Business asked to pay for flood defence works

BUSINESS owners in an area badly affected by the 2007 floods are to be consulted on plans which would see them contribute to defences to protect their firms from similar events in future.

Around 300 invited businesses will have the opportunity to view plans for the proposed multi-million pound Sheffield Lower Don Valley flood protection project at a series of meetings next month.

The consultations are being staged on March 6, 7 and 12 and will showcase plans to protect businesses between the city and Meadowhall against what experts called a “one in 100-year flood event”.

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A planning application is being prepared for 20 separate schemes along the five-mile stretch of river, some of which will be on the public highway and some which will be on privately owned land.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield Council have worked together to raise awareness of the plans, which require financial support from both the private and public sectors.

Officials said the total cost of the scheme to firms was still being worked out, but said the “optimum way” to generate private sector investment is by setting up a Business Improvement District (BID).

This would see affected companies making a payment calculated on their rateable value over a period of five years.

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The BID will have to be approved by a majority of businesses affected by the plans through a ballot, which is expected to held in July.

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have worked hard to ensure best value and, understanding the current state of the economy, identifying the best way any private sector contribution might be made.

“The opportunity for a significant contribution from the public sector is unlikely to last for long, and the chance to spread contributions over a prolonged period is a significant cash flow advantage for companies of all sizes. As such, we will be strongly recommending approval of the BID.

“Sheffield Council has been very supportive and agreed, in principle, to help cash flow the project to minimise the impact on individual businesses, provided that the BID ballot is agreed with a majority vote.

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“Without a majority vote, a BID will not go ahead and the flood defences will not be installed.”

Coun Leigh Bramall, cabinet member for business at Sheffield Council, said: “The consultation events are an important opportunity for businesses in the Lower Don Valley to find out what’s being proposed and to ask any questions. I would urge everyone directly involved in the BID to attend.

“If the BID is voted for by a majority, nobody in the BID area can be exempt, so it is important everyone understands the scheme.

“The events will be a perfect opportunity to bring businesses up to speed with the details of the proposed works, the costs and benefits.”