Decision

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management has approved the progression of the two priority Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) schemes from completed Stage 1 feasibility design to public consultation and Stage 2 and Stage 3 design development.

The Cabinet Member for City Management has also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment & Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for City Management, to approve minor amendments to the scheme designs arising from consultation responses and technical design development, provided such amendments do not materially alter the objectives of the schemes, and has approved  expenditure of £230,700 necessary to carry out further design from the allocated Capital Budget.

Reasons for Decision

Westminster City Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, has a statutory responsibility to manage local flood risk. The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) 2024-2030 identifies Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) as a key tool for reducing surface water flood risk and improving climate resilience across the city. Measure 2.2 of the LFRMS Action Plan states that the Council will continue to implement public realm SuDS with target to attenuate 15% of surface water for a 1:30yr event from the SuDS Catchments by 2030.

The Maida Vale and Carlton Vale schemes form part of Westminster's wider SuDS Programme and will contribute to the delivery of the Council's flood risk management, environmental and public realm objectives. Stage 1 feasibility design has been completed and preferred options have been identified for both schemes. Progression to Stage 2 and Stage 3 design, together with public consultation, is required to further develop the proposals and prepare the schemes for future construction and delivery.