Tim Abbott - 26-Jan-2007 - The way the Environment Agency
manages flood risk to homes and businesses over the next
century is changing.
A Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) has been produced
to look at the most effective long-term and sustainable
approaches to manage the flood risk to nearly half a million
people in the Thames and Lee river basins.
The plan, which was released for consultation today, looks
at:
How we can best tackle the challenge of climate change
on flooding
How making space for water and using the natural floodplain
will be our greatest asset in protecting properties in the
future
How local planning authorities and regional assemblies can
work with the Environment Agency to ensure flood risk management
is included in their local strategies and frameworks for
future development
Robert Runcie, the Environment Agency's Thames Regional
Director, said: "The risk of flooding is growing, and
we have to act now to deal with tomorrow's threat.
"This plan represents our long-term view for the catchment,
and is a real chance to change the way we manage the risk
of flooding."
The catchment covers the fluvial part of the River Thames
basin and its tributaries. This is from the source of the
Thames in Gloucestershire, through to Teddington weir, as
well as the Lee Basin and the smaller rivers in London.
Despite covering less than 10 per cent of the England and
Wales, nearly a quarter of the total population lives and
works in this region.
The Thames Estuary 2100 team is producing a separate plan
for the tidal Thames from Teddington to the outer Thames
Estuary, which will be released for consultation later this
year.
"In the past we focussed on building flood defences,
which can only ever reduce the risk of flooding while proving
increasingly expensive to maintain - especially as we feel
the impacts of climate change. We have to examine more sustainable
ways to manage flood risk," continued Robert.
"An important weapon in tackling flooding is using
the natural floodplain to hold flood waters - simply allowing
the land to do its natural job will protect homes locally
and downstream.
"To do this, and protect undeveloped floodplain, we
need to work closely with a range of partners to ensure
flood risk is reduced and the environment enhanced for future
generations."
The CFMP is open for consultation until 25 April 2007.
A summary of the document can be downloaded from our website
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamescfmp or by calling 08708
506 506.
