NRW reaffirms commitment to Ynysybwl community following flood scheme review

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has reaffirmed its commitment to residents of Ynysybwl following completing an Outline Business Case (OBC) that looked at options to reduce the risk of flooding to homes along Clydach Terrace.

Ynysybwl was badly affected during Storm Dennis in 2020. Flood waters from the Nant Clydach overtopped the highway wall and flooded several properties on Clydach Terrace.

The topography of the area in relation to the river presents a challenging risk. During extreme rainfall events, flooding can happen rapidly and to significant depths.

The OBC explored a range of possible flood risk management solutions, including the construction of a raised flood defence wall and the purchase of the most at-risk properties.

However, the assessment found that neither option is close to being economically viable under the UK and Welsh Government funding rules for flood risk management purposes that NRW must follow.

The proposed flood defence wall would need to vary along its length between 3.5 metres and 4.5 metres above road level to provide a good level of protection, at a cost far outweighing the estimated economic benefits, even when uncertainties are considered.

The alternative option of purchasing the most at-risk properties was also found not to be cost-effective to be eligible to receive Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding from the Welsh Government.

Although this conclusion is disappointing, NRW recognises the flood risk remains and will not walk away from the community and will continue working with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the Welsh Government in deciding the most realistic and sustainable way forward.

David Letellier, Head of Operations South Wales Central for NRW, said:

“We know how deeply flood risk affects people’s lives and wellbeing, and we understand this will be disappointing news for residents.

“This was a thorough assessment of what’s possible in Ynysybwl, and although we cannot take forward a major scheme at this time, we are not walking away from Ynysybwl.

“We remain committed to working with the community, the local authority and other partners to explore what else can be done to manage the risk and support residents.”

For more information, visit Managing flood risk in Ynysybwl

For information about what to do before, during and after a flood, visit NRW’s website.