Flooding is not a new issue for Rhondda Cynon Taf. As early as 2008, an RCT Council report highlighted the importance of assessing flood risk on a strategic level. Using Environment Agency and Welsh Assembly Government flood maps, the report warned about areas vulnerable to 1-in-100-year and 1-in-1,000-year flood events. However, experts now warn that such events are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change, with 1-in-100-year storms potentially having a 2–4% chance of occurring annually.
In recent years, the council has faced criticism for allowing development on floodplains, exacerbating flooding in surrounding areas. Notably, the Tir Founder Fields development in Cwmbach, approved in 2005, saw the construction of 214 homes on a known floodplain. While the properties were elevated above the 1-in-100-year flood level, this decision left neighbouring areas, which were not similarly elevated, more vulnerable to flooding including the main rail line and the A4059. Removing the natural floodplain compounded the problem, as floodwaters were redirected to nearby communities.
The Reality of Storm Bert
In preparation for Storm Bert, RCT Council reported that it was closely monitoring forecasts and ensuring the availability of sandbags. Despite these efforts, the prolonged heavy rain over the weekend overwhelmed the area, with some regions receiving 50–75mm of rain and over 100mm on higher ground. The flooding impacted communities across the Cynon Valley, reigniting debates about the council’s flood management strategies.
Storm Bert also highlighted long-standing infrastructure vulnerabilities. A 2009 Capita Symonds report commissioned by the council warned of risks to critical transport links, including the A4059 road and the Aberdare rail line, from extreme flood events. While such events were deemed unlikely at the time, the increasing prevalence of severe weather has exposed the inadequacy of these assessments and the lack of a cohesive strategy to mitigate flood risks.
Development on Floodplains: A Recurring Issue
Despite past warnings, RCT Council continues to approve major developments on flood-prone sites. One such project is the proposed development at the former Phurnacite Plant in Abercwmboi, which includes 500 homes, a primary school, and employment spaces. While the site is subject to a reclamation scheme, it faces significant constraints, including flood risks, ground contamination, and environmental concerns. Critics argue that prioritizing development over flood prevention puts communities at greater risk; especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Proposed development site Abercwmboi
Council reports have repeatedly stated the need to avoid building on floodplains. Yet, as history has shown, economic incentives often outweigh environmental considerations. The removal of floodplains in areas like Cwmbah and the new units constructed in Robertstown has this significantly increased flood risks downstream affecting both valley properties and urban centers. While improvements to watercourses have been made, these measures merely accelerate the problem of excess water in our
rivers rather than address the root cause.
A Growing Sense of Frustration
The council’s handling of flooding issues has drawn widespread criticism from residents and stakeholders alike. Many feel that lessons from past floods have not been learned, with promises of better planning and infrastructure repeatedly unfulfilled. The council’s focus on development, often in flood-prone areas, has further eroded public confidence.
Adding to this frustration is the question of accountability. RCT Council comprises 75 elected councillors, supported by numerous government departments and representatives at both the local and national levels. Despite this extensive governance structure, residents are left wondering whether these entities are truly making life easier or simply serving as bureaucratic machines.
The Cost of Inaction
Flooding has devastating consequences, from property damage to emotional and financial strain on residents. With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, RCT Council and its partners must take urgent action to address these challenges. This includes re-evaluating floodplain developments, improving infrastructure resilience, and ensuring timely and accurate flood warnings.
The question remains: Will the lessons of Storm Bert finally lead to meaningful change, or will history continue to repeat itself, with residents bearing the brunt of poor planning and short-term decision-making?
RCT Council is comprised of 75 Elected Councillors. RCT has 11 community councils, 5 MPs, 4 constituency Senedd Members, 4 Regional Senedd Members, and 60 Senedd Members, and this number is increasing by another 30. The Local Government Association has 22 members. Ten councils make up the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.
The question is, are all these expensive Government Departments making our lives easier or harder?
Or are they just moneymaking machines for elected politicians?
https://www.brightblue.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/In-deep-water.pdf
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