Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme ... · Phase 2 – River Mersey (north bank) from Kingsway Bridge to Bridgefoot roundabout; and Phase 3 – River Mersey from Kingsway

Environment Agency Title

Mersey Warrington

Flood Risk Management Scheme

Environmental Statement

Non-Technical Summary December 2011

Mersey Warrington Environmental Statement Flood Risk Management Scheme Non-Technical Summary

Non-Technical Summary - Final.doc 1

1 Introduction

1.1 The Environment Agency has submitted a planning application to

Warrington Borough Council to construct a Flood Risk Management Scheme

(FRMS).

1.2 The proposed FRMS would reduce the risk of flooding to people, property

and the environment to a to 1% change of flooding in any one year to the

Howley, Latchford, Padgate, Bruche and Woolston areas of Warrington,

Cheshire.

Location of Proposed Development

1.3 The proposed development comprises the construction of approximately

5km of flood wall and 2.2km of embankment at discrete locations along the

River Mersey corridor between Woolston and Bridgefoot roundabout, along

Padgate Brook at Orford Road and The Twiggeries, and along Spittle Brook

at Cinnamon Brow.

The Purpose and Structure of this Non-Technical Summary

1.4 An Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared to accompany the

planning application for the FRMS. The ES describes the potential positive

and negative impacts of the proposed development and describes how any

adverse impacts are to be addressed.

1.5 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) provides a summary of the ES and is

structured as follows:

Chapter 2 – Background to the Proposed Development;

Chapter 3 - Description of the Proposed Development; and

Chapter 4 - Summary and Conclusions.

1.6 The planning application is also accompanied by a:

Planning Application Supporting Statement;

Design Guide; and

Flood Risk Assessment.

Contact Details

1.7 If you would like any further information or wish to discuss the contents of

this document further please contact either:

Chris Stone, Project Manager, on 01925 542419

Jennifer Craig, Environmental Project Manager, on 01925 542373

Or write to them at:

Mersey Warrington FRMS

Environment Agency

Richard Fairclough House

Knutsford Road

Warrington

Cheshire

WA4 1HG

Or via email at: floodriskwarrington@environment-agency.gov.uk

1.8 If you have any comments relating to the planning application these should

be directed to the Development Control team at Warrington Borough

Council.

2 Background to the Proposed Development

2.1 This section describes the reasons why we propose to build a flood risk

management scheme in Warrington, the options that were considered and

why the proposed scheme was chosen.

2.2 Drawing IMNW000699/GEN/ENV/001 shows the location of the proposed

development in the wider strategic context and key locations and features

referred to below.

Flood Risk in Warrington

2.3 The over-arching objective of Mersey Warrington FRMS is ‘To deliver a

comprehensive scheme to manage the risk to people, property and the

environment from flooding over the next 100 years’.

2.4 Warrington is at risk of flooding from high tides rising up the River Mersey

and from river flows from the River Mersey, Padgate and Spittle Brooks.

Our flood risk maps for Warrington identify approximately 4,000 properties

as being at a 1% chance of flooding in any one year across the town. In

2009, the National Flood Risk Assessment showed that Warrington had the

10th highest number of properties at significant risk of flooding in the country.

2.5 In order to assess the risk of flooding in the study area, a computer model

was developed. This showed that over 624 residential properties and 28

industrial/ commercial properties are at a 5% chance of flooding in any one

year, rising to 2,129 residential properties and 123 industrial/commercial

properties from a 1% annual chance of flooding.

2.6 In February 1990 a high tide resulted in flooding in the Lower Walton,

Knutsford Road and Westy areas affecting 17 residential properties,

approximately 8,000m2 of commercial floor space and a secondary school.

2.7 Further flooding occurred in 1998 and localised flooding of roads and low-

lying areas in tidal reaches were recorded during October/November 2000,

with high tides in February 2002 and March 2006 also coming close to

flooding the Knutsford Road area. Typically, the River Mersey will overtop

its banks every year at the highest annual tides.

2.8 The existing flood walls within Warrington offer varying standards of

protection, estimated as providing up to 1 in 20 year standard.

The Strategic Approach and Alternative Options Considered

2.9 The proposed development is the result of a series of studies assessing the

feasibility and justification for a project to reduce the risk of flooding.

2.10 The Mersey Estuary Catchment Flood Management Plan was published in

December 2009. This study identified the proposed scheme area as being

within a wider area of moderate to high risk of flooding and that further

action should be taken to reduce flood risk. A key action from the plan was

the development of a Flood Risk Management Strategy to improve the

understanding of flood risk in the Warrington area and how it could be

addressed.

