Local authority seeks views on how to manage floods risk across district

The public in Kirklees want to see more work done with developers to minimise flood risk, according to a survey which will help to shape future plans.

Kirklees Council now has new legal responsibilities to manage flooding across the district and has to develop and publish a blueprint which explains where the risks are, what will be done and how the measures will be paid for.

It is now responsible for managing flooding from smaller streams, overland flows and groundwater. The Environment Agency is to retain the management of flood risk from the district’s rivers.

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A flood survey was carried out earlier this year to collect information on people’s experiences of flooding and their views on what the council’s priorities should be.

Information gathered has been used to help draft the blueprint. Residents are keen to see existing flooding problems being addressed first, ahead of future predicted flooding and work with developers closely to minimise new flood risk. The public also have also expressed concerns about the cost of insuring houses in flood risk areas and want to know more about the location and size of any flood risk.

Coun Peter McBride, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The draft strategy is now complete and the council is keen to hear the public’s views once more.”

A short questionnaire is available on the council’s website via the link http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/floodsurvey for people who wish to contribute. The questionnaire will help the council to prepare a strategy that reflects the views of the public which will be published in January 2013.