This meeting of the Questions at Any Time to Heads of Service of Powys Council was scheduled to discuss concerns about flood risks at a proposed Gypsy and Traveller site. Councillor Danny Bebb asked the Head of Economy and Climate a series of questions about the proposed Churchstoke Gypsy and Traveller site.

Flood Risks at Proposed Churchstoke Gypsy and Traveller Site

Councillor Danny Bebb raised concerns about flood risks associated with the proposed Gypsy and Traveller site in Churchstoke. He noted the presence of high and medium flood risk zones in the area. He asked how Powys Council would assess the long-term flood resilience of the site, given the absence of a long-term, site-specific river gauge at the Fir House location.

Councillor Danny Bebb asked if the council would:

• Commission or reference a 21-year historical analysis of river levels and flood events in the surrounding area to model projected flood risk over the next 21 years, accounting for climate change, increased rainfall intensity, and land use changes.
• Ensure that a full Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA) is conducted, including surface water, groundwater, and fluvial risks, and that Natural Resources Wales is formally consulted before any planning decision is made.
• Ensure that any mitigation measures, such as drainage infrastructure, raised platforms, or flood defences, are both effective and sustainable for the lifetime of the site.

Councillor Danny Bebb directed his questions to the Head of Economy and Climate.