Foresight Flood and Coastal Defence Project
One Year Review
- Aim
- The Project
- 2.1 Project aim
- 2.2 Objectives
- 2.3 Key messages
- Project Outputs
- 3.1 Ground-breaking analysis and reports
- 3.2 Wide-ranging and inclusive action plan
- 3.3 Dissemination of findings
- Project Outcomes
- 4.1 Better understanding of the future challenges
- 4.2 Informing cross-government strategy
- 4.3 Highlighting research priorities
- Learning from the Project Process
- Continuing Activities
- 6.1 International
- 6.2 Book
- Monitoring Project Impacts
Appendix A: Action Plan
1. Aim
This report reviews the outputs, outcomes and process of Foresight's project on Flood and Coastal Defence (FCD) from a point just over one year after its launch. It seeks to determine the project's impact so far.
2. The Project
The FCD project was first proposed by Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser (and Head of the Office of Science and Technology), at a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Science Policy in December 2001. The project began in June 2002 and launched its findings on 22 April 2004.
FCD was the one of the first two projects in the new round of Foresight. It looked far into the future at drivers that were problem, rather than technology, based. It involved a wide spectrum of stakeholders and the project was owned by the, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
2.1 Project Aim
The project aimed to produce a long-term vision for the future of flood and coastal defence in the UK, by answering two questions:
- How might the risk of flooding and coastal erosion change in the UK over the next 100 years?
- What are the best options for government and the private sector for responding to the future challenges?
2.2 Objectives
The objectives of the project were to:
- identify and assess the relative importance of drivers which will affect future flood risk;
- construct a set of risk-based scenarios 30 to 100 years out;
- provide an overview of responses and when best to use those responses;
- inform policy and its delivery;
- consider implications for the future skills base;
- identify possibilities for knowledge transfer from other areas of science and technology;
- inform public understanding; and
- promote effective and enduring dialogue between the science base and stakeholders.
2.3 Key messages
In almost every scenario considered by FCD, flood risk increases to unacceptable levels - so continuing indefinitely with existing policies is not an option. The risks must be dealt with on a global, national, regional and local level, requiring cooperation and a coordinated response.
As Elliot Morley MP, then Minister for Environment and Agri-Environment at Defra, and the Chair of the project's stakeholder group stated in his preface to the Executive Summary:
"an important area [this project] will feed into is my Department's 20-year strategy. Through this, and a number of other channels across Government, the project will leave a lasting impression on the approach we take to flood management in the UK."
3. Project Outputs
The project brought together experts from a wide range of disciplines to study the environmental, societal and economic impacts of flood risk, producing a work of considerable breadth.
"[fcd] established a new paradigm for futures work" - Tyndall Centre
3.1 Ground-breaking analysis and reports
FCD produced work that had not been done before and which is now commanding interest in other countries such as the Netherlands, China, Japan, USA and India.
The bedrock of the project was two volumes of peer-reviewed scientific summaries, the results of the work of over eighty science experts. They covered the future risks, the key drivers and the means of managing those risks. A further volume covering Scotland was also published. The executive summary provided a broad view of the project's key messages and findings. All the reports were published under the title "Future Flooding".
The report included maps demonstrating possible changes in flood risk according to various metrics by area of the country (England and Wales). These proved to be an excellent way of communicating the key messages from the project.
3.2 Wide-ranging and inclusive action plan
The project's stakeholders' produced an action plan, owned by the sponsoring department, Defra. Its objectives were to:
• consider the implications for policies;
• apply and broaden the work in specific parts of the country;
• inform research priorities; and
• inform the climate change agenda.
Feedback suggests that the project has encouraged a more joined-up and strategic approach to the problems involved in tackling flood risk, essential where so many stakeholders must work together. See Appendix A for a copy of the action plan, with information on progress towards specific commitments appended to it.
3.3 Dissemination of findings
Foresight launched "Future Flooding" on 22 April 2004 with a press briefing, MP's briefing and a reception for stakeholders and the London diplomatic science community, all involving Elliot Morley and Sir David King. It generated considerable interest in the media, with 21 articles in the national press referring to the report in the period from April to July 2004. There were 37 articles in regional and local newspapers and 20 articles in journals or on websites. The majority of coverage was constructive, (despite headlines such as the Daily Mail "Floody Hell") and accurately presented the findings. The project featured as headline number three on the national TV news of the day. The project has been cited in relation to more recent flooding events e.g. Boscastle and Carlisle, usually to demonstrate that planning for the future is taking place.
