this Notice or via email to FRM@rctcbc.gov.uk.
The additional information concerning the improvement works can be obtained from the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU via the FRM@rctcbc.gov.uk with a general arrangement plan provided below.