SALMONS BROOK FLOOD ALLEVIATION UPDATE

Despite the Environmental Agency’s stated plan to apply to Enfield Council for planning permission to begin work on the Salmons Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme this Autumn, it has just been announced that no planning application will now be made until the Spring of 2012, which will push the start date for the work back to the second half of 2012.

This a major project, which will impact on residents, in particular the allotment holders on Cheyne Walk, Worlds End Lane and also Enfield Golf Club. The Environment Agency plans to build a new embankment to store floodwater during periods of high water flow, to reduce the risk of flooding further downstream in Edmonton.  The work will entail heavy lorries on our local roads, not dissimiliar to the recent Network Rail work, through residential Grange Park roads.

The illustration below is the most recent plan published by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency now propose to submit a planning application in spring of 2012 and once planning permission has been obtained, and legal issues over access resolved, the ground investigation works will be undertaken. The works will start upstream, first at Enfield Golf Course.

Whilst no one denies that some work of this nature is necessary if the flooding risk in Edmonton is to be reduced, Enfield Golf Club has announced that it has concerns about the Environmental Agency proposals and has engaged leading engineers Arup to review the scheme. It is reported that at least one local resident has had problems obtaining flood insurance and were declined by several providers, although have now found acceptable cover. Enfield Golf Club have sent out a letter to all neighbouring property owners to inform them of the proposals and invite their comments with a view to mobilising local opinion and support. You can view the letter using this link

More information can be found on the Environment Agency website