Blue Belt: Preventing future flooding  

One of the striking facts when researching flooding is the near unanimity of experts in expressing the view that the risk and incidence of flooding and coastal erosion is going to substantially increase over the twenty years and beyond. This being the consensus view, it is alarming that the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) warn that many people falsely believe that flooding can be prevented, and coastal erosion can be prevented – which is not the case. It is clearly a challenge worth pursuing for the Assembly Government and Local Authorities to broaden knowledge of the ever increasing flood risk that we face in Wales so that all should be fully aware of this increasing risk and the flood risk areas. Although the high water levels seen in South Wales East in the Rivers Usk, Monnow and Rhymney among others following the heavy rain we experienced during the week before last seemed little to worry about in the context of the devastating floods in Queensland that attracted worldwide coverage, the fact remains that something similar could one day happen on the Gwent Levels.  

It is important to stress that we as a Party do not seek to introduce the Blue Belt system simply for the sake of change. Both the Sustainability Committee and the Wales Audit Office have urged change in the guidance on development and associated flood risk. Industry experts such as the Caldicot and Wentlooge Internal Drainage Board argue that TAN 15 – published in July 2004 – needs updating because it does not recognise significant new legislation which gives Internal Drainage Boards a considerably more enhanced role in drainage, water level management and Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management. Indeed, not updating the document could potentially undermine and weaken the effectiveness of the more recent legislation and related strategies. Introducing designated blue belt areas would be an opportunity to give solid planning guidance that must be adhered to uniformly by Local Authorities.  The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management’s suggestion that ‘there should be a presumption against development in areas at significant risk of flooding’ would potentially free up time and resources to tackle the existing problems posed by flooding. The problems that flooding presents South Wales East are well documented and the issue remains a source of great concern to many of the region’s communities and businesses. The Gwent Levels Flood Defence Alliance continues to warn that work started to raise and repair the sea wall by the Environment Agency 9 years ago remains incomplete in certain stretches of the Levels. For example, the Sea Defence upstream from Magor-Pill has no re-inforcement and with the Environment Agency warning that with the changing weather pattern, storms will be worse and tides higher, then the over-toppings that have occurred in the past could generate a breach with consequential damage. Exceptionally high tides in the Severn Estuary could mean that a breach in the wall up-stream of Magor-Pill could cause several feet of water in parts of Newport within a few minutes. 

Experts, Councillors and constituents who have corresponded with my office on the issue of flooding frequently comment on the need for better joined up working between the relevant bodies such as Welsh Water, Environment Agency Wales, Local Authorities and Drainage Boards. Introducing clear guidelines such as designating ‘Blue Belt’ land would be a step in the right direction toward tackling the duplication of work and unclear legislation that currently delays addressing planning issues. One planning application I have been made aware of in Caldicot has been beset by confusion between Welsh Water, Environment Agency Wales and the Local Authority over who is responsible for certain responsibilities such as draining and maintaining the land. 

The Environment Agency’s consultation document ‘Managing Flood Risk on the Severn Estuary’, makes clear that Newport faces a similar flooding threat to Cardiff but notes there are sections near the Transporter Bridge where the risk of tidal flooding is one in 20 in any one year. Clearly there is a need for greater partnership between the Council, local businesses, developers and the Environment Agency to make improvements in the area in question over the next ten years. Introducing a blue belt scheme would end the scenario where local authorities give developers permission to build on areas known to be at risk of flooding in a bid to meet targets set in the Wales Spatial Plan. 

More leadership required from WAG & preparedness to listen to expert advice 

Introducing Blue Belts would put an end to the confusion and unnecessary risk that TAN 15 creates.