The Flood Hub

Funding

The proposed scheme is currently expected to cost around £49m to deliver the flood defences. £6.525m in funding is coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with further funding from other sources such as the Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant in Aid and from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. The project team continues to seek further funding for the scheme and will do so for the life of the project to ensure they deliver the most for their communities.

Timescales

Information correct as of July 2020

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top.

Here are some examples of potential materials, finishes and styles:

Here are some examples of other Environment Agency flood risk management scheme defences:

(Click the images to enlarge)

Ground Investigation Works

Update June 2020:

The Project Team would like to thank you for your understanding and co-operation over recent weeks which has meant that the recent Ground Investigations have been completed ahead of schedule. The documents below remain accessible to provide background / reference about these works.

The Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Lancashire, Andy Brown said…

“Ground Investigation work is a key milestone in the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme. Our team are currently focused on refining the design of the scheme following engagement with residents and businesses throughout 2018 and 2019 on the initial proposals. Community based and digital engagement is planned to resume during 2020, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

Ground investigations provide critical data which helps us to test assumptions we’ve made to date when planning the scheme, cost the scheme accurately and ensures we can move into the construction phase with a full understanding of conditions on the ground.

In these unprecedented times, the safety of our staff, contractors and the public is paramount, and we will continue to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines as scheme work progresses.”

• Important Information – Ground Investigation Works May 2020
• Reactive Lines/FAQs – Ground Investigation Works April 2020

The Ground Investigation Surveys involved the following types of works. Please click on each of the PDF links below if you would like further information on each of these activities:

• Trial Pitting
• Cable Percussion
• ‘Window’ Sampling
• Rotary Drilling
• Ground-penetrating radar (details to follow)

Map of where the survey works took place

Environmental Considerations and Opportunities

Trees

• In order to remove and build the new flood defences, trees will need to be removed.
• For every tree removed, 5 trees will be planted.
• The public have asked that any trees removed are used for the benefit of the local communities e.g. benches.

Ecology

• The ecology that is currently present in communities is being looked at and protected species surveys have been undertaken to understand this better.

Historical Structures

• Flood defences next to historic structures such as the Penwortham Old Bridge will be constructed sympathetically with a wall finish to compliment the structure.
• To view information on the history of flooding in Preston and South Ribble, click here.

Amenity

• In Penwortham, the Environment Agency is working with South Ribble Borough Council to enhance the Ribble Sidings area should funding become available. They would like to enhance public space; access, interpretation and habitat creation.

Key Messages

Latest Update (October 2020)

• Your feedback included what you thought the flood defences could look like and changes to the design as a result of what you have said.
• The scheme has now secured further funding which means they can afford to deliver a standard scheme for Preston and South Ribble.
• During the last round of engagement, you said the potential wall heights were too high, so they have now decreased them in many areas where possible.
• Residents who directly faced the flood walls asked for glass panels to be included where possible in the design of the scheme, where possible glass panels have been included. Further information will be available as the detailed design for each area continues.
• The latest newsletter and up to date information can be found in the ‘Newsletters and Events’ section here.
• A community engagement site launched in Autumn 2020. In September 2020 letters were hand delivered to Riversway and Broadgate and Lower Penwortham to invite affected residents to participate in online engagement. Please see here for more information.
• In October 2020, Autumn 2020 newsletters were hand delivered to Riversway and Broadgate and Lower Penwortham.

What’s next?

• Continue to bid for and work on securing further funding so that the scheme can be the best it can be.
• Work on the detailed design of the defences, continue to refine the location and construction of these and understand all the cost implications.
• To date, 17 different engagement events have been held. Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice.

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top. To view examples of flood defences and potential materials and styles, visit the ‘Example Flood Defences’ heading in the ‘Scheme Details’ section above.

Broadgate Gardens

• Replacement of the existing concrete wall with a new concrete wall between Liverpool Road bridge and Penwortham Old Bridge.
• Defences along Broadgate Gardens are currently between 0.75m and 1.23m high.
• It is proposed that these will be raised to between 1.20m to 1.60m high.

Broadgate Gardens flood defence wall before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Riverside Reach A

• Replacement of the existing concrete wall with a new concrete wall between Liverpool Road bridge and Penwortham Old Bridge.
• Defences along Riverside are currently between 0.75m and 1.23m high.
• It is proposed that these will be raised to between 1.20m to 1.60m high.

