The Flood Hub

The full extent of the proposed scheme extends through the centre of Padiham along the River Calder from the former BAXI site at Grove Lane Wetlands to Station Road Bridge and along Green Brook to the Padiham Greenway.

The Padiham scheme has been subdivided into sections.

• Section 1 – Old BAXI site and Bendwood Footbridge
• Section 2 – Lune Street and Bendwood Close
• Section 3 – Centenary Gardens, Padiham Town Hall and Waterside Mews
• Section 4 – Lower sections of Green Brook to Padiham Greenway.

Proposals for Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme

All flood schemes go through a process of public consultation, engineering analysis, environmental assessment, and economic appraisal before agreement is made on a preferred set of options. The preferred options must then be approved by planning committees before any work can commence.

The Environment Agency gained planning permission in August 2024 by Burnley Planning Committee for the main Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme. The next stage will be the approval of the full business case, before the Environment Agency can start on main construction works.

Two sections of the scheme have been constructed under the Environment Agency’s permitted development powers, while the remaining construction works will resume in Winter 2026 which can be seen below in the timeline of works.

The construction timeframe has been delayed due to:

• A high specification of the detail design package being produced, which gives the Environment Agency certainty over future costs.
• A realistic and robust programme being established. They have learnt lessons from other projects where early commencement with an incomplete design and substantial uncertainties led to unforeseen risks, additional costs, and longer construction times.
• Changes to funding rules – see more under the funding tab.

Project Timescales

 

 

Scheme appraisal and development process

 

 

The Environment Agency have submitted a full planning application for the proposed main scheme, which has been granted by the Burnley Borough Council, subject to conditions. You can view details of the project’s applications on the Councils Website:

• Town Hall Works – CEA/2021/0706 | Flood defence walls associated with the Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme. | Riley Street Padiham BB12 8BS (burnley.gov.uk)
• Bendwood Works – CEA/2022/0226 | Flood defence walls associated with the Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme | Land At Bendwood Close / River Calder Padiham BB12 8RT (burnley.gov.uk)
• Main Scheme – FUL/2023/0729 | Development associated with the Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme (burnley.gov.uk)

The whole life cost of the scheme has increased to £41.5 million.  This is due to the increased price of materials and the design stage identifying further work including:

• measures to deal with the complex ground conditions
• the replacement of Bendwood Footbridge
• strengthening works to Padiham Bridge

In November 2025 the UK Government announced that there will be a reform to the flood and coastal erosion funding policy, to help accelerate the construction of flood schemes and reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and businesses.

The new rules will start in April 2026 and will prioritise projects that;

• Reduce flood risk and deliver environmental outcomes
• Show a clear value for money, demonstrating a good cost-benefit ratio
• Have additional funding contributions boosting its value for money
• Are located within a deprived community

The new rules will likely strengthen the business case for Padiham, as the scheme currently meet all the above points. The Environment Agency are awaiting further guidance on the new rules before they can submit the final business case and start construction works on Padiham.

If you have any further questions about the scheme, please contact the Environment Agency by email: [email protected]. The Environment Agency will aim to respond within 20 working days.

Social media: @EnvAgencyNW