Maff

MAFF provides grant aid to the Environment Agency, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards for capital works that are technically sound, economically worthwhile and environmentally acceptable, and achieve an appropriate priority score (based on an assessment of Ministerial priorities, urgency and benefit: cost ratio). On 9 July 1998 Mr Morle... y announced that where necessary these arrangements would be adjusted to accommodate funding of measures necessary to protect internationally important conservation sites. The scheme at Wells and Burnham Overy has a priority score of only 18 and so failed to achieve this year's priority score threshold of 23. Nonetheless it has been approved for funding on an exceptional basis. Grant rates are set at levels intended to provide higher grant support where needs are high and local resources low. MAFF is providing the Environment Agency's Norfolk and Suffolk Local Flood Defence Committee with the highest rate of 75% for sea and tidal defence works. The defences at Wells and Burnham Overy protect 880 hectares of low-lying land, including 52 residential and commercial properties, a large caravan site and infrastructure as well as the internationally important habitats. Emergency works were undertaken on the Wells west embankment in 1995 following serious storm damage. Further works are now needed to provide an appropriate standard of protection. The North Norfolk SPA covers the whole of the North Norfolk Coast SSSI of which Burnham Overy marshes are a part.Read More