Riverside flood defence wall before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Riverside Reach B

• Replacement of the existing concrete wall with a new concrete wall with glass panels on top along Riverside highway between Penwortham Old Bridge and Miller Gardens Apartments.
• Defences along Riverside are currently between 0.78m and 1.08m high.
• It is proposed that these will be raised to between 1.63m to 2.24m high (including 800mm high glass panel).

Riverside Reach B before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

• A new concrete wall along the boundary of the BAC/EE Preston Social and Sports Association cricket pitch between Miller Gardens Apartments and Ribble Cottage including the potential installation of 2 flood gates,
• Proposed wall height of between 1.16m to 1.22m.

Riverside Reach B before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Riversway

• There are currently raised flood embankments along Strand Road and Navigation Way.
• We have carried out some ground investigation in these areas and the defences are in good condition
• At this stage we are not proposing to change or increase these defences
• This area will gain increased flood protection from the defences along Broadgate.

Map indicating Riversway, Preston

Broadgate Flood Zone Map

Riversway and Broadgate Flood Zone Map

Key Messages

Latest Update (October 2020)

• Your feedback included what you thought the flood defences could look like and changes to the design as a result of what you have said.
• The scheme has now secured further funding which means they can afford to deliver a standard scheme for Preston and South Ribble.
• During the last round of engagement, you said the potential wall heights were too high, so they have now decreased them in many areas where possible.
• Residents who directly faced the flood walls asked for glass panels to be included where possible in the design of the scheme, where possible glass panels have been included. Further information will be available as the detailed design for each area continues.
• The latest newsletter and up to date information can be found in the ‘Newsletters and Events’ section here.
• A community engagement site launched in Autumn 2020. In September 2020 letters were hand delivered to Riversway and Broadgate and Lower Penwortham to invite affected residents to participate in online engagement. Please see here for more information.
• In October 2020, Autumn 2020 newsletters were hand delivered to Riversway and Broadgate and Lower Penwortham.

What’s next?

• Continue to bid for and work on securing further funding so that the scheme can be the best it can be.
• Work on the detailed design of the defences, continue to refine the location and construction of these and understand all the cost implications.
• To date, 17 different engagement events have been held. Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice.

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top. To view examples of flood defences and potential materials and styles, visit the ‘Example Flood Defences’ heading in the ‘Scheme Details’ section above.

Riverside Road

• Proposed replacement of the concrete flood defence wall, with precast concrete flood defence wall and glass panels on top, running along Riverside Road from the Cadent Gas Pipe Bridge to Stanley Avenue (upstream end of Riverside Road).
• Defences along Riverside Road are currently between 1.00m and 1.30m high.
• It is proposed that these defences will be raised to between 1.70m to 2.20m high (including 600-800nn glass panel on top).

Riverside Road before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Riverside Road before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Riverside Road before (left) and visualisation of after (right).

Leyland Road

• There is some high ground in this area already, but Leyland Road will be raised slightly.
• It is proposed that a varying height flood wall will replace the fence and be built around the rear of the church.
• The wall will be between 0.88m to 2.48m in height.
• The existing public right of way could be raised to 2m to incorporate the flood defence embankment.

Margaret Road Area

• There are currently several options still being considered for this area.
• It is anticipated that flood defences will comprise of both walls and embankments from Riverside Road to the railway embankment.
• Consideration is being given to the manhole here.
• The potential for wetland creation here is being looked at with South Ribble Borough Council.
• The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme will provide a 1.3% (1 in 75) Standard of Protection (SoP) from 2080. When construction is complete in 2023 it will provide a 1 in 162 SoP.

Penwortham Flood Zone Map

Key Messages

Latest Update (December 2020)

• Detailed design is ongoing and engagement with communities is expected first quarter 2021.

Update (June 2020)

• Your feedback included what you thought the flood defences could look like and changes to the design as a result of what you have said.
• The scheme has now secured further funding which means they can afford to deliver a standard scheme for Preston and South Ribble.
• During the last round of engagement, you said the potential wall heights were too high, so they have now decreased them in many areas where possible.
• Residents who directly faced the flood walls asked for glass panels to be included where possible in the design of the scheme, where possible glass panels have been included. Further information will be available as the detailed design for each area continues.
• The latest newsletter and up to date information can be found in the ‘Newsletters and Events’ section here.

What’s next?

