Local councillors question Environment Agency on flood defence plans for Kendal

Local councillors and members of the public were able to put questions to the Environment Agency over their flood defence plans for Kendal at a meeting of the Town Council's Planning Committee on Monday night.

The main issues raised were linked with the EA's plans to chop down over 700 riverside trees.

Bosses from the Environment Agency said they had listened to these concerns and had re-evaluated their plans.

As a result, the EA told the meeting they would be reducing the number of trees which are planned to be cut down and this would be on a tree-by-tree basis with local residents.

The Government agency also pledged to replanted far more semi-mature trees than are currently planned.

Planning committee chair, Cllr Douglas Rathbone said: "The devastation caused to our community by Storm Desmond three years ago cannot be overstated.

"That's why it is so important that the Environment Agency get these defences right.

"It was good to see that the EA have clearly listened to concerns raised by local people and have committed to plant more semi-mature trees.

"We would encourage residents to visit the EA's pop up shop on the top floor of the Westmorland Shopping Centre which will be up and running from Wednesday afternoon and for three Wednesdays in the new year, which will have the plans on full display and representatives from the EA to answer any questions residents may have.

"These plans are vital to so many people in our town that we would encourage anyone who would like to have their voice heard to head to the application on SLDC's website http://applications.southlakeland.gov.uk/planningapplications/detail.asp?AltRef=SL/2018/0925&ApplicationNumber=SL%2F2018%2F0925&AddressPrefix=&Postcode=&Submit=Search"