In order to increase awareness of the project findings, many organisations committed to creating and delivered briefing notes for their members or other interested parties. These included the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).
floodranger
FloodRanger is a computer simulation that was developed by the project as an educational tool. It allows the user to make the tough decisions involved with flood risk management and then experience the consequences of those decisions. This helps to demonstrate the uncertainties and trade-offs inherent in flood risk management.
The Environment Agency (EA) have used this software with their professional partners in Thames Estuary planning and have developed it further to create Flood Ranger Professional, which is used as a tool to interactively explore future scenarios to stakeholders.
The Rivers and Coastal Group at CIWEM organised a competition for young engineers for the best use of FloodRanger.
4. Project Outcomes
The findings in this section are based largely on solicited feedback from stakeholders, together with a small level of continuing and responsive activity within OST.
4.1 Better understanding of the future challenges
The project has given stakeholders a better understanding of the potential scale of future flood risks and has helped to inform strategic planning and investment in managing them. It also considered the wide range of possible responses to these risks, the choice of which will depend on how the future unfolds.
The EA and the Regional Flood Defence Committees have briefed their staff on FCD. The EA reports that it has become a respected and valuable part of EA's Flood Risk Management toolbox. The Agency has found it particularly useful in communicating key messages on the political impacts of climate change to stakeholders.
The EA used a workshop to transfer knowledge and findings from FCD into real planning for flood risk management in the Thames Estuary. The workshop highlighted the challenge of implementing a broad range of risk reduction measures with current institutional arrangements. The TE2100 project continues to draw heavily on Foresight methods and ideas
Defra and the EA have reviewed the guidance for the preparation of Catchment Flood Management Plans. This now includes recommendations for the assessment of impact of future development on flood risk at the catchment scale. FCD was used to inform scenario testing in the Plans.
The Department for Transport (DfT) and Foresight produced a four-page summary guidance note for DfT and transport professionals, outlining the key messages from FCD. DfT took FCD findings into account when implementing recommendations from their report on the impacts of climate change on transport. DfT participated in a workshop with local government representatives to consider the transport implications of FCD.
The ABI used the scenarios developed by the project to develop projections of flood risk in the 2080s for their report making Communities Sustainable, published in February 2005.
4.2 Informing cross-government strategy
FCD highlighted the need for a coordinated response to tackling flood risk and integration of policy and implementation at a national, regional and local level. Workshops on FCD helped to further this integration, with involvement from Defra, EA, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), the LGA (Local Government Association) and DfT.
Making Space for Water (MSFW)
MSFW is a consultation exercise to develop a new strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management for the next 20 years. It was launched by Defra in July 2004 and FCD was identified as a key driver for this new strategy. Prof Edward Evans who was the lead science expert for FCD became a member of the programme board for MSFW.
FCD informed the development of MSFW by demonstrating the value of a scenario-based approach for considering future flood risk and providing the information on the nature of these risks.
The government published its First Response to MSFW on 24 March 2005. This was a cross-government document considering policies for planning, transport and agriculture. The response announced ˆ£2 million for pilot schemes to identify the best approaches to intra-urban drainage - an area identified by FCD as having the potential to create huge damages in the future.
"we are pleased to see that making Space for Water has incorporated much of the thinking from the Flood and Coastal Defence project at the highest policy level"
Phil Rothwell, Head of Flood Risk Management Policy, EA
ODPM participated in MSFW and also consulted in parallel on the need for a revision to Planning Policy Guidance 25. This revision will strengthen the requirement for Flood Risk Assessments and the consideration of climate change in carrying them out.
Funding
HM Treasury reports that it found the project a valuable contribution to preparations for SR 2004, which ensured the continuation in the high level of funding for flood management allocated in SR 2002. This was originally intended as a short-term increase following flooding in 2000.
The methodology used for FCD has been enhanced to improve accuracy and resolution for EA's 2004 National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) and the 2005 NFRA will provide the base case for SR 2007. Changes in funding require a better understanding of the costs and benefits of flood management and infrastructure, and Defra will soon be commissioning research in this area.
