Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve the acquisition of key areas of land that will allow two of its priority flood alleviation schemes (FAS) to progress.
When it meets on 7 July, Cabinet will be asked to approve the acquisition of five pieces of non-residential land in the vicinity of Whiston Brook, and one section of non-residential land near Eel Mires Dike at Laughton Common.
The land will be used to construct key aspects, such as attenuation reservoirs, wetland areas and flow control structures to help reduce the risk of flooding.
Last year, the Council committed £5.5 million to support delivery of the projects, building on £5.8 million allocated in 2021 for pre-construction development work. Of the £5.5 million, £4.25 million is earmarked for the Whiston Brook and Eel Mires Dike schemes.
The Council is also exploring additional funding options, including grants from the Environment Agency.
If approved, work is expected to start on the Whiston Brook FAS later this year. The project addresses two main types of flooding: fluvial flooding, which occurs when nearby rivers overflow their banks, and pluvial flooding, which happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms the local drainage systems.
Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Spokesperson for Street Scene and Green Spaces, said: “We are committed to taking decisive action to protect our residents, businesses, and communities following the devastating impact of previous floods.
“By securing the necessary land to progress these vital flood alleviation schemes, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering long-term, effective solutions. These projects are a crucial part of our wider strategy to build better public spaces and resilience against future flooding events.”