• Continue to bid for and work on securing further funding so that the scheme can be the best it can be.
• Work on the detailed design of the defences, continue to refine the location and construction of these and understand all the cost implications.
• To date, 17 different engagement events have been held. Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice.
• Continue to produce newsletter and maintain this information available on The Flood Hub.
• Launch a community engagement site summer 2020.

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top. To view examples of flood defences and potential materials and styles, visit the ‘Example Flood Defences’ heading in the ‘Scheme Details’ section above.

Esplanade – Frenchwood

• The playing field in this area is 1.4m lower than the road.
• It is proposed the current flood embankment is raised and extended.
• The embankment will be raised to 3.49m in height.

The Boulevard - Frenchwood

• There is currently an existing flood embankment in this area.
• It is proposed that the flood embankment will be raised from a current height of 0.8m – 1.3m.

Ashworth Grove - Frenchwood

• As part of the scheme it is anticipated that flood defences will comprise of both walls and embankments.
• The existing height of these defences is around 0.6m and these will increase to 1.10m.
• The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme will provide a 1.3% (1 in 75) Standard of Protection (SoP) from 2080. When construction is complete in 2023 it will provide a 1 in 162 SoP.

Frenchwood and Fishwick Bottom Flood Zone Map

Key Messages

Latest Update (December 2020)

• Detailed design is ongoing and engagement with communities is expected first quarter 2021.

Update (June 2020)

• Your feedback included what you thought the flood defences could look like and changes to the design as a result of what you have said.
• The scheme has now secured further funding which means they can afford to deliver a standard scheme for Preston and South Ribble.
• During the last round of engagement, you said the potential wall heights were too high, so they have now decreased them in many areas where possible.
• Residents who directly faced the flood walls asked for glass panels to be included where possible in the design of the scheme, where possible glass panels have been included. Further information will be available as the detailed design for each area continues.
• The latest newsletter and up to date information can be found in the ‘Newsletters and Events’ section here.

What’s next?

• Continue to bid for and work on securing further funding so that the scheme can be the best it can be.
• Work on the detailed design of the defences, continue to refine the location and construction of these and understand all the cost implications.
• To date, 17 different engagement events have been held. Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice.
• Continue to produce newsletter and maintain this information available on The Flood Hub.
• Launch a community engagement site summer 2020.

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top. To view examples of flood defences and potential materials and styles, visit the ‘Example Flood Defences’ heading in the ‘Scheme Details’ section above.

Ribble Crescent, North Ribble Street and South Ribble Street

• Defences along Ribble Crescent and North and South Ribble Street are currently 1.3m high.
• It is proposed that these will be raised to 2.32m high.
• The defences in this area will comprise of a solid wall with glass panels.
• Flood defences were improved here in 2004.

King’s Croft, Victoria Rd Area

• In this area flood defences currently comprise of flood embankments and flood walls.
• The flood defences here will be raised to 1.7m in height.
• It is proposed that flood defences will comprise of embankments, flood walls with glass panels and flood walls.

Walton Green Area

• There are currently flood embankments and flood walls in this area. It is proposed that all existing flood defences are raised here.
• It is planned to build a new 1.65m wall to the rear of Drakes Hollow and HPH Haulage Ltd.
• The existing flood embankments will be raised in this area by up to 60cm.
• It is being considered to improve flood walls and add glass panels in some places along the River Darwen in this area.

Higher Walton

• It is planned to build a new flood walls in this area between 0.6m – 1.2m high.
• There is also a new flood embankment proposed of 0.9m in height.
• The existing flood embankments will be raised by up to 60cm.

Walton-Le-Dale Flood Zone Map

Walton-Le-Dale Flood Zone Map – Areas Benefiting from Defences

Key Messages

Latest Update (December 2020)

• Detailed design is ongoing and engagement with communities is expected first quarter 2021.

Update (June 2020)

• Your feedback included what you thought the flood defences could look like and changes to the design as a result of what you have said.
• The scheme has now secured further funding which means they can afford to deliver a standard scheme for Preston and South Ribble.
• During the last round of engagement, you said the potential wall heights were too high, so they have now decreased them in many areas where possible.
• Residents who directly faced the flood walls asked for glass panels to be included where possible in the design of the scheme, where possible glass panels have been included. Further information will be available as the detailed design for each area continues.
• The latest newsletter and up to date information can be found in the ‘Newsletters and Events’ section here.

What’s next?

