Decision details

To determine the County Council’s response to the EA seeking views on its proposals to dissolve the three IDDs in East Sussex and propose replacements. Irrespective of the options proposed, the CET department in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority will be affected.

26.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

26.2     The Lead Member and other Members present expressed serious concern at the decision taken by Lewes District Council not to support a new IDB for the Ouse, with the subsequent potential impact on funding and the situation in the Ouse District. 

DECISIONS

26.3     RESOLVED to (1) Support the Environment Agency’s proposals to dissolve the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels Internal Drainage Districts and re-establish the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels Districts with one Internal Drainage Board;

(2) Accept the dissolution of the Ouse Internal Drainage District in principle subject to further discussions with Lewes District Council on flood risk management priorities within the area, and, further negotiations with the Environment Agency and others on funding for the County Council’s additional burden of Ordinary Watercourse Consenting and enforcement in the Ouse District; and

(3) Authorise the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport (in consultation with Lead Member for Transport and Environment) to:

a.         Agree the final response to the Environment Agency on this matter; and

b.         Agree the County Council’s representation on the proposed Pevensey and Cuckmere Water Level Management Board;

c.         Produce a further report following the consultation period to formally appoint the County Council’s representative.

Reasons

26.4     The dissolution of the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels IDD and replacement with one Board can be supported. The dissolution of the Ouse IDD could be accepted in principle, subject to further discussions with LDC on flood risk management priorities in the area, and further negotiations with the EA and others on funding for the County Council’s additional burden on OWC and enforcement in the Ouse IDD outside the main river. Given the County Council’s interest in the delivery of flood risk management services, the EA’s invitation for County Council to take a seat on the new Internal Drainage Board for Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels should be accepted in principle, subject to further investigations.