Why is FLOAT needed?
Within increasing development in Ashby, combined with the effects of climate change we are seeing increased risk of flash flooding downstream. FLOAT is there to ensure that all bodies act to minimise any potential negative impact.
All of the Ashby and Smisby catchment areas drain to the Gilwiskaw Brook which flows through Packington forming the River Mease with impact on all downstream villages including Appleby Magna, Measham and beyond. It is therefore important that ALL DEVELOPMENT in the urban catchment area does not increase the rate of water run off.
What has FLOAT achieved?
We commissioned a detail evaluation of the problem in 2002 by JBA consulting (specialist in flood management) in conjunction with the Environment Agency. We have ensured that all the relevant bodies
concerned with development upstream are aware of the potential impact of their actions.
The reports main findings were-
1. To remove all obstructions to the flow of the Gilwiskaw Brook as it flows through Packington
2. Consider increasing the embankments of Brook especially next to Homecroft
3. Look for flood storage ponds upstream to control flow rates.
FLOAT has now instigated a regular meeting of all the revelevant agencies (hosted by NWLDC) to improve the communication and look for solutions.
FLOAT is campaigning to stop all development that makes the situation worse, and ensure that any development that does take place actually helps to reduce flooding.
How can good development upstream help?
Simply if the development is well engineered it can actually work to control the flow rate into the Brook and therefore stop large peaks in flow that would cause flooding.
How does bad development upstream make the risk of flooding worse?
If drainage from development is simply piped directly into the drains and therefore quickly enters the Brook the situation is made worse as large peaks in flow occur causing the potential for flooding.
North West Leicester District Council does not currently have a drainage policy for any development less than 0.99 ha to control the flow of water into the water-course. What we want is every development
in the catcment area to be properly evaluated by the Environment Agency who are the experts.
People and groups we are working with
NWLDC
Leicester County Council
Packington Parish Council
Environment Agency
Severn Trent
The Highways Agency
English Nature
JBA Consulting
Atkins Consulting
Our local councillors Nick Rushton and Nigel Smith.
Our MP David Taylor (who has sat on the Government National Select Committee on Flooding)
How can I get help.Lobby NWLDC for a responsible development policy which considers drainage management from ALL development from the smallest block paved driveway to large industrial development.
Get involved in the group.
Report all flooding and sewage related issues to us.
Useful Information
.Strategic Flood Risk Management (SFRA) by NWLDC
Environment Agency Flood Watch
National Flood Forum
Severn Trent
