Barnet Council has officially approved new land drainage bylaws aimed at improving flood risk management across the borough.
The decision was made during the Council meeting on 21 October 2025, following a report presented by Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change. The council approved the making of the bylaws and delegated authority to the Director of Highways and Transportation to progress the public consultation process.
The council hopes that the new bylaws will provide a more effective and locally relevant framework for managing land drainage and mitigating flood risks compared to the existing powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991. According to the Full Council Report - Land Drainage Byelaws, the council maintains the status quo in exercising its powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991, but having its own bylaws will allow for more effective local management.
According to the meeting minutes, the primary objective of these bylaws is to:
- Ensure the ordinary watercourses are maintained by the Riparian Owners.
- Manage and reducing flood risk.
- Improve water quality.
- Improve biodiversity.
- Ensure drainage infrastructure will be maintained and adapted over time.
- Improving the quality of life for people by improving the quality of public spaces and the water environment.
While the motion was ultimately approved, not all councillors were in agreement. Councillor Zinkin stated that the report on London Borough Barnet Local Land Drainage Bylaws for Flood Risk Management was financial nonsense.
The next step involves a public consultation, where the bylaws will be advertised in a local newspaper, comments will be considered, and relevant public authorities will be engaged. The timeline for the public consultation process is not explicitly stated in the report. Following this, an application will be made to the Secretary of State for confirmation of the bylaws.