FCD acted as a spur for the Scottish Executive to review its activity in identifying and managing flood risk, and in producing the evidence necessary to take forward policy in this area. Scottish ministers have more than doubled the resources to support local authorities' flood prevention and coast protection capital programme to ˆ£89m over 2005-2008.
Climate change
FCD has contributed to the evidence base for the response to climate change. Work continues between Defra and the EA to integrate the central policy and regional implementation decisions respectively, in order that the response is coordinated, consistent and effective across UK.
Future Flooding was part of the source material for Sir David King's widely reported article on climate change published in Science (9 January 2004).
4.3. Highlighting research priorities
Determining the most effective long-term response to flood risk depends upon having the information available upon which to base analysis. FCD highlighted specific areas that require further research and has informed EA's Science Strategy and the work of the joint Defra/EA Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management R&D Programme. EA identified the need to do further research to understand how climate change will affect flood risk on a regional basis.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is developing an indicative flood risk map for the whole of the country, funded by the Scottish Executive, and due for completion by autumn 2005. Foresight highlighted the lack of a comprehensive asset register of river and coastal defences in Scotland and the need for one for the RASP (Risk Assessment of Flood and Coastal Defence for Strategic Planning) flood-risk assessment tool. This led to the Executive commissioning a project to address this.
The use of RASP in Northern Ireland is being developed by the NI Planning Service and Rivers Agency, who are also supporting research into urban flood management.
FCD was important in informing the Welsh Assembly Government's current changes to flood defence management, its technical advice note on development and flood risk and its Environment Strategy.
5. Learning from the Project Process
The project set out from the start to involve a wide range of stakeholders, who would then commit to involvement in the action plan. The willingness of individuals and organisations to work together contributed to the great success of the project. It also benefited greatly from the generosity of stakeholders in terms of funding and access to intellectual property. For example, the report specific to Scotland was funded with money from the Scottish Executive and the existing datasets which underpin the FloodRanger software were made available free of charge.
The robustness and quality of the novel approach and logical framework demonstrated to stakeholders the value that the project brought to considering the future challenges of flood, coastal defence and climate change. The three phase project structure (evolution of the logical framework, impacts and responses), allowed the project to maintain flexibility and adapt to changes in priorities.
This project laid the foundation for similar cross-departmental cooperation on Foresight's current projects. The strong support from the lead minister, Elliot Morley, was very important. Close links with Defra meant that the Foresight team could rely on their commitment to the project. Much of the success of the project relied upon the dedication of the project team and high-class science experts, who put in a lot of extra time to bring it to launch. It took time to find the right person to lead the project, and Prof Edward Evans set up and led a very effective team.
The imagery used for the project outputs, especially the maps indicating flood risks, helped to take the messages to non-experts.
6. Continuing Activities
6.1 International
A Foresight FCD project team and the science experts organised a trip to China at the request of the Chinese, who are very interested in developing a similar project for their own use.
The visit was used to demonstrate how such a project could be set up and to communicate the benefits of the project from a UK perspective so far. For example, the Chinese Government was particularly interested in the degree to which the project findings have had an impact on the policy of other government departments in the UK. A project plan was drawn up and OST's International Directorate was able to attract funding from the UN Foundation. A measure of the importance ascribed to the visit by the Government of China was their selection as the potential study area of the Taihu Basin, within which Shanghai lies.
Further visits are planned to Russia and India.
6.2 Book
Thomas Telford, a commercial science publisher, is working towards the publication of updated versions of the project's analysis as a book. This will provide a valuable resource and reference for further research.
7. Monitoring Project Impacts
This paper tries to review the impacts of this project at a relatively early stage after its launch, at a time when its full impact is impossible to determine. Questions for the future include:
- The degree to which cross-governmental strategy continues to inform decision-making in flood defence
- The degree to which the project has been successful as an example in bringing about cross-departmental and intra-departmental co-operation in a policy area.
- The use of the adapted RASP model by stakeholders and any further developments that are made to it
- The outcome of the five-year update of the analysis, as committed to by Elliot Morley at the time of the project's launch, and any work needed in preparation for this
- The use of the project's approach and outputs by other countries and regions in developing their own framework to look at flood risk
- Further refinement of the risk analysis tools and collection of the necessary data to allow their use at a regional and local level
- Intra-urban research
- Planning decisions which take account of longer-term risks.
