Residents make flood prevention consultation a success (From Brentwood Weekly News)
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Residents make flood prevention consultation a success
10:50am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Chelmsford News
MORE views were sought on a planned flood management scheme for Chelmsford.
Residents shared their views for the second time on the latest designs for the Chelmsford Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will help protect the town from flooding, on Saturday.
It is needed to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,200 existing commercial and residential properties.
An element of the scheme is the construction of a flood storage area in Margaretting to reduce the risk to Chelmsford by holding flood waters upstream.
In April, the Environment Agency and town council held a drop-in session in Margaretting to discuss the development of the scheme so far and to hear views on the proposed plans.
About 200 people attended and raised a number of concerns about construction traffic, the visual impact of the scheme and the use of footpaths and bridleways.
The follow-up meeting was held at Trinity Methodist Church, in Rainsford Road, Chelmsford.
Richard Houghton, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Our consultation has been in two stages.
“In 2009 we consulted people about the proposals. We listened to their concerns and comments and made amendments to the proposed scheme where it was possible.
“We are now in the second stage of consultation before we submit a planning application for the scheme.
“We have had a number of meetings with people who are directly affected and have also attended parish council meetings in Margaretting, Stock and Ingatestone.”
More than 75 people attended Saturday’s drop-in session and raised questions on issues including: * Has the agency looked at several small schemes instead of one large one?
* Would dredging not work?
* What about future maintenance?
* Traffic issues on the proposed access route * Development in Chelmsford.
An Environment Agency spokesman has reassured residents answers will be provided to their queries.
