Members will be aware that the issue of schemes for the better protection of Sheffield from floods such as the devastating one of 2007 has been around for a while now. The initial proposals roused a lot of opposition from heritage and conservation groups. In particular, those proposals which related to the Rivers Loxley and Rivelin included hard works which were considered likely to impact adversely on aesthetic, wildlife, historical, architectural and archaeological features of those valleys. In some cases, doubt was in any event cast on their likely efficacy as well. A wide range of organisations raised objections including the SCT. All then went quiet when the Government refused to fund the proposals. Whilst the City Council had originally agreed to meetings with concerned individuals and groups, a meeting never happened. Now funding is apparently on the table for proposals which affect the Don catchment. (link)
This is thought to mean the Owlerton and Malin Bridge areas which were not the most contentious areas if they don’t extend beyond those points up the valleys themselves. However, the position at going to press is far from certain.
On behalf of the SCT, our trustee Jim Monach is keeping an eye on what might come forward to try to safeguard the quality of the environment in those sensitive areas.