Dear Ms Viano

Re: Marlow Flood Alleviation Scheme

Thank you for your email of 10 March 2010. I'm sorry that you feel our previous correspondence does not satisfy your freedom of information request specifically in terms of the planning process and comparisons to work carried out in Cookham following the completion of the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton Flood Alleviation Scheme (MWEFAS).

As of 2001 all planning applications have to comply with PPS25. This planning policy requires there to be no detrimental flooding impacts on other communities as a result of development. The works, as stated in our response of 1 February 2010, have been prepared to comply with the requirements and we have commissioned a detailed independent review of the modeling for the proposed scheme.

The key conclusion of the modeling, which has been confirmed by the independent review, is that the proposed flood alleviation works will have no detrimental effect on flood levels either adjacent to, upstream or downstream of the works. This conclusion is valid even without the provision of the compensatory storage. The provision of compensatory storage as proposed can only be beneficial in terms of the operation of the floodplain, and a further reduction in flood risk.

The rigorous approach to the development of the Marlow Scheme to ensure compliance with PPS 25, as now required by the planning process, will ensure that within the accuracy of the flood model there will be no detriment in terms of flood risk to others. The Marlow Scheme is designed in line with the PPS25 regulations, it will only be approved by the Planning Authority if it fully complies with the policy.

The Marlow Scheme is not comparable with MWEFAS as it pre dated the PPS 25 requirements and the planning approval for that scheme acknowledged that some detriment was expected to occur. The provision of remedial works to Cookham cannot be taken as a precedent as the situation both in planning and modelling requirement is considerably different.

The Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) which has been submitted to Wycombe District Council has been updated to reflect the findings of the independent review of the modeling. The document will be available on the Wycombe District Council web site in due course.

Any objections to the planning application are made to the Planning Authority, Wycombe District Council, and can be viewed on their website. We are given the opportunity to respond to these objections through the formal planning process and these responses will also be available to view on the website.

I trust this answers your outstanding queries. For further information on the planning process or comments made to the planning application please visit Wycombe District Councils website. For any other information about the scheme please contact me on [email address] .

Yours sincerely

Doug Hill

Team Leader, Asset System Management

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Swift House, Frimley Business Park, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7SQ

Customer services line: 08708 506 506

Email: [Environment Agency request email]

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

C:\Documents and Settings\TJorgji\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK9\Viano_010410_Final.doc

Swift House, Frimley Business Park, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7SQ

Customer services line: 08708 506 506

Email: [Environment Agency request email]

www.environment-agency.gov.uk