It is interesting to see that Rhondda Cynon Taf council have approved a recommendation for them to purchase 16 homes on Clydach Terrace in Wales for over £2.5mil.
Clydach Terrace runs parallel to Nant Clydach, a stream in South Wales. Whilst the houses along Clydach Terrace are separated from the river by a retaining wall, a road and pavement, they are susceptible to severe flooding and have suffered badly in heavy storms such as Storm Dennis and Bert.
Natural Resources Wales (the flood risk management authority) have explored possible flood risk management solutions but have not found an economically viable option. So, Rhondda Cynon Taf council have voted to purchase all the properties, demolish them, and remove an ongoing flood threat and a risk to the occupiers’ health and safety.
Could we see this approach being repeated with climate change bringing more unpredictable and severe weather? The situation of these particular houses and the height and layout of the river is likely to be exceptional, but will other administrative bodies take a similar approach in future?
It will be very interesting to see as more of these types of circumstances arise.
South Wales council to buy and demolish homes prone to flooding