2.11 The Warrington Flood Risk Management Strategy was published in January

2010. This also considered a wider area than the proposed scheme.

Following detailed investigations of all options to manage flood risk, we

shortlisted three options:

i) Building of flood walls and embankments;

ii) Removing Howley Weir and building of flood walls and embankments,

albeit to a lesser height than option (i); and

iii) Building a tidal barrier across the River Mersey and flood walls and

embankments to a lesser height than option (i).

2.12 Following an appraisal of the consultation feedback, technical constraints,

the cost of each option and potential impacts on the environment, option (i)

was identified as the preferred option.

2.13 Variations of building flood walls and embankments were appraised during

the Project Appraisal Report (June 2011). The study developed an outline

scheme and provided an assessment of the costs and benefits to support a

business case for the scheme.

2.14 The variations were generally different alignments of defences and different

types of construction methods. As a general principle, earth embankments

were preferred where physical space and ground conditions allowed.

Elsewhere floodwalls were proposed. Where technically feasible, reinforced

concrete floodwalls are preferred; sheet pile floodwalls are proposed only

where ground conditions and/or space constraints prevent alternative

construction methods.

2.15 The preferred scheme was determined through a comparison of the

potential impacts based on the professional judgement and experience of

the appraisal team comprising engineering, operational, planning and

environmental specialists.

2.16 The proposed Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS) was approved by

the Environment Agency’s internal review group in November 2011.

2.17 The proposed scheme excludes two areas identified during the Mersey

Warrington Project Appraisal Report:

i) Along Howley Lane between Howley Sub-station and Holmsfield

Road; and

ii) Between Mersey Walk and Kingsway North, referred to as the Westy

2.18 Both these areas are being built by other developers. The works adjacent to

Howley Lane are already being built. With respect to the works in the Westy

area the developer is proposing to submit a planning application to build

flood structures in parallel to their development. Their proposals have been

developed through liaison with the Environment Agency and would reduce

the risk of flooding to the same standard of protection as the proposed

Mersey Warrington FRMS.

3 Description of the Proposed Development

3.1 The proposed development is generally located on land adjacent to or within

the River Mersey corridor between Woolston and Bridgefoot Roundabout,

and at various locations along Padgate and Spittle Brooks, specifically:

River Mersey – from Woolston Weir to Bridgefoot Roundabout;

Padgate Brook - at Orford Road;

Padgate Brook – from The Twiggeries to the confluence with the River

Mersey; and

Spittle Brook – at Cinnamon Brow.

3.2 For the purposes of appraising the environmental impacts of the scheme the

study area extends beyond the river corridor adjacent to these

watercourses, dependent on the nature of the impact and the receptor

(person and/or environmental feature potentially affected).

3.3 Subject to receiving the necessary planning permission, funding approvals

and other consents, it is proposed to start building Phase 1 in October 2012.

3.4 The proposed development is to be built in three phases:

Phase 1 – River Mersey (south bank) from Kingsway Bridge to

Bridgefoot roundabout, including Victoria Park;

Phase 2 – River Mersey (north bank) from Kingsway Bridge to

Bridgefoot roundabout; and

Phase 3 – River Mersey from Kingsway Bridge to Woolston including

works along Padgate Brook at Orford Road and from The

Twiggeries to the River Mersey, and along Spittle Brook at

Cinnamon Brow.

3.5 We expect that all three phases would be built within 3 years, ending in

September 2015.

3.6 The indicative landscape plans (see drawings IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/001 to

008) accompanying this Non-Technical Summary provide the key features of

the proposed development and should be read alongside the following text.

For a full description of the works, refer to the main Environmental

Statement.

Phase 1

3.7 Phase 1 is approximately 1.28km of new flood embankments and 350m of

flood walls to heights typically up to 1.5m above the adjacent ground level,

with localised heights up to 1.8m.

3.8 A combination of new flood wall and embankment would be built from Black

Bear Park to the rear of commercial/industrial properties on Knutsford

Road/Black Brook Place, and along the Knutsford Road boundary of Victoria

Park to a new, relocated, park entrance.

3.9 The new Victoria Park entrance would be a semi-circular flood wall with 2-

way vehicle access and revised vehicle/pedestrian access to and within the

Artist Impression of Victoria Park Entrance

3.10 The relocated park entrance would require changes to the existing road

layout including the relocation of the Victoria Park bus stop and layby,

relocation of the pedestrian crossing and central reservation.

