Issue - items at meetings - Christchurch Bay and Harbour FCERM Strategy

A new Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy covering Christchurch Bay and Harbour is needed to guide long term sustainable coastal and tidal flooding and erosion risk management. This Cabinet report is seeking approval to progress procurement of specialist consultancy services to develop the strategy using Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) funding which is in the process of being secured by the Environment Agency. This work will ultimately lead to an FCERM Strategy approved by the Environment Agency against which subsequent studies, schemes and beach management plans can be developed, without the need to assess the strategic options on a site-by-site basis for each scheme. This will provide the basis for future FDGiA bids for schemes to mitigate the risk of flooding or erosion to the residents and businesses in the Christchurch Bay and harbour area. There will be zero net cost to BCP council in producing the Strategy.

RESOLVED that approval is given to:-

(a) Proceed with developing a new Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy covering Christchurch Bay and Harbour in partnership with New Forest District Council and the Environment Agency, using funding from Flood Defence Grant in Aid (£450,000 is in the process of being secured);

(b) Subject to funding being secured, then proceed with procuring a Consultant to produce the FCERM Strategy via the South Coast FCERM Framework administered by Portsmouth City Council on behalf of the Southern Coastal Group area, which includes BCP Council;

(c) Delegate authority to the Director for Growth and Infrastructure in consultation with the Section 151 and Monitoring Officers to agree the terms of any funding and consultancy agreement; and

(d) Delegate progression of the technical case and associated future submission to the Director for Growth and Infrastructure in consultation with the Director of Finance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised that a new Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy covering Christchurch Bay and Harbour was needed to guide long term sustainable coastal and tidal flooding and erosion risk management.

In relation to this Cabinet approval was sought to progress procurement of specialist consultancy services to develop the strategy using Flood Defence Grant Aid (FDGiA) funding which is in the process of being secured by the Environment Agency.