Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 20, 2024

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.      That this Council notes: a)            That unprecedented rainfall totals were achieved on the weekend of the 22 & 23 September this year, being the highest daily total in living memory. b)            That these events will become more common in future due to the impact climate change is already having on our environment. c)             That this led to flash flooding in a number of areas from run off including at least 48 homes or gardens in Lavendon, 6 in Emberton, 3 in North Crawley, 1 in Clifton Reynes as well as one home and a number of business properties in Warrington. d)            That while the intensity of the rainfall was unprecedented the flooding was not a surprise as this is the 3rd time in 12 years that Lavendon has suffered significant flooding. e)            That no sandbags or other flooding prevention measures were provided to Lavendon during this incident primarily due to the speed that the flooding occurred. f)              That twice the Olney ward councillors have asked at budget time for a small amount of funding so assets such as Gel sand bags can be held in the village to help prevent damage to property in times of urgent flooding and twice this council has not supported for the reasons given at the time and which are still the case. g)            That Stoke Goldington, having had a flood prevention scheme completed in between 2008 & 2010 did not flood this time. h)            That in these villages and other places some drivers ignored the road closed signs and tried driving through the water. i)              Following flooding in 2012 across the area including Lavendon, Milton Keynes Council procured plans for flood mitigation measures for areas including Lavendon. j)              Flood prevention schemes were planned and started in 2013 & 2014, with two Lavendon schemes completed. k)            That after the 2020 floods in Lavendon Government awarded Milton Keynes Council £150,000 to help prevent flooding in the village. 2.      That this Council therefore requests: a)            Asks the Cabinet member with responsibility for highways along with officers to look into what can be done to enforce road closures when they are closed for flooding incidences. b)            That the Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee be provided with a written update on flood mitigation, prevention and defence works, so that the committee can decide on how best to scrutinise matter and make any recommendations it feels are required.