Environment Agency re-assess flood risk to Attenborough
14 November, 2007
Since it submitted the original application, a more sophisticated approach to flood modelling has become available to use for the Nottingham Flood Defence Scheme.
However, this has identified a greater flood risk around the Attenborough area than the previous model had predicted - meaning that Attenborough is in danger of flooding more frequently and to a greater depth than previously anticipated.
Area Flood Risk manager, Paul Lockhart said: “At the moment, the proposed defences along The Strand are about 0.5m lower that the new data suggests they should be.
”Looking at our proposals for Attenborough again”
“In view of the increased level of risk, we will be looking at our proposals for Attenborough again and we will resubmit a planning application for the scheme to Broxtowe Borough Council in spring 2008.
“At this time we consider that the alignment of the defence is not likely to change but we will be reviewing the design to take account of the increased flood risk.
”Delay to the construction of the scheme”
“There will be a delay to the construction of the scheme as a result of this. We are working with our designers and contractors to try and minimise the delay and we are still hoping to start construction next year.
“The revised modelling technique has predicted slightly different flood levels throughout Nottingham.
”Differences are at their greatest”
“However, it is at Attenborough where the differences are at their greatest.
“For much of the city the differences are so small that they are not a cause for concern, and at West Bridgford and Queens Drive the new model confirms that the defences provide the required standard of protection.
“Many factors influence the way rivers react in a real flood and the technology to help us predict flooding is constantly advancing.
“Provide the most effective flood protection
“It is important to ensure that we provide the most effective flood protection to the people of Attenborough, and to Nottingham itself. “So we need to re-assess our proposals for Attenborough in the light of what this new model is telling us about the increased risk.
“However, we are confident that, once it is reviewed, the design will use the best available information and we will not need to review it again.”
”Consider the alternative route again”
MP for Broxtowe, Nick Palmer, added: “At least they have informed us promptly that their new calculations show a different outcome.
“Obviously we need to ask the Environment Agency to consider the alternative route again rather than simply add another 0.5m or so to the wall.
“I'm seeking a meeting with them to discuss the options. It remains more vital than ever that the scheme is built - not only for Attenborough but for the large parts of Greater Nottingham, including the Rylands that the wider scheme will defend.”
By editor@nottinghamng9.co.uk.
