\u2018Unconvinced\u2019 by the Loxley Valley appeal inquiry\u2019s flood risk review, Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake outlines huge community and personal concern.<\/p>\n
Ms Blake\u2019s concern came primarily from multiple photographs and videos submitted to her by her constituents, taken several years apart, showing the area and its surroundings being routinely flooded.<\/p>\n
The Public Inquiry is taking place to consider the appeal against Sheffield City Council\u2019s refusal of a planning application by Patrick Properties Strategic Land Limited.<\/p>\n
Ms Blake claims that building hundreds of homes on a flood plain would place unjust risk on its residents.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cI am unconvinced the flood risk assessment shows any significant or innovative response to the flood risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason I have chosen to raise flooding is because of the pictures I have been provided with. I\u2019m not convinced by the flood risk assessment that has been done, and that is my view and one that is held by many of my constituents as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, her concerns were refuted by Christopher Katkowski QC, a key player in the inquiry appeal, who said relevant authorities had reviewed and agreed flooding is not an issue.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe council, the environment agency, and all of the relevant authorities do not raise flooding as an issue, because they are all satisfied that it is being satisfactorily dealt with in the proposals that we have put forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
She responded: \u201cI understand that those authorities may have come to a different view, but I do have concerns about the flow and speed of water which are likely to be increased by some of the flood defences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Katkowski responded: \u201cYou say: \u2018They may<\/em> have reached that view.’<\/p>\n “There\u2019s no may<\/em> about it, they have definitely reached that view.\u201d<\/p>\n The plans are for a residential-led mixed-use development, on land at the former Loxley Works off Storrs Bridge Lane in Sheffield.<\/p>\n The Public Inquiry recognises the \u2018anecdotal\u2019 reports of the site having flooded historically downstream of the developed areas within the site.<\/p>\n There’s a bit more than “anecdotal” evidence!… pic.twitter.com\/bQmtroij3Y<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Friends of the Loxley Valley \ud83c\udf43\ud83d\udc9a\ud83c\udf43 (@FriendsLoxley) May 29, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n