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Treorchy Flood Alleviation Scheme – Phase 1

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCT) as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) will be commencing a Flood Alleviation Scheme in the area around the East of the cemetery, Cemetery Road, Treorchy. The works are intended to; improve the structural condition of below ground culvert networks, facilitate improvement to the culvert inlet and associate channels within Treorchy. This will reduce the potential of structural failure within the culvert networks in the short term whilst, improving the hydraulic efficiency of the culvert inlets/channels. These improvement works will reduce the risk of pluvial flooding in an area which is considered at high risk of flooding.

The LLFA is acting in accordance with its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) high level objective to ‘Reduce the Consequences of Flood Risk.’ The strategy was published in January 2013 in accordance with Clause 10 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The LFRMS objective aligns with the 5 overreaching national objectives set out within the National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Wales.

The area in which the works are proposed is around the East of the cemetery, cCemetery Road, which is within the Treorchy Electoral Ward which is identified as being the highest risk ward within RCT's Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). The proposed works fall within the Treorchy Community area, as identified by the Communities at Risk Register (CaRR), which is ranked 3rd in Wales for surface water flood risk.

Description of Works

The Treorchy area has been subject to several flooding events in recent years, the most significant incident occurred on the 15th and 16th February 2020 following Storm Dennis, where 42 properties internally flooded with several other properties experiencing external flooding.

In response to these events, RCT have proposed to carry out land drainage improvement works to improve the structural condition of below ground culvert networks, facilitate improvement to the culvert inlet and associate channels within Treorchy. This will reduce the potential of structural failure within the culvert networks in the short term whilst, improving the hydraulic efficiency of the culvert inlets/channels. These improvement works will reduce the risk of pluvial flooding in an area which is considered at high risk of flooding.

In undertaking these works the scheme will aim to deliver on the following objectives within Council’s LFRMS.

1

Reduce distress by decreasing the population exposed to flood risk.

2

Reduce community disruption by reducing the amount of residential and commercial property exposed to flood risk.

3

Reduce risk to life by reducing the number of people exposed to risk of flooding of significant depth and velocity.

4

Reduce disruption to critical infrastructure or support the preparation of plans to allow their operation to be maintained.

5

Improve or not detrimentally affect water quality

7

Ensure projects are designed and constructed in a sustainable way.

11

Develop a better understanding of the risks of flooding from surface runoff, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and plan how best to communicate and share information with communities and businesses on all forms of flooding.

Also undertaking these works the scheme aims to deliver multiple benefits as per the ‘Wales Future Generations Act Wales’.

  • A Healthier Wales – These works will directly support the alleviation of flooding to approximately 92 properties which equates to the benefit to 211 residents (taken as 2.3 residents per household nationally) which in turn will improve the mental well-being and health of the local community.

  • A Resilient Wales – As an organisation, the safety of our communities is paramount, and this work will significantly reduce flood risk for residents within the Treorchy.

  • A More Equal Wales – This work will be to the benefit of all parts of society, all will be allowed to fulfil their potential by reducing the likelihood of flooding and enabling long-term resilience for the local community.

  • A Wales of More Cohesive Communities – Connectivity is critical and this work will allow us to maintain community’s significantly important routes. As an organisation the safety of our communities is paramount and this work will also significantly reduce the risk for commuters, school users and local businesses.

Notice of Intention to Start Land Drainage Improvement Works

The proposed flood alleviation scheme is deemed permitted development under Part 14 (Development by Drainage Bodies) of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.  As such the council is undertaking a consultation process under The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999 and 2006. Consultation will run from 20th January 2022 – 21st February 2022.

The Council does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of the proposed improvement works. With reference to Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999, as well as the characteristics of the improvement works, the location of the improvement works and the type and characteristics of the potential impact, it is considered that the proposed works will not have a significant effect on the environment.

The works description is detailed above and summarised as follows:

  1. Works to structurally improve the condition of ordinary watercourse culverts

  2. Installation of an improved culvert inlet and outlet structure

  3. Works to structurally improve the condition of scoured sections of an ordinary watercourse channel

  4. Creation of a revised access track around the culvert inlets to facilitate future maintenance 

  1. Reinstatement of all areas affected by the above works.

Any person who wishes to do so may make representations in writing in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works to the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU within 30 days of the date of this Notice or via email to FRM@rctcbc.gov.uk.

The additional information concerning the improvement works can be obtained from the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU via the FRM@rctcbc,gov.uk with a general arrangement plan provided below.