Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme: Upcoming and Completed Works

Introduction

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The Environment Agency, Burnley Borough Council and partners have been working continually since 2017 then to develop proposals for the Padiham Flood Risk Management Scheme. This has included, but has not been limited to, flood modelling, site and ground investigations, environmental assessments, topographic surveys, community and landowner consultations, outline and detailed designs, gaining the necessary permissions for the works and securing further funding to pay for additionally identified work.

Site investigations have taken place over winter-spring 2021 to better inform the understanding of existing walls and old mines in the area. This identified significantly more challenging ground conditions than expected, which has led to further information being required and a second phase of ground investigation works in spring 2022. An understanding as to how this will affect the designs of the flood defences has been required which has impacted the design period. The Environment Agency have been working closely with specific landowners through this process.

Due to these issues, and the subsequent impact of the design process timeframe, the Environment Agency have identified sections of works that can be completed as permitted development rather than those that require formal planning permission. The Environment Agency have started on these areas first.

Gravel is monitored under Padiham Bridge (River Calder) and at Shakespeare Street Bridge (Green Brook) against agreed trigger levels for removal. Clearance has and will continue to take place as required at these locations when the trigger levels are reached.

Invasive Non-Native Species treatment of Japanese Knotweed has taken place in Padiham between summer 2021 and summer 2022, in preparation for the flood defence construction this summer.

Completed Works

Town Hall-State of the Nation Wall

The works on the existing flood defence wall, to the rear of Padiham Town Hall are now complete. The previous wall along the right bank of the River Calder between Padiham Bridge and Station Road Bridge was built in 2015 and had a low level of flood protection which would continue to reduce with the impacts of climate change. The Environment Agency have now completed improvement works on the wall, increasing its height to provide an increased standard of protection to Padiham Town Centre.

Proposed plan for Padiham Town Hall works. Click here to download the proposed plan.

Cross section of the Town Hall proposals alongside 3 images. Image 1 shows the previous red-brick wall with black handrail running along the top. Image 2 shows an artist impression of the new wall, still in red brick. Image 3 shows the completed wall, still in red brick but much higher.

Diagrams showing the previous, proposed and completed works to the rear of Padiham Town Hall

Red brick wall with grey coping stones. Newly surfaced road with parking bays and double yellow lines marked out. Trees and Blue sky in the background.

Photo of completed State of the Nation Wall

Please click here to view the video with accessible audio

Drone footage showing the completed flood defence wall behind Padiham Town Hall

Next 6 Months

Bendwood Estate

Construction works to the rear of Bendwood Estate are due to start in June 2023. This will consist of a new flood defence wall, in front of the existing retaining wall along the right-hand bank of the River Calder.

A cross sectional image shows the proposed flood defence wall alongside the existing garden wall at Bendwood Estate.

Their current presence on site is primarily to undertake pre-construction site investigations and surveys.

Site cabins will be set up within the car park of Bendwood Court from Monday 3rd July.

Main construction works to the rear of Bendwood Estate are due to start week commencing 10th July.

The Environment Agency have a confirmed traffic management plan for these works, as pictured below.

Working hours on site will be between 08.00-17.00. Bendwood Court residents can utilise the remaining parking spaces outside of this time and on weekends.

Any questions, concerns, or comments regarding their works on Bendwood Estate and Bendwood Court should be directed to the Environment Agency:

Email: CMBLNC-PSO@environment-agency.gov.uk
Write: Environment Agency,
FAO: PSO Padiham FRMS Team
Lutra House,
Dodd Way,
Walton Summit,
PRESTON.
PR5 8BX

Through the Engage App
You can now get regular updates and contact us through the Engage App sent direct to your phone.
Simply scan the QR to download the FREE Flood Scheme Engage App.

If you suspect an environmental incident has occurred on site, please call the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 24 hour service on 0800 80 70 60.

Bendwood Estate – Site Establishment Plan (click to expand)

Main Scheme

The remaining areas will continue with the design process and the legally required planning, consents, agreements and approvals. These will then be confirmed allowing for a target construction start date in Spring 2024 following on from the permitted development works.

Flood Risk Management Scheme works timeline running from Spring 2023 to Summer 2025.

*Disclaimer: Timelines are indicative and based on the current best estimate programme.

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The Flood Hub