FLOOD defence plans for a York village have been branded ‘completely ridiculous’ by a local councillor.

Independent Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters was speaking out against one element of the £60 million five-year plan to protect York from growing risks of flooding posed by climate change, published in November by the Environment Agency.

The agency said possible work in Osbaldwick included increasing the height of both banks of Osbaldwick Beck and building a wall along both banks of the beck along Murton Way and Osbaldwick Village, which would also require approximately 22 flood gates to allow access to estates and properties.

Cllr Warters said there was only minor flooding in the village during the city’s floods disaster of late 2015 and claimed this was entirely due to the agency failing to ensure the adequate maintenance of the Foss Barrier and Pumping Station over a number of years, and some ‘rather dubious operational decisions’ taken when it became apparent that the barrier had failed.

“Despite these failings and the levels of flooding in York there were NO residential properties flooded in Osbaldwick and whilst the road in Osbaldwick Village flooded, there was no great damage caused,” he said.

He asked who had initiated the ‘ridiculous proposals’, saying he as local ward councillor had not been approached and nor had the parish council.

He said the beck ran thorough a conservation area and he would resist most strongly proposals for a wall alongside both banks of the beck and floodgates to properties.

Agency engagement specialist Tom Pagett said the options proposed ‘reflect an aspiration to provide parity in the level of flood protection across the city.’

However, the agency fully recognised that in some areas of York this might not be achievable or appropriate.

“It is our intention to use the plan as a starting point for discussion with individual communities in order to develop schemes which work for all,” he said.

“I want to make clear that none of these proposals are final, and all will be subject to detailed community consultation.

“I apologise if the options proposed for Osbaldwick caused concern, as that was certainly not our intention.”