Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the Proposed Construction of a Flood Alleviation Scheme at Hillyfields Loughton. The report updated Members on the findings of a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) commissioned by Essex County and Epping Forest District Councils. In addition, the report outlined the Flood Alleviation Scheme proposed by Essex County Council and explained the reasons for recommending the scheme’s adoption.

The question of the maintenance and liability of the flood defences on City of London Corporation Land was raised by a Member who expressed concern that the City of London Corporation might become responsible for the maintenance of the defences. The Superintendent confirmed that no agreement had yet been reached on the maintenance of the site and that the Comptroller and City Solicitor would be consulted on the legal basis for any such agreement.

RESOLVED- that:

1. The use of Forest Land at Hillyfields/Pyrles Lane, Loughton as a Flood Alleviation Scheme as part of Essex County Council’s Surface Water Management Plan is approved; and
2. That the City of London Corporation enters into a formal agreement with Essex County Council for the ongoing management of the Flood Alleviation Scheme with all costs to be borne by the County Council; and
3. That Members instruct the Comptroller & City Solicitor to undertake any necessary documentation to conclude the agreement.