Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Planning Economy and Regeneration informing members of progress with the Connecting the Culm Project

The Group had before it and NOTED a *report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration with regard to the Connecting the Culm Project he Economic Development Team Leader outlined the contents of the report and explained that the project was a partnership with MDDC, DCC, the Environment Agency and the National Trust, looking at the resilience of the Culm to climate change. He explained that the Culm was chosen for the project because of its size.

He outlined the aims of the project and that flooding issues, biodiversity and enjoyment of the river were all being investigated. The reason for MDDC involvement was the development of the Garden Village and that the findings would be fed into the design which included off site mitigation for flood risk. He explained that the project was a planning requirement for the Garden Village.

Members discussed the role that agriculture and in particular soil compacting played on the flood risk of local developments.

The Economic Development Team Leader confirmed that the project would be looking at hydroelectricity solutions but as the flow in the Culm was small there were a complex number of leats which may be able to be utilised.

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes.