Our climate is changing. Forecasts suggest that we will see higher sea levels, increases in the intensity of rainfall and more frequent flooding. More of us will experience flooding, the consequences of that flooding will be greater and the risk to life, the economy and the environment will increase.
It is not possible to prevent flooding which is a natural process that will happen regardless of the actions of humanity. However, we can take steps to manage the risks they present and reduce both their frequency and consequences.
The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 places a responsibility upon Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, as the Lead Local Flood Authority(LLFA), to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a strategy for local flood risk management (Local Strategy). In the development of a Local Strategy, the LLFA will balance the needs of communities, the economy and the environment.
The Local Strategy will form the framework within which communities have a greater say in local risk management decisions. In combination with the National Strategy|, the Local Strategies will encourage more effective risk management by enabling people, communities, business and the public sector to work together to:
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ensure a clear understanding of the risks of flooding and erosion, nationally and locally, so that investment in risk management can be prioritised more effectively;
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set out clear and consistent plans for risk management so that communities and businesses can make informed decisions about the management of the residual risk;
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encourage innovative management of flood risks, taking account of the needs of communities and the environment;
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form links between the local flood risk management strategy and local spatial planning;
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ensure that emergency plans and responses to flood incidents are effective and that communities are able to respond properly to flood warnings; and
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help communities to recover more quickly and effectively after incidents.
It will do this by acting as the evidence base for the decisions and actions required for managing flood risk. The Local Strategy and future plans and policies will be developed with communities to ensure a better understanding of local risk management, co-ordinated planning and sustainability. It will also emphasise the need to balance national and local activities and funding.
The local strategy will only deal with local flood risk which is defined in the act as being a flood risk from:
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surface runoff;
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groundwater; and
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ordinary watercourses.
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy – Initial Public Consultation
Consultation closed on 20 August 2012.
Many thanks to those who contributed to this initial consultation.
What you told us:-
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You felt the main sources of flooding were from Culverted Watercourses
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You felt that the main objective should be to reduce the risk of flooding wherever possible.
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You felt that the highest priority in terms of Flood Risk Management are Homes (including internal Flooding) closely followed by Roads, local amenities and infrastructure.
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You felt that you were most concerned about the affect of new development, climate change and emergency planning and response in terms of flooding.
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You thought that RCT and partners should be ensuring new development does not make flooding worse and managing and maintaining assets as a priority.
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You felt that when it came to optional enforcement powers RCTCBC should use these powers wherever possible.
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You felt that RCT should do more to raise awareness of the new legislation and flood risk in general.
These general points will now be taken forward into the development of the Local Flood Risk Strategy.
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy – Full Consultation
The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) has now been developed and the Council now seeks views on this and the accompanying environmental documents.
During the development of the LFRMS the Council gained the initial views and level of understanding of flood risk from the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf via an online survey.
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What the community told us……
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What We Did……
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Measure Ref.(Section 7 LFRMS)
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You felt the main sources of flooding were from Culverted Watercourses
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14,17,18,20,21,25,32
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You felt that the main objective should be to reduce the risk of flooding wherever possible.
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24,25,26,27,28,29,30,32,33,37,38
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You felt that the highest priority in terms of Flood Risk Management are Homes (including internal Flooding) closely followed by Roads, local amenities and infrastructure.
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1,2,3,24,32
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You felt that you were most concerned about the affect of new development, climate change and emergency planning and response in terms of flooding.
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1,2,3,6,7,8,9,31,32,37
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You thought that RCT and partners should be ensuring new development does not make flooding worse and managing and maintaining assets as a priority.
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1,2,3,14,15,17,18,19,20,21,32
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You felt that when it came to optional enforcement powers RCTCBC should use these powers wherever possible
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15,16,17,18,20,21,22,32
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You felt that RCT should do more to raise awareness of the new legislation and flood risk in general.
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5,6,7,8,9,32,33,34,35
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The Consultation Comprises:
To take part in this consultation please complete the Consultation Questionnaire| and send by the 30th November 2012 via post or email to the address provided below.
Flood Risk Management
Land Reclamation & Engineering
Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects
Rhondda Cynon Taff C.B.C
Sardis House,
Sardis Road
Pontypridd,
CF37 1DU