Agenda item

The Head of Business Growth presented the report to Committee to update Members about the current situation and challenges the Pleasley Vale Regeneration Project faced.  An apology for the misplaced Appendix was shared, with handouts provided at Committee.

A significant area of the site laid within a functional flood plain, and storm events and heavy rainfall meant the site was prone to flooding.  This was evident with Strom Babet in October 2023; the River Meden overflowed, causing damage to property and land.  The report listed the extent of the damage and work being undertaken following Storm Babet.

One of the measures taken was the appointment of Beaumont Rivers, an environmental restoration company which specialised in nature recovery and water management techniques.  Beaumont Rivers had identified opportunities to mitigate flood risk on site, including reinstating some original drainage networks.

Another measure was the appointment of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) to produce a Nature Recovery / Blue and Green Infrastructure Masterplan.  This would survey and assess the current condition of the site and identify constraints and opportunities for funding and collaboration.

The Head of Business Growth praised the Grounds Maintenance Team for work onsite on the clearance of waste and debris achieved, enabling the survey work to take place.  As a result, a full assessment of the 146 metre dam wall could be achieved (only 20 metres previously visible).

Works would take place from the Mill buildings to the edge of site.  Once a masterplan was completed, a further report would be taken to Council to fund additional survey work and conduct any capital works proposed.  The DWT would also explore opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain, as this was a potential income stream for the Council.

For the Gardener’s Lodge, progress was slow but Vision West Notts. College were engaged and teaching students the Council’s conservation and retrofitting skills.

A Member had concerns on the sluice gates, which had been open at the time of the flooding in 2023 and had subsequently broken summer 2024.  The local Parish Council sought long-term solutions for flood mitigation and was keen to see and be informed of work progressing.  The Head of Business Growth agreed a meeting with the Parish Council was needed, and the repair and upkeep of the sluice gates was instrumental for viability.  A Residents Group was required; the Head of Business Growth would investigate supporting residents more.

On a question on the lack of wildlife being mentioned in the report, the Head of Business Growth answered that while resources were focussed on flood mitigation and repairs, nature and the environment was part of every development, including surveys.  Details of the DWT were referred to at figure 2.8 of the Report, where the intent was to achieve a success for wildlife at Pleasley Vale.

The Chair asked about the responsibility of the water authorities to mitigate flooding; the River Meden overflowing had played a key factor in 2023.  The Strategic Director of Services noted Pleasley Vale was placed on the boundary of two areas; the District in Derbyshire, and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.  The District’s lead flood authority was Derbyshire County Council, but the sluice gates were not located in Derbyshire.

Nottinghamshire County Council was working with Mansfield District Council and private landowners to mitigate flooding, and while Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent were also responsible, the sluice gates in question laid on private land in Nottinghamshire.  While these directly impacted Pleasley Vale, it was important to ensure a correct balance of responsibility was present; Nottinghamshire County Council, as the lead flood authority in Nottinghamshire, was responsible for these sluice gates.  While it was important for amicable cooperation to take place, appropriate responsibility, where it laid, was also important.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.