Defra Community Flood Resilience Pathfinder
Surface Water Runoff Grant Scheme
Applicant Guidance Notes – May 2014
The purpose of the scheme is to promote a positive relationship between
landowners/tenants and their neighbours where there is clear evidence that surface
water runoff is causing flooding/a flood risk to property, but that the apportioning of
liability is likely to be a contested civil matter. Therefore, the scheme is not designed
to absolve or remunerate land owners/tenants where clear legal obligations to act
exist. Every land owner or tenant with responsibility under their tenancy for the
drainage of their land (the applicant) has access to this scheme provided they have
the support of their Cornwall Councillor or Parish/Town Council (the sponsor).
The grants can be used for a range of small scale interventions where surface water
runoff from the land represents an unacceptable flood risk to one or more property in
a neighbouring community. Examples of interventions that may be considered
suitable for funding through the Grant Scheme include:
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The digging of ditches or laying of French Drains and Soakaways where they
can be shown to have a positive impact to reducing runoff.
The construction of earth banks, hedges and other structures which will divert
runoff into a recognised watercourse or appropriate storage area.
The construction of ‘leaky dams’ or structures that will slow the flow of water
into a watercourse that is susceptible to being overwhelmed.
Subsoiling of farmland, where it can be demonstrated that runoff can be
reduced.
Decommissioning and blocking gateways and other points through which
runoff is escaping towards neighbouring properties during heavy rainfall.
Planting of vegetation intended to improve soil stability such as willow or
capture floodwater such as Culm grass.
Any other intervention that in the view of land drainage team opinion is a
viable medium to long term means of reducing runoff impact.
The Grant Scheme: Basic Rules
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The total sum available within the Grant fund is initially £25,000 although
additional funds may become available. This must be allocated before 30
September 2014 and all works must be completed by 31 December 2014.
Grants of up to £5000 are available.
Evidence of ‘best value’ must be clearly demonstrated.
For projects costing over £5000 you can apply for a contribution towards the
project costs, provided the total cost will not exceed £10,000.
In the opinion of the Council Land Drainage Team, the scheme must not
exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and will, on the balance of probabilities,
reduce flood risk to the ‘at risk’ properties.
Grants are not offered retrospectively.
Grants are not offered where, in the opinion of Cornwall Council there is a clear
legal obligation on the part of the landowner/tenant to carry out the work.
What’s eligible?
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Applications should focus on ‘low tech’ interventions which deliver a clear and
demonstrable reduction in flood risk to neighbouring properties.
What’s not?
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Retrospective funding for work that has already been commenced or
contracted.
The grant is not available to fund interventions on publicly owned or
maintained land.
Work that in the opinion of the Cornwall Council carries with it a clear legal
obligation on the part of the land owner or tenant.
Work that will not or cannot be maintained in future.
Work of such a scale or complexity that it requires planning consent (except
where runoff is to be diverted into an existing watercourse and simply requires
Land Drainage consent).
How does it work?
Applications can be made by completing the appropriate form available from the
Community Flood Resilience Manager: Martyn Alvey, 01872 326796
malvey@cornwall.gov.uk
Your application must carry the support of an appropriate sponsor e.g. Parish or
Cornwall councillor and will be assessed to ensure it meets the grant eligibility
criteria. A member of the Cornwall Council Land Drainage Team will carry out a site
based assessment to confirm the viability of the intervention in flood risk
management terms. There are no set submission dates for applications, provided
they are received by the closing date, however, allocation will be on a ‘first come’
basis. Please get your applications in at least 6 weeks before the intended
commencement of the work so that we have time to process it. If approved, work
must be completed within 3 months.
What is required to apply?
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Complete the application form
Working with a suitable sponsor e.g. Parish or County Councillor
Provide evidence to show that the intervention is appropriate.
Provide details of the applicant’s bank account (or identity of another organisation
who can act as banker for funds such as a Parish/Town council).
5. Provide any relevant cost estimates or suppliers’ quotes.
What is required to receive payment?
Payment will be authorised on the production of appropriate receipts. Where the work
is to be carried out by the landowner/tenant, an invoice for work carried out will be
required. The work will be liable for inspection by Cornwall Council and/or the
sponsor before payment can be released.
Advice
For more information, advice on potential projects and other possible funding sources
and availability, please contact the Community Flood Resilience Manager: Martyn
Alvey, 01872 326796 malvey@cornwall.gov.uk