• Continue to bid for and work on securing further funding so that the scheme can be the best it can be.
• Work on the detailed design of the defences, continue to refine the location and construction of these and understand all the cost implications.
• To date, 17 different engagement events have been held. Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice.
• Continue to produce newsletter and maintain this information available on The Flood Hub.
• Launch a community engagement site summer 2020.

Example Flood Defences

The flood defences will be a combination of raised flood embankments, walls and walls with glass panels on top. To view examples of flood defences and potential materials and styles, visit the ‘Example Flood Defences’ heading in the ‘Scheme Details’ section above.

Samlesbury

• The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management scheme will benefit communities from the M6 Junc. 31 to Preston Docks.
• The public asked to ensure that flood mitigation for properties upstream of these areas is considered.
• Feedback has been listened to and the Environment Agency are looking at the residential properties at risk of flooding in these areas.
• Information from flooding in 2015 will help to understand more about the impacts of flooding here.

Broadgate – River Parade

• Defences along Broadgate opposite River Parade defences are currently between 0.75m – 1.23m high.
• It is proposed that these will be raised to between 1.36m – 1.61m high.
• The defences in this area will remain a solid wall.
• The path in this area could be raised.

King’s Croft, Victoria Rd Area

• In this area flood defences currently comprise of flood embankments and flood walls.
• The flood defences here will be raised to 1.7m in height.
• It is proposed that flood defences will comprise of embankments, flood walls with glass panels and flood walls.

Higher Walton

• It is planned to build a new flood walls in this area between 0.6m – 1.2m high.
• There is also a new flood embankment proposed of 0.9m in height.
• The existing flood embankments will be raised by up to 60cm.

Higher Walton and Samlesbury Flood Zone Map

Why do we need new flood defences in this area?

The current flood defences were built between the 1920s and the 1990s and are reaching the end of their design life. New defences will reduce flood risk to properties and infrastructure in the area.

How many homes and businesses will you better protect?

The proposed scheme will better protect around 4,800 residential properties as well as over 300 businesses from direct flooding from the River Ribble and the River Darwen.

Will the proposed scheme increase my flood risk from other forms of flooding?

The Environment Agency and Lancashire County Council are working closely together and with other partners including United Utilities, South Ribble Borough Council and Preston City Council to ensure that flood risk associated with surface water and sewer flooding is not increased as part of the proposed scheme. This means existing pockets of surface water flood risk may still remain after construction.

How much will this scheme cost?

The proposed scheme is likely to cost in the region of £49m.

Who are you working with to secure funding?

European Regional Development Fund Direct Government funding and Flood Defence Grant in Aid Professional partners and local businesses.

What are the impacts of Brexit on the EU funding?

We have secured £6.525m European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), the contracts have been signed and contracted subject to expected funding conditions. We don’t currently expect any Brexit scenario to change this. ERDF will also create 4 full time equivalent posts locally and we will employ local people and contractors to undertake the works.

When are works likely to start and finish?

Initial Ground Investigation works started in March 2019 although actual construction is not expected to start until 2021. Construction is likely to take place in phases and take 3-5 years to complete.

What will the scheme look like?

Any proposed defences will be built higher than existing and will likely be made up of flood walls, localised use of glass panels and embankments. By default our designs will be sympathetic to the character of local areas and through good design we hope improve the look and feel of the riverside environment. The appearance of the defences has not been agreed and we welcome feedback on this.

How can I provide feedback and keep updated about the scheme?

We will continually seek to engage with residents, businesses and the wider community throughout this project. A series of community drop-in sessions have been held so far and these will continue throughout the project.

In addition there will be a downloadable newsletter and regular updates provided on The Flood Hub website. You can also sign-up to receive important updates via the following email address: psr@environment-agency.gov.uk

Feedback forms are provided at all the drop-in events we hold and are shared with relevant members of the project team.

What if I don’t have the Internet or have accessibility requirements? 

We aim to be as inclusive as possible and ensure that everyone has chance to access key information related to the scheme. If you do not have direct access to the internet you may be able to access it via your local library. Alternatively you can post any feedback to:

Preston and South Ribble Scheme – PSO Team

Environment Agency

Lutra House

Bamber Bridge

Preston

PR5 8BX

Our aim is to make all of our materials and events are accessible to all. To find out more details please either write to us or email us via the details shown above.

Are there any plans for dredging/ gravel removal?

The bed of the river at Broadgate is rock and therefore there is limited material which could be removed from this area. Additionally, the size of the Ribble Estuary means the volume of material that would need to be dredged to reduce flooding would be very large and not cost effective. To be effective dredging / gravel removal would need to be done frequently which also has cost implications.

