Council withdraws legal action over flood plans

20 August 2009

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has withdrawn its High Court action into the Environment Agency’s (EA) flood protection plans after a breakthrough at a meeting between the two organisations.

The council had instigated judicial review proceedings over unresolved issues relating to the catchment flood-management plans, but the EA has appeased the council by indicating a change in approach.

According to the local authority, this ‘goes a long way to meet concerns in relation to consulting on flood protection for the river Hull and Goole areas’.

The council had been unhappy at what is saw as the EA pushing ahead with plans before a full public consultation (Surveyor, 18 June 2009).

However, council leader Stephen Parnaby, described the development as a ‘step in the right direction’.

‘There is a long way to go and the council will continue to do all it can on behalf of the residents it represents,’ he said.
Nigel Pearson, the local authority’s chief executive, said: ‘We are very pleased that, after a great deal of persistence, progress is now being made with the EA to address the council’s long-held concerns about river catchment flood-management plans and flood risk in the East Riding.’

The EA has also responded to concerns about Goole and will now study the flood-management plans for all the rivers which flow into the town in order to reduce risks. This will include tidal and groundwater levels as well as potential rises in sea levels brought on by climate change.

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