3.11 Within the park, there would be a new road connecting with Weir Lane

between the Bowling Green and Council’s depot, and a new access road to

the allotments.

3.12 A new flood wall would be built behind the existing electricity sub-station to

the west of the park entrance, creating a compound with separate vehicle

access to Knutsford Road.

3.13 Weir Lane would be permanently closed to vehicles. Access would be either

via the new park entrance or for pedestrians by steps over the new flood

3.14 The flood wall would extend from Victoria Park, along Knutsford Road to the

open space near Halfords Autocentre. At Howley Weir the path would be

locally widened to form a viewing platform, overlooking the river.

Photomontage along Knutsford Road at completion (excludes artwork)

3.15 A new flood wall would be built within the River Mersey to the rear of

commercial properties/open spaces on Knutsford Road to Bridgefoot

roundabout to a height of 1.1m, The wall behind commercial properties

would have security fencing on top to a height of 2.0m and the wall behind

open spaces would have railings on top to a minimum height of 1.4m above

ground level.

3.16 Other works include the demolition of the lean-to extension at the rear of

Halfords Autocentre (73 Knutsford Road) to provide a safe working area for

construction and its subsequent rebuilding. Rock armour would be placed at

the foot of the riverbank at between Howley Weir and Bridgefoot

roundabout.

Phase 2

3.17 Phase 2 is approximately 2.03km of new flood wall and 120m of flood

embankment to heights typically up to 1.3m above the adjacent ground

level.

3.18 A new flood embankment would be built to the rear of the Warrington

Rowing Club to a height of 0.35m.

3.19 A new flood wall would be built over the Padgate Brook bridge (new course)

and new control structure within the river. The flood wall would be extended

to link with the new flood wall around the Howley Lane electricity sub-station

and steps built to maintain pedestrian access along the banks of Padgate

Brook.

3.20 Around the Howley Lane electricity sub-station, a new flood wall would be

built to a maximum height of 2.08m locally increasing the standard of

protection against flooding to a 0.1% chance of flooding in any one year.

The increased standard of protection resulted from additional contributions

from the landowner/ utility provider. A ramp with flood gate would provide

vehicle access to the sub-station from Howley Lane and steps built to

provide emergency pedestrian egress.

3.21 A new flood wall would be built between Farrell Street and the Howley

Suspension Bridge ranging in height from 0.15m to 0.86m, with localised

ramps over the wall to maintain access. Other works include works to the

Padgate Brook (old course) and a control structure within the river, the

backfilling of the disused spillway at Howley Lane and structures to enable

water trapped on the dryside of the wall to drain back into the river.

3.22 A new flood wall would be built from the Howley Suspension Bridge to the

rear of the riverside path (Mersey Way) to the Riverside Retail Park on

Wharf Street ranging in height from 0.25m to 1.24m height above ground

level, with ramps over the wall to maintain access. Other works include

modifications to existing fire escape steps from properties on the Wharf

Street industrial estate and localised building up of the road surface by

approx. 0.3m at the Wharf Street/Vernon Street junction.

Phase 3

3.23 Phase 3 is approximately 2.0km of new flood wall and 1.5km of flood

embankment to heights typically up to 1.4m above the adjacent ground

level.

3.24 A new flood wall would be built to the rear of properties along Weir

Lane/Edward Gardens up to a height 1.4m above ground level with

pedestrian access to riverside footpath via new steps and new close

boarded fencing to a height of 1.8m above ground level to provide security

to properties. The new flood wall would run along the riverside track south

of the disused New Cut Canal at a height of 0.4m to 0.93m above ground

level with access steps and vehicle floodgate to reinstate paths. A short

length of flood embankment, to a height of 0.87m to 2.08m above ground

level would be constructed within open ground adjacent to Woolston Weir

with ramps to reinstate paths.

3.25 A new flood wall would be built to a height of 1.10m above ground level to

the rear of properties on Bridge Lane Industrial Estate with earth

embankment and ramp connecting to existing embankment to the east.

Localised ground raising would be undertaken to a height of 1.10m to the

east of the Bridge Lane Industrial Estate to infill a low point in existing

embankment along River Mersey meander downstream of Woolston Weir.