Would the scheme provide other benefits to the community?

Some of the most deprived wards in Central Lancashire are located within the scheme boundaries including within Broadgate and Frenchwood. We are working with partners to understand how the scheme could benefit these areas. The amount of government funding (Flood Defence Grant in Aid) is calculated and weighted towards areas of deprivation.

Future proofing: How is climate change built in and will the scheme last long enough?

Climate change predictions are included in all our modelling work, and the new guidance is currently being used to guide our scheme design. Our scheme will be built to last in to the future in line with climate change projections and we typically make sure we design defences that can be topped up at some future date if need be.

Insurance: How will the scheme reduce impacts on homes and businesses?

The will protect many homes and businesses at risk of flooding. These figures will change as modelling improvements are made and the impacts of flooding in Preston and South Ribble better understood. If this scheme is too big and intrusive to be acceptable to local communities, we will try and provide a smaller scheme that will have reduced numbers of homes and businesses benefiting.

New development: Have we taken new development into account and have all new areas been identified?

We are working with Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council and South Ribble and other partners to look at planning as a whole. We have a specific group to look at this. The scheme could make future earmarked development sites more viable. There may be opportunities to look and extended development opportunities in future meetings. Any planned developments cannot be taken into account for our economic analysis due to rules set by the government. All new developments should take place away from areas of flood risk. Development in an area of flood risk will be subject to planning permission which should ensure the development only proceeds if it does not increase flood risk or create additional flooding.

Throughout the scheme stages the Environment Agency will be actively engaging with the public through a variety of mediums including online engagement and communication and public drop-in sessions where applicable, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

Online Engagement Platform Launched

During these unprecedented times, public engagement has had to adapt to ensure continued communication with the safety of the general public of paramount importance. To extend their reach and allow them to communicate with the public effectively, the Environment Agency have launched a public engagement platform for the Preston and South Ribble flood scheme. Details of the launch of the platform will be sent to those who have expressed previous interest in the scheme, with updates also provided via this website. If you would like to sign up for details of the public engagement platform please email the Environment Agency at psr@environment-agency.gov.uk or visit https://nwfrm.uk.engagementhq.com/register.

Live Webex Sessions

For people who were unable to attend or access the online event on the 15th October, recordings will soon be available.

Past Events:

• 15th October 2020 – Lower Penwortham Live Webex Session
• 15th October 2020 – Broadgate and Riversway Live Webex  Session
• 5th November 2019 – Higher Walton & Samlesbury – Preston Flood Scheme drop-in
• 22nd October 2019 – Frenchwood & Fishwick Bottom – Preston Flood Scheme drop-in
• 16th October 2019 – Lower Penwortham – Preston Flood Scheme drop-in
• 9th October 2019 – Riversway and Broadgate – Preston Flood Scheme drop-in
• 7th June 2019 – Walton Le Dale and Capitol Centre community drop-in
• 25th April 2019 – Frenchwood and Fishwick community drop-in
• 3rd April 2019 – Community Drop-in (Higher Walton and Samlesbury)
• 27th March 2019 – Community Drop-in Event / Mock-up of Defences (Penwortham Methodist Church)
• 30th January 2019 – Penwortham Community Drop-in Event (Penwortham Methodist Church)
• 3rd September 2018 – Docklands Business Meeting
• 8th August 2018 – BRAG meeting presentation (St Stephens Church)
• 8th May 2018 – Broadgate Community Drop-in Event (Gujarat Centre)

News

From the Environment Agency 29/12/20

Planning permission for phases 1 & 2 (Broadgate, Riverside, and Lower Penwortham) of the Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme has now been submitted to the Local Authority.

Newsletters

• Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme Newsletter Spring 2021
• Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme Newsletter Autumn 2020
• Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme Newsletter Summer 2020
• Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme Newsletter March 2020
• Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme Engagement Feedback March 2020
• Preston and South Ribble Autumn Newsletter Oct 2019
• Preston and South Ribble Newsletter March 2019

Events

Please note due to coronavirus, the Environment Agency have put on hold any public events such as community drop-in sessions until further notice. In the meantime, they will continue to provide key updates on the scheme via this page.

There will be regular downloadable newsletter updates and relevant updates provided on The Flood Hub website. You can also sign up to receive important updates via the following email address: psr@environment-agency.gov.uk

Social media: @EnvAgencyNW