Foresight expects to carry out a further review of the longer-term project outcomes in two years' time.
Appendix A: Action Plan
| ACTIVITY | OWNER | COMPLETED ACTIVITIES | OTHER OUTCOMES |
|---|
association of British Insurers ABI would: - consider the implications of the findings of the report with key players in the market;
- have a wider debate on the implications of the result in the context of their review of the implications of climate change for insurance;
- provide specific written briefing to its members on the key findings of the report.
| Director of General Insurance, ABI | Discussed the implications of the FCD report at the Spring 2004 meetings of their Household and Commercial Property Committees Debated the project's implications at the launch of their climate change report on 8 June 2004. ABI sent a circular to all of their members on the day of the FCD launch. | ABI has used the results of the Foresight study in their own research, making Communities Sustainable (February 2005, www.abi.org.uk) which looks at the implications of climate change for the Government's Communities Plan. ABI drew heavily on the FCD work for their policy responses to making Space for Water and PPG25 (Planning Policy Guidance 25 issued by ODPM). |
cabinet Office Will review the effectiveness of the action plan as an example of how issues which affect a number of departments can be taken forward. | Strategy Unit | Will be discussed with the Strategy Unit in the light of the One-Year Review | |
council of Mortgage Lenders Provide a briefing for its members on the key findings of the report and set up a meeting to discuss the implications for its members. | Jackie Bennett
Senior Policy Adviser | Issued a circular to all members drawing attention to the report and providing a copy of the Foresight factsheet key messages for financial services. Held a FCD session at a climate change workshop in July 2004 | |
countryland and Business Association Consider the implicationsof the project'sfindings for its members, at a meeting of the Flood and Coastal Defence Focus Group. The Association willmake a summary of the key findings of the project available to its membership | | None reported | |
defra Review the implications for the new strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management. Maintain dialogue with other Government Departments and stakeholders to ensure a co-ordinated and forward looking approach in response to the project. Refine and update the analysis - making use of developing knowledge, techniques and data as they become available to refine estimates of flood risk and likely future funding requirements. Plan for future needs - investigate measures to allow flood risk schemes to consider future as well as current requirements including promotion of adaptable solutions. Develop management responses - use the project to inform R&D programme development including pilot schemes and monitoring tests to demonstrate the technical effectiveness of different responses to flood management. Consider the implications of the report in its review on the UK's Sustainable Development Strategy. Use results of the project to feed into dialogue with other government departments and stakeholders to ensure a co-ordinated and forward-looking approach to minimising the impacts of climate change on flooding, through appropriate adaptation. Make use of developing knowledge, techniques (e.g. UKCIP toolkit) and data (e.g. climate change scenarios) as they become available to pass on to those taking forward this work | Flood Management Strategy Unit Flood Management Division Flood Management Division Flood Management Division Flood Management Division Sustainable Development Unit, Defra Climate Energy and Environmental Risk, Defra | FCD identified as a key driver for making Space for Water Making Space For Water is a cross-government document and dialogue begun in its development will continue when taking the work forward FCD methodology has been enhanced to use more recent data sets to improve accuracy and resolution. This will provide a basis for the 2006 Spending Review. Guidance for the preparation of Catchment Flood Management Plans now includes recommendations for the assessment of impact of future development on flood risk at the catchment scale. Ripon Multi-Objective project begun in 2004, looking at how different policies can contribute to flood mitigation in the catchments of the Rivers Laver and Skell floodriskmanagementresearchconsortium, an interdisciplinary group in collaboration with EPSRC involving UKWIR, NERC and the Scottish Executive, will fund further activities in this field. FCD aspects of flood management were considered in the chapter on Strategy and Climate Change in UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy securing the Future, published in March 2005 FCD contributed, with other research, to the evidence base which underpins action on the adaptation to the impacts of climate change Defra continues to fund UKCIP to help stakeholder organisations understand their vulnerability to climate change | ˆ£2 million allocated to pilot schemes on intra-urban drainage, identified by FCD as a problem area |
