Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme

Introduction

The River Roch, Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS) is a partnership project between the Environment Agency (EA), Rochdale Borough Council (RBC) and Transport for Great Manchester (TFGM). It seeks to address the high level of flood risk to the towns of Rochdale and Littleborough in Greater Manchester.

The towns have a long history of flooding with significant events recorded in 1991, 1995, 2008 and 2015. On the 26^th and 27^th December 2015, 324 properties were flooded during Storm Eva. The flood exceeded the previous highest recorded levels along the River Roch, causing widespread damage and disruption in the area. More recently there was flooding in the towns in March 2019, July 2019, November 2019 and 9^th February 2020 (Storm Ciara).

The steep catchment and multiple tributaries cause the River Roch to respond rapidly to rainfall with river levels rising quickly. The urbanised river valley has an industrial heritage with a legacy of modified channels, bridges, culverts and weirs which further exacerbate the flooding problem.

River Roch in Rochdale

Scheme Overview

Since 2012 the Environment Agency (EA) have worked with key partners and listened to and worked with the local community to generate a flood risk management scheme to reduce the risk of flooding in both Littleborough and Rochdale. Technical feasibility, economic viability, environmental sustainability and social acceptability were all considered when deciding on a preferred option.

The Rochdale and Littleborough FRMS will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 (Littleborough) and Phase 2 (Rochdale – downstream of Smithy Bridge). The EA are phasing the construction works in this way because by beginning upstream in areas of Littleborough, the benefits will include a reduced flood risk for residents and businesses not only in Littleborough but also in Smallbridge and Rochdale.

Phase 1

The Littleborough planning application will be further divided into two phases: phase 1a and phase 1b. Phase 1a comprises of flood defence walls, bridge removal, bridge replacement and temporary enabling works for phase 1b. Phase 1b comprises of a new flood storage area at Gale, associated works and remaining sections of flood defence walls. This will ensure pace is maintained. The planning application for phase 1a was submitted on 24^th January 2020. Phase 1b is expected to be submitted to planning at Rochdale Borough Council at the end of summer 2020.

Phase 2

Preliminary detailed design for phase 2 (Rochdale) is now underway and the main detailed design study is expected to start in late spring this year – we look forward to engaging with residents, partners and businesses in the area at the same time once we have developed our proposals further.

The Environment Agency are committed to delivering the scheme as quickly as they can and will work closely with Rochdale Borough Council and other partners to ensure they are in a position to start construction works as quickly as possible.

Newsletters

News

Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme Update May 2020

Upcoming Events

To be confirmed subject to restrictions in place for Covid-19.

Contact

The Environment Agency will continue to use Littleborough and Wardleworth Flood Action Groups to share information with residents as well as producing more newsletters and holding public drop-in sessions linked to key stages of the project.

If you are outside the flood area and would like to be kept up to date with the Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme via email, please email FloodResilienceGMMC@environment-agency.gov.uk to be added to the mailing list.

Visit Rochdale Borough Council’s website for flood risk information: www.rochdale.gov.uk/flooding.

You can also follow the Environment Agency on Twitter: @EnvAgencyNW.

The Flood Hub