The Corporate Property manager presented the report on the Medway (Flood Relief) Act Consultation.  The Environment Agency were consulting the Council as they were named as a specified interest in the Medway (Flood Relief) Act 1976.  The Environment Agency were leading a project to increase the capacity of the Leigh Flood Storage Area by raising the maximum impoundment level.

The Committee supported the proposal but raised concerns about potential unintended consequences of increasing the capacity.  Previous floods in 2002 had in some part been attributed to the management of the barrier and the release of water from it.  There was concern that an increased volume may exacerbate that risk. 

In order to manage that risk the Committee requested that the Environment Agency provide the Committee with their management plan for the barrier and kept the Council up to date with any changes to it.

RESOLVED:  That

1.  The proposed change to the stored water level within the Leigh Flood Storage Area be supported;

2.  A letter be written to Defra supporting the new scheme; and

3.  The Environment Agency be requested to provide the Council with a copy of their management plan for the barrier and provide any future updates to it when they arise.