dft Will ensure the findings from Foresight Project are reflected in action plan implementing recommendations from DfT's report on Implications of Climate Change for the Department. Work with DTI to draft a summary of the Foresight project report suitable for internal DfT use and transport professionals. | Nigel Dotchin Nigel Dotchin | DfT has been implementing recommendations from its report on the Impacts of Climate Change in the department. This has been done bearing FCD in mind Four-page summary outlining the key messages from FCD and summarises the government's response to MSFW | |
dti Produce a model for the public understanding of risk and use it to produce a case study on flooding | Director Foresight | Foresight has published a paper on the Public Perception of Risk (PDF) by Professor Richard Eiser, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield. | |
english Nature Would use the work of the project to: Inform their strategic approach to managed realignment at the coast and recreation of freshwater habitats (such as grazing marsh) in sustainable locations; Inform the development of the concepts of 'functional coasts' and 'sustainable estuaries'; Inform the development of the integrated catchment trial it is running with the Environment Agency and Defra which are focussing on achieving multiple benefits for people and the environment. Use the material to inform broader strategy and policy development, including ideas for reform of the 1949 Coast Protection Act; Use the material as a resource in communications on the importance of managing flood risk. | James Marsden, Head of Policy | Material produced by the FCD project and the utilisation of a risk-based approach based on socio-economic development and climate change helps towards delivering sustainable flood and coastal erosion risk management. However, the consideration of the natural environment is a key, integrated component in assessing how priorities are set and objectives agreed | |
environment Agency Take account of Foresight findings in its policies and actions to promote mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions at national and local levels. Review the forthcoming Defra-led cross-Government Flood and Erosion Risk Management strategy in the light of the Foresight findings. Present and consider the Foresight findings at the regional level (for both flood and integrated environmental management) including potential for more detailed assessment or communication to address local conditions. Incorporate Foresight findings in its own annual public awareness campaign on flood risk management Review in the light of the Foresight findings: - existing guidance on Catchment Flood Management Planning (with Defra, and discuss SMP guidance)
- planned investment levels in flood management
- its flood management operations
- its own science plan
Inform the Planning for Flood Risk Management in the Thames Estuary through - a joint workshop, run with the Foresight team, to build relevant findings and knowledge into the Thames Estuary Strategy.
- use, demonstrate and assist the promotion of the Flood Ranger educational tool
(See note below on links to areas of work where other stakeholders have the lead.) | Climate Change Policy Manager Flood Defence Policy Manager Regional Strategic Unit
Regional Flood Defence Committee Water Management Marketing & Communications Manager Flood Defence Policy Manager Director of Water Management Flood Defence Process Manager Flood Defence Policy Manager Thames Estuary Programme Executive | EA contributed to the current review of the Climate Change Programme and is responsible for administering the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ongoing) The policy approaches envisaged by FCD are embedded in the Government's response (Feb 05). Major challenges to their implementation remain eg resources and development of tools and techniques. Briefing paper on the Foresight findings presented to Regional Flood Defence Committees in July 2004. Value of this noted by many committees. Improved information on flood risk available on EA website. New Flood Risk Management Communications Strategy being finalised. (ongoing) Existing guidance reviewed. FCD used to influence scenario testing in CFMPs. Revised Shoreline Management Planning Guidance produced. Three pilots have been prepared. The Agency (with Defra) will be bidding for increased resource for flood management in SR2006; current investment levels below those suggested by FCD. Use of Flood Risk Management Systems and System Asset Management Plans in delivering operational work FCD model to inform other parts of Agency science activity. (Mar 05) The workshop helped to transfer knowledge and findings from FCD into real planning for flood risk management in the Thames Estuary. The workshop highlighted the challenge of implementing a broad range of risk reduction measures with current institutional arrangements. The TE2100 project continues to draw heavily on Foresight methods and ideas Flood Ranger used with professional partners in Thames Estuary planning | |
hmt Will review the implications of this work and ensure that SR 2004 spending decisions are informed by the findings of this work and other evidence on achieving sustainable futures. | EFRA team leaders, HMT | FCD was a valuable contribution to preparations for the 2004 Spending Review, where the government recognised the importance of flood management and carried forward the significant increases from SR2002. It is a useful resource for long-term policy making. | |
local Government Authority The LGA will - Consider the implications of the work and how to respond through appropriate member structures.
