Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) bunds that retain more than 25K cu.m. of water are classified as “large raised reservoirs” under the Reservoirs Act of 1975. The close proximity of the Pocklington bund to more than 10 houses makes it “high risk” status according to Environment Agency (EA) guidelines 2014 “where in the event of an uncontrolled release of water human life could be endangered”.

These 2 points combined make the reservoir Category A status (EA) and must be built to 1 in 10K event capability.

A plan issued by ERYC scales the gap at 50m between bund and Persimmon estate. No Bund has ever been built so close to a housing estate.  

Legislation to be passed during 2017 will place statutory liability on the reservoir developer who must comply with planning requirements and will be liable for the cost of flooding, will this be ERYC or Persimmon?

Pocklington residents must be made aware of the fact that a 1 in 75 year plus 30% climate change bund built to retain 90-100K cu.m. will fill in 14-24 hours subject to bund outflow.

The 2007 flood event resulted from 48 hours rainfall.  It is agreed that the 90k bund will overtop and Pocklington centre may still be flooded.

Time frame for bund build is one year from Spring 2018 (ERYC) and must be viewed against Persimmons estimate of 3-4 years to build 200 houses.   The financial agreement between ERYC and Persimmon must be made public. What if homes do not sell due to proximity to bund and Persimmon abandon site?  Is it correct that ERYC have paid Capita approaching £100,000 for work already carried out?

What is the cost and size of a bund to comply with Category A status?

The Pocklington FAS and a 200 home development cannot both receive planning permission.

Eryc Enquiry

I have requested ERYC carry out an investigation into what I state.

Possible Alternative

Please read Future Flood Prevention