Senior officers at Southampton City Council have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing flood risks as part of a new growth and prosperity plan. This assurance came amid ongoing discussions about the River Itchen Flood Alleviation Scheme (RIFAS), despite recent setbacks when project partner the Environment Agency withdrew its funding allocation for the scheme in March.
RIFAS is designed to cover a 2.2-mile stretch along the west bank of the waterway, aiming to reduce the immediate risk of flooding to more than 150 homes, nearly 300 businesses, and key road and rail links. In the long term, the scheme seeks to safeguard hundreds more homes and commercial properties, protecting vital infrastructure in the area.
At a meeting of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday, September 18, members requested an update on the progress of RIFAS. Stephen Haynes, Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity, emphasized the scheme’s importance:
“This remains an absolutely critical priority for us to address as part of everything that we are doing. When it comes to discussions around development and regeneration, major plans and developments need to build this into their thinking.”
Pete Boustred, Director of Transport and Planning, underlined the scheme’s crucial role in protecting existing homes and supporting future growth in this key area of the city.
Officers continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and other partners to move the project forward. Currently, a review of Environment Agency and government funding formulas is underway. Mr. Boustred explained that the council is also awaiting the outcome of a national consultation on the management of future flood defence funding.
He added: “The key focus and drive for us, as we have this slight change in the Environment Agency’s funding focus, is to really drive regeneration opportunity in that area. This is significant following the renaissance work that has started and is really gaining momentum in terms of prioritizing those areas. If we can shape that regeneration potential aligned with the necessary flood infrastructure investment, that will likely be the requirement the government wants to see to secure the investment we need.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Haynes noted that the council plans to engage with the newly elected regional mayor about flood defences as an urgent issue once they take office in May next year. This collaboration is expected to be a key step in advancing flood protection initiatives for Southampton.
The council remains dedicated to protecting the city’s residents, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding while fostering sustainable growth and development in the area.
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