- Ensure dissemination of the findings of the report to local authorities in England and Wales - including. Dissemination to the LGA Coastal Issues Special Interest Group.
- Draw attention to the report via articles in Local Government First, which is circulated on a weekly basis to over 30,000 councillors and chief officers.
- Encourage local authorities to consider the practical implications of the report.
| Nick Easton, Programme Manager, Economic and Environmental Policy Division, LGA | Participated in a national workshop on FCD LGA Coastal Issues Special Interest Group received a presentation on FCD Local Government First used to raise awareness of "Future Flooding". FCD incorporated into first review process for Shoreline Management Plans | Local authority representatives have participated with DfT in a workshop on the implications of FCD on future transport management LGA is working with EA and ODPM on issues surrounding PPG25 on development on floodplains LGA worked EA in developing River Catchment Management Strategies taking FCD into account |
northern Ireland Assembly Consider the extension of the RASP to NI Investigate the opportunity to support research into flood risk assessment for intra urban - areas. Consider the implications for the Northern Ireland biodiversity strategies (habitat action plans) queens and Ulsteruniversities Will be trialling Flood Ranger for possible use in their Geography courses. | John Clarke DARDNI - Rivers Agency and John Davison DOENI - Planning Service Bob Davidson DOENI, Environment and Heritage Services Harry Johnson Queens University
Robert Myers Ulster University | Work began in August 2004 and a Flood Mapping Strategy for Northern Ireland has been drafted. A team is now being set up to proceed with the project. FCD informed the Flood Risk Management Research Consortium which presented research proposals at a meeting in Oct 2003. The Rivers Agency are contributing to an FRMRC project in urban flood management A decision will be made on whether FloodRanger is used in their Civil Engineering courses in time for the next academic year. | FCD encouraged cross-government working and helped established new links between NI and Defra, Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly. Rivers Agency has contributed a further ˆ£25k over 3 years to other work packages for FRMRC |
odpm Use the work to inform ODPM's: - review of Policy Planning Guidance 25;
- input to the Government's Flood and coastal management strategy, which is looking up to about 20 years ahead and which is being led by Defra's Flood Management Division
| ODPM's sustainable development group | PPG25 developed into Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25), making it clearer that the possible impacts of climate change should be addressed as part of Flood Risk Assessments ODPM has worked closely with Defra, DTI and HMP on MSFW | |
research Councils It will inform the developing programme of research of the Flood Risk Management Consortium. (A joint project with the involvement of EPSRC, EA, Defra, NERC, Scottish Executive and UKWIR.) | Peter Hedges, programme manager Infrastructure and Environment, EPSRC | floodriskmanagementresearchconsortium, an interdisciplinary group in collaboration with EPSRC involving UKWIR, NERC and the Scottish Executive, will fund further activities in flood management. | |
scotland Take the outcome of the project into account when reviewing levels of protection provided by existing and proposed flood defences and in the ongoing development ofthe Executive's Flood Risk Framework. Take the outcome of the project into account in the planning of Scotland's ongoing research into flood and coastalrisk management. | | FCD acted as a spur for the review of activity in identifying and managing flood risk. FCD scientist, led by an OST team member, presented key papers during the Scottish Executive flood awareness week in 2004. FCD highlighted the limited data available on flood risk in Scotland | Digital Terrain Model of Scotland is being used to produce an indicative flood risk map for the whole of Scotland A project has been commissioned to compile an asset register of river and coastal flood prevention schemes for use in a RASP flood assessment tool |
welsh Assembly Government To inform the Welsh Assembly Government's: - Future Strategy and Policy framework for flood and Coastal Defence
- Future Planning Policy Guidance
- Environment strategy; and
- Transport Infrastructure.
To ensure wider dissemination of the findings of the report within Wales. | Peter Jones, Environment Division Kay Powell, Planning Division Claire Bennett, Environment Division Gareth Morgan, Transport Directorate Peter Jones, Environment Division | Current and forthcoming changes to the flood and coastal defence strategy for Wales have been informed by and set against the background given in FCD. Technical Advice Note 15 - Development and Flood Risk published summer 2004 Consultation document launched July 2005 Edward Evans presented the findings at a seminar on flooding matters attended by drainage authorities in Wales October 2004 | |