3.26 A new flood wall would be built to a height of 0.49m to the rear of properties

on Wilkinson Avenue with new closed board fencing to a height of 1.8m

above ground level to provide security to properties. A new flood wall would

be built from Bennett Avenue to Paddington Bank to a height of 0.6m to

1.0m above adjacent ground. In addition the river bank would be stabilised

by sheet piles and localised reprofiling of the bank.

3.27 The ground level of the public open space at Paddington Bank/Kingsway

North would be raised by 0.86m with a new flood wall adjacent to a new

maintenance vehicle access. A new flood wall would extend from the public

open space to the Kingsway North allotments, to a height of 0.64m to 1.13m

above adjacent ground level with ramps over defences to provide access. A

new flood embankment would be constructed on the riverside of the

Kingsway North allotments, to a height of up to 1.0m above existing ground

level with vehicle and pedestrian access ramps over the defences.

3.28 At The Twiggeries a new 1.35m high flood embankment would be built to the

rear of properties on Kingsway North. A new river channel would be created

to connect with Padgate Brook both to the north and south and with

localised widening out to form ponds. A control structure would be built

within Padgate Brook to the north to maintain flowing water along both the

existing Padgate Brook and new river. Bridges would be built over the new

channel for footpath access. Either side of the new channel would be

planted up with reedbed to provide a new habitat. Signs would be erected to

inform members of the public that the land is liable to flooding.

3.29 At Orford Road a new 1.4m high flood embankment would be constructed to

the rear of properties to a height of 1.4m above existing ground level from

Padgate Brook/the railway line to Birchwood Way with ramps for access and

a turning head for maintenance vehicles. To the east, a new river channel

would be created, extending the open length of Padgate Brook from the

railway line north to the existing bridge crossing. Gaps would be opened up

within the existing embankment along Padgate Brook to enable the open

space to provide floodwater storage. A new flood wall would be constructed

around the Gas High Pressure Regulator Station.

3.30 The scheme at Solway Close is a combination of flood embankment and

walls less than 600mm high, comprising embankment through Poulton Park

Golf Club, flood wall along the vehicle access track, to the rear of properties

of Solway Close, embankment between Enfield Park Road and Spittle Brook

and flood wall to the rear of properties on Enfield Park Road/St Andrews

Close.

4 Summary and Conclusions

4.1 This section summarises the key environmental baseline conditions, the

mitigation measures that may remove or reduce any adverse impacts arising

from the proposed development, and the conclusions from the Environment

Impact Assessment for each of the environmental receptors.

Ecology

4.2 Information was gathered through a combination of desk based research,

site visits, consultation and field survey. The field survey was agreed with

WBC’s Natural Environment Officer to ensure that information was detailed

enough to assess the potential ecological impacts across all three phases of

development, whilst recognising that further survey would be required to

update these findings for phases 2 and 3 to support both detailed design

and before starting construction.

4.3 Historic fish survey data indicate greater densities of fish in the Woolston

Weir to Howley Weir stretch of the River Mersey, crossing all three phases

of the scheme. From Carrington Pumping Station to Woolston New Cut

(upstream of the scheme proposals) and from Woolston New Cut to the

freshwater limit at Howley Weir (all three phases) are designated waters

under the Freshwater Fish Directive 2006. The River Mersey is an important

route for migratory fish species between the Irish Sea and upper freshwater

reaches.

Phase 1

4.4 There are no nationally, regionally or locally important wildlife sites within or

adjacent to Phase 1. The trees and scrub areas of Victoria Park, Black Bear

Park and along the banks of the River Mersey are used by breeding birds.

However, trees were assessed as having low bat roost potential and unlikely

to support roosting bats. Two species of bats, common pipistrelle and

soprano pipistrelle were recorded during the survey, although it was

determined that the scheme had low potential for commuting and foraging

bats. Badger survey indicated presence, the details of which are available

only on request in order to protect from persecution. The River Mersey may

be a key route through which otter re-colonise within the county; however,

no signs of otter were found during Phase 1 habitat survey, albeit all

watercourses within the catchment have potential for use by otter. There

were no signs of water vole recorded during Phase 1 habitat survey and no

records exist for water vole within the area. No populations of great crested

newt were identified during surveys.

Phase 2

4.5 There are no nationally, regionally or locally important wildlife sites within or

adjacent to the phase 2. Due to the urbanisation of the area, opportunity for

breeding birds was considered to be limited, albeit there is potential where

trees/scrub exist.

