Drainage system changes to reduce risk of flooding
THERE are plans to reduce the risk of flooding caused by surface water in Rhondda Cynon Taff through changes to the drainage system for new developments.
From January 7 next year, the way that surface drainage water is handled on new developments will change, with plans to transfer water into the ground rather than let it run off into rivers, and to introduce a fee for developments over a certain size to cover future maintenance costs.
It comes after the recent severe floods in the Valleys caused by Storm Callum, which were the worst in more than 30 years and cost the council £100,000.
A report which came before cabinet said there will be a significant change to the management of surface water drainage and flood risk through new developments within RCT.
Roger Waters, service director for highways and street care services, told cabinet that the current system tends to pass problems further down through communities.
But the new surface drainage system will take water into the ground through square holes, reducing the amount of water that runs off and potentially floods communities further down stream.
Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, a Sustainable Drainage System Approval Body will be set up within the council’s flood risk management team at Sardis House in Pontypridd.
This team will have a duty to consider development applications which affect surface water drainage including those of more than one dwelling or that are more than 100 sq m in size and the developer will then have to abide by certain conditions.
They will also have to pay fees to cover the future maintenance of the systems put in place. Mr Waters said this should be cost-neutral for the council, with a minimum fee of £350 and a maximum of £7,500.
Council leader Andrew Morgan said the authority is one of the best-prepared in Wales to implement the proposals.
“We have had sustainable solutions in place for many years. We have increased the flood management team the last two years.
“It is about making sure we don’t put development off but that there are commuted sums so we can’t be left with a massive bill in 10 or 15 years.”
Deputy leader Maureen Webber said: “I don’t think people appreciate the work that goes into these schemes.
“We are a very forwardthinking authority. This will save people’s homes.” risk over