Decision details

This report seeks authority for the Council to conclude an agreement (‘the Agreement’) with the Environment Agency (‘EA’) which will give the Council the necessary statutory authority to progress the Upper Don flood alleviation scheme (‘the Scheme’).

As the Upper Don is categorised as a ‘Main River’ the statutory powers to carry out works on this river in relation to flood risk management lie with the EA, not the Council.  However, the EA has given approval for the Council to implement a flood alleviation scheme on the Upper Don.  Indeed, it is contributing funding for the Scheme.  As it is the Council who are implementing the Scheme, they require the same statutory powers (in relation to the Scheme) as the EA. Accordingly the EA has agreed to enter into the Agreement to confer certain necessary statutory authorisations on the Council and to make certain other arrangements relating to the Scheme.

RESOLVED that:

the City Council enter into an agreement with the Environment Agency in the form appended to the report.

The completion of the Agreement is recommended so that the Council may deliver the Scheme in the most efficient and timely manner and hence improve the standard of flood protection in the Upper Don catchment within Sheffield.

If the Council were not to enter into the Agreement, it risks being unable to deliver the Scheme in the most efficient and timely manner and in so doing risks being exposed to increased and unnecessary costs.