4.6 No signs of otter were found, although there is potential for their presence.

None of the features (tree/buildings etc) were confirmed as having bat

presence, although some features, notably Warrington Rowing Club

building, have moderate potential to support roosting bats. Based on

existing survey records, potential for water vole in the downstream reaches

of Padgate Brook is considered to be high and therefore a precautionary

approach has been taken during assessment. No records or indications of

badger or great crested newt were found.

Phase 3

4.7 There is one nationally designated wildlife site, the Woolston Eyes SSSI,

with potential to be affected by Phase 3, situated on the adjacent bank at

Bridge Lane Industrial and Weir Lane, Woolston. In addition, there are 3

locally designated sites: Paddington Meadows SINC, Woolston New Cut

Canal SINC and the Twiggeries SINC. Based on existing survey records,

potential for water vole in Padgate Brook is considered to be high, most

notably through The Twiggeries, at Orford Road and adjacent to Spittle

Brook at Cinnamon Brow. There is moderate opportunity for breeding birds

due to the diversity of habitats including wetland, woodland and hedgerows,

in areas such as Paddington Meadows and The Twiggeries. None of the

features were confirmed as having bat presence during survey and the

majority of features across all sites were considered to have low bat

potential. No signs of otter were found, albeit there remains potential for

presence. No records or indications of badger or great crested newt were

found.

4.8 Mitigation measures include a combination of:

General good practice, keeping working areas to a minimum and fenced

off to prevent damage to adjacent vegetation;

Reinstatement/planting up of disturbed areas;

Removing trees/shrub suitable for nesting birds outside the bird nesting

period of March to July inclusive;

Keeping riverside vegetation as far as possible;

Keeping trees/linear features suitable for bat commuting/foraging as far

as possible;

Supervision of tree felling by a Natural England licenced bat ecologist

where identified potential for bat roost; and works to be undertaken when

bats are most active, ie between March-May and September-October;

Installing bat boxes to compensate for any loss of trees with bat roost

potential;

Water vole survey to establish population size where works have

potential to disturb habitat and identification of appropriate mitigation

measures if needed;

Temporary measures to prevent water voles using working areas where

no water vole are present;

Changing the defence design/alignment to avoid badger setts and timing

the works to avoid breeding season (incorporated into Phase 1);

Phasing construction, setting back defences; and construction best

practice to reduce impacts / disturbance to fisheries;

A review of detailed construction methods where over-pumping may be

required (potentially Spittle Brook at Cinnamon Brow and Padgate Brook

at confluences with River Mersey and within The Twiggeries) and

identification of mitigation measures if required; and

Keep under review detailed design for phases 2 and 3 to ensure that any

changes to the scheme from the indicative alignments would not have

adverse environmental effects and try to include further beneficial

effects.

4.9 These mitigation measures would control and minimise the potential adverse

effects on ecology, reducing the significance of adverse effect generally to

negligible. In conclusion, the only remaining adverse effects would be

minor adverse effect on semi-natural broadleaved woodland and plantation;

a minor adverse effect to otter, breeding birds and to bat-roosting potential

and foraging habitat; and a minor to moderate adverse effects on badgers

limited to Phase 1.

4.10 Planned environmental improvements including: the restoration work to

Padgate Brook at the Twiggeries; the removal of a culvert on Padgate Brook

at Orford Road; the placement of bat and bird boxes on the site; and

replacement tree and scrub planting; and wildflower planting will have a

positive impact on biodiversity.

Landscape and Visual Amenity

4.11 Each of the three phases includes residential properties either immediately

adjacent to or overlooking the proposed working areas. The study area also

includes several local commercial and light industrial areas and one school.

Main routes include Kingsway North, Orford Road and Knutsford Road

(A50), and Birchwood Way (A574) to the north east.

4.12 Victoria Park is a significant area of open space close to the town centre.

Other significant open spaces, more natural in character, include the

Twiggeries, Paddington Meadows and Woolston New Cut, all accessible by

public access routes. The Greenway Network is a system of existing and

potential off-road routes for walking and cycling, linking green spaces

throughout the urban area and connecting them to the countryside. The

proposed development affects a diverse range of landscape types, including

natural, semi-natural and ornamental mature tree and shrub cover primarily

along the River Mersey.

4.13 There are no statutory or non-statutory designated landscape near the

proposed development. Key landscape features include the broad river-

valley focusing on the River Mersey and its tributaries with large scale highly

visible industrial development and dense network of transport infrastructure.

4.14 Locally the landscape is generally flat and low-lying with the River Mersey

creating a physical and visual separation between urban areas to the north

and south. The river and its tributaries are typically lined with trees and

shrubs creating a strong sense of enclosure.

