To receive an update from the Environment Agency.

Scott Salmon from the Environment Agency (EA) gave Members an update which concentrated on Old Windsor, Datchet, Wraysbury and Horton. He stated there was an outline design for flood channels and Councillors Thompson and Williams attended a meeting and provided information which would be included in the impact assessment. The next step was to go through the planning process. Future discussion would include active dialogue with parish councils which were very productive.

In terms of modelling outputs, that was an ongoing programme to ensure the flood prevention programme would work. He wanted to talk with local parishes following the modelling work. Briefings regarding the archaeological and ecological impacts were being provided as any capital scheme to prevent flooding needed to assess the impact to that environment.

Following modelling work and planning permission, the next phase would be the procurement stage. There was still a shortfall in funding; therefore, Scott Salmon would be approaching the Treasury. He urged Councillors to approach businesses and sponsors to try and raise funds to help plug the funding gap.

The EA were negotiating with landowners over interests in land and options being looked at by the EA to see where it was possible to lease any land, buy it, or go through compulsory purchase to acquire the land required.

The EA were liaising with Network Rail, Thames Water, Affinity Water, Heathrow and engagement was taking place. The River Thames Scheme was more than just a flood scheme; it was about protecting the infrastructure, protecting major roads, utilities as well as protecting environmental areas and recreational facilities. Scott Salmon stated that it was not possible to stop flooding altogether so the EA were also looking at local schemes to try and protect houses which would not be protected by the large River Thames Scheme (RTS).

The Acting-Chairman enquired whether the EA had been in contact with the Borough’s Communication and Marketing Team and if information had been circulated via the Parish Newsletter. Scott Salmon confirmed the scheme had a communications manager that took care of that side of things and that he liaised very well with parish councils to get the message out. Parish websites were up to date and included information on the RTS. The parish Councillors were very happy with the information being received from the Environment Agency.

Scott Salmon agreed that getting all the funding in place was problematic and added that once modelling and design work had taken place, he could approach the Treasury for funding. He could not confirmed any talk of local authorities sharing the costs as that was not his field. Cllr Beer stated there should be a national fund as residents should not have to pay for the full costs of the scheme as it affected people and businesses on a national scale.

Scott Salmon stated the timeline of the works was available on the EA website and the scheme would start in 2018 with planning permission being sought. The scheme was expected to be completed by 2025. Scott Salmon confirmed that the modelling of the scheme was carried out using computer enhanced hydraulic modelling. He added the design company the EA had used had been working on modelling for a long time and where people were flagging up issues, they were being worked on; therefore, the modelling was not presently available. Scott Salmon said that group discussions were taking place and when there were concerns regarding the design, they were all taken on board.

Scott Salmon said he was unable to give a comprehensive answer as to what point finance issues became critical. He stated there were checkpoints which dictated at what point the EA could approach the Treasury. Prior to talking to the Treasury, an online business case had to be submitted.

Scott Salmon confirmed he was unable to give an exact timeline of what would happen and when as there were a lot of complex issues from procurement and what materials were to be used up to the actual starting of the build. However, the construction phase was scheduled for 2020 – 2024; but that also depended on ongoing talks with the landowners.

Parish Councillor Ian Thompson stated there was a funding group within the EA to raise money for the project; part of the groups remit was to submit to the Treasury a budget which would request the release of funding. The business case for that was expected to be ready for submission by January 2018. Scott Salmon stated there was a constant dialogue about where else funding could be raised.

Scott Salmon stated temporary flood defence schemes were under the River Thames Scheme. It was a national scheme used predominantly in the North of the country. If Parishes local authorities could come up with viable options for temporary defence schemes, they could be implemented before the flood water hit the ground and they helped to get resources deployed much quicker. Cookham Parish Council did their own flood exercise and came up with their own flood plan that worked for them.

Parish Councillor Ian Thompson said some research on flooding was carried out in 2014; he found gauges were failing and that concerned him. The EA said they were not aware of any issues but they would raise it as a matter of urgency. Scott Salmon confirmed that modelling could be carried out and he would go back to the Asset Team and ask them to confirm the gauges were working properly.

The EA considered raising the Bisham footbridge to help alleviate flooding. Other measures to prevent flooding were also being looked at and they were looking to liaise closely with the Borough. However, following the modelling, it showed that the bridge was not causing a flooding obstruction. Bisham Road opposite Cookham Bridge, a flood alleviation pipe was considered but, that needed revising; modelling would be carried out and costs sought to see how that could be resolved.