Minutes:
Flooding
Flood questions to be noted here in the Minutes if available by publication and answered for the following meeting of the Forum. OWBC works closely with LCC and provides information and support to them as required under flooding.
Residents raised concerns of the impact of building works on flooding in the area; residents are concerned that any water entering the Washbrook from those developments will cause more flooding.
OWBC has, alongside other Leicestershire Councils, written to the government asking for more funding support to address flooding responses and prevention. Additional powers have also been requested to include flooding as a concern within planning applications, and looking at the inclusion of proper flood defences. Letters were sent in January and February. OWBC’s Planning Team have confirmed that at present they don’t have any powers to address flooding on existing developers, but can ask new developments to take flooding into account. The County Council has also been lobbied to clear the drains, with £500,000 allocated by them to do so more often, reducing the risk of flash flooding. The County Council has also made a pot of funding available for access to flooding support and prevention resources.
Insurance quotes are usually higher for properties that have experienced flooding, creating a cycle when flooding reoccurs. This is something the government has also been lobbied over.
Could the planning authority insist that all new build properties have water retention measures installed alongside soakaways as a means to reduce flooding? The ask can be made of new builds but cannot be insisted upon. Residents have noted that they are losing confidence on how the Council addresses flooding when worsened by new building developments.
Cllr. Kaufman noted that he had been emailed a 50 page report on flooding compiled by residents in Oadby. This report was noted as being very helpful, and an ask was made as to where it would end up. The report focused on flooding around the Washbrook and the Mulberry Home developments within the Washbrook catchment area. The report is a “marker in the sand” as to the current state of the catchment area. Other residents have noticed that land within this area is now being farmed differently, with cereal more frequently in rotation, leaving more surface water running off of the field. All riparian landowners along the Washbrook were consulted and all have noted that the water is running faster and higher. The report has been sent to the Local Lead Flood Authority, local Councillors, the MP, and other bodies with a stake in the welfare and wellbeing of residents that live along the Washbrook. Around 20 properties flooding in January 2025, which was less than the previous year. Any developments on the fields within the catchment area need to have significant flooding defences included. The report has been passed by Councillors to the Council’s Planning Team.
A query was raised as to whether the Council monitors the level of the Washbrook. A resident noted that there is a flow gauge on the Severn Bridge but it is unclear who installed or monitors this. M Smith has been asked to find out who is responsible for this gauge. Data collected from monitoring the Washbrook levels would be of use to the Planning Team to assess the impact of new developments on it, and insist that the Washbrook levels are not worsened by the developments.
The watershed for the Washbrook is thought to follow the Oadby & Wigston boundary, and is likely why the boundary was decided as such.
A query was raised as to if the Council can control gardens etc. being paved over as this also contributes to flash flooding. There is a ratio for this included in building controls, but it is unclear if there are restrictions for front gardens under planning.
Water runoff from the roads into the Washbrook also contributes, and sees more water flood into Knighton Park which is under the control of the City Council. Queries will be raised about how / if the County Council and City Council liaise regarding flooding and water routes. Cllr. Gamble has been reporting flooding issues to the County Council on a regular basis.
A query was raised around blocked drains on private roads. These would be the responsibility of the landowners to rectify. If flooding results due to this inaction it could result in a civil action being brought against the landowners.
Speeding Vehicles in the Borough
M Smith provided an update on the ANPR SIDs, and how to report speeding hotspots online to the Police.
Pavement Parking
Parking on corners was raised with Sgt. Body as this could be a police issue due to causing an obstruction. Enforcement of this comes down to officer time and capacity for the Police.
A request has been made by the Community Safety Partnership Chair, Cllr. Loydall, for a meeting to be held with LCC Civil Enforcement Officers and the local Police to confirm for residents clearly which agency has responsibility for the various problem parking reported. The working hours for the Civil Enforcement Officers will also be addressed as a concern within this meeting.
Concerns were raised again about parking outside of Bru on The Parade, Oadby. Drivers are arguing this doesn’t cause an obstruction due to the width of the pavement. Grant funding is being looked into to fund planters and other street furniture to restrict pavement parking along the Parade. The Parade is the first area that will be looked at but other areas of the Borough will then be reviewed.
Residents expressed a concern that the plan for the Cyclops junction outside Epic Accessories will make it easier for vehicles to park on the pavement. These concerns will be raised with the County Council as the Highways authority.
5G Football Pitches planning application
This has gone to appeal which is still outstanding.
Paved Route from Brabazon Road to the Council Offices
Residents noted that there does not appear to be a direct roadway to walk up to the Council Offices without walking on the grass or through the car park for a section of it. This will be looked into.
Potholes in the corner of Copse Close and Launde Road
A matter for LCC Highways, passed on accordingly.