4.15 Sensitive receptors have been identified as residential properties, users of

open space and leisure, road users, and the employees and customers of

local businesses and facilities.

4.16 To reduce the potential effects on the landscape and visual amenity, a

number of mitigation measures have been proposed, including:

Protection of vegetation near the construction works, as set out within

the Tree Removal, Retention and Temporary Tree Protection Plans;

Reinstatement of disturbed grass verges and ground on the wet-side of

the new flood structures;

Replacement tree/shrub planting; and

Improvements and extensions to the riverside walkways and

construction of new steps/ramps to maintain the path network over

structures.

4.17 Even with mitigation measures, there will be significant temporary, adverse

landscape and visual impacts from the vegetation clearance and

construction throughout all three phases. These will persist for the duration

of construction and may result in cumulative effects due to the proximity of

neighbouring sites along the river.

4.18 On completion of the scheme there will still be temporary and permanent

landscape and visual effects from mature vegetation loss and the

introduction of new elements (flood walls and embankments) on the

character of the study area and receptors’ views.

4.19 Knutsford Road will experience the most significant landscape effects due to

loss of tree cover; changes in streetscape character resulting from the flood

defences restricting views of the park and river at Howley Weir; and greater

proportion of hard surfaces in the streetscape. There will be cumulative loss

of vegetative cover across the river at Parkdale Industrial Estate. Once new

planting has matured, the landscape effects will decrease. There may still

be a sense of on-street enclosure generated by the flood defences but this

will have a limited impact on landscape character due to their limited height.

4.20 15 years after the flood defences have been built, there should be no effects

on landscape character for the majority of residential properties, users of

open space and leisure, road users, and the employees and customers of

local businesses and facilities. However, there may still be minor adverse for

a small number of these receptors, including Knutsford Road. There will be

a minor/moderate beneficial effect on landscape character in several

locations including at the entrance to Victoria Park, The Twiggeries and

open space east of Orford Road.

4.21 In terms of visual effects the most significant change is from vegetation

clearance and flood wall construction at Knutsford Road; and flood

embankment construction west of Kingsway North at The Twiggeries. There

will also be visual effects from vegetation clearance along the river corridor

boundaries. The flood structures are limited in size and nowhere within the

scheme will they permanently block views for pedestrians though ground

floor views for some residents will be reduced.

4.22 15 years after the flood defences are built the majority of visual receptors will

not be affected. There may be minor adverse for a limited number of

residential properties along Knutsford Road and Kingsway North. There will

be a minor/moderate beneficial effect on visual amenity for users of Victoria

Park, The Twiggeries and open space east of Orford Road.

Cultural Heritage

4.23 The river corridor has been used from the prehistoric periods as a route of

communication, a trade route and a fording point across the river (which is

the last crossing point before the sea). There is little evidence of direct

prehistoric settlement in the area. The footprint of the scheme contains

varying levels of archaeological potential both within and on the edges of the

river bank. Features associated with exploitation of the river’s resources

might survive as preserved organic remains amongst the buried river silts.

4.24 There is also a high potential for buried palaeoenvironmental remains both

within the river and the riverbank areas. Former old courses of the River

Mersey are likely to survive underground.

4.25 The study area includes a number of designated and non designated sites.

The key cultural heritage interest features within or nearby the proposed

scheme are:

Phase 1

Howley Footbridge - Grade II listed bridge that connects the right bank

of the River Mersey with Victoria Park;

Three further listed buildings within the surrounding area: The Old

Warps in Victoria Park (Grade II); No. 484 Knutsford Road (Grade II);

and The Black Bear Pub (Grade II);

Non-designated finds in/around the scheme including: possible Civil

War mound, buried remains from the site of a former 17th century

mansion house at Latchford Grange, site of former Manor Tannery,

ancient ford crossing over the River Mersey, The Manor Lock, and

several find spots along/adjacent to Knutsford Road including former

Latchford Cotton Mill, site of St James’ Church and Graveyard, site of

Latchford Old cotton Mill, former timber yards on Knutsford Road, site

of pin, file and tool works, Latchford Wire and Brush works, site of

timber yard on Wilderspool Causeway, site of Arginstall and Co Wire

Works and site of timber yard on School Street;

Phase 2

Howley Footbridge - Grade II listed bridge that connects the right bank

of the River Mersey with Victoria Park;

Bridge Street Conservation Area which straddles both sides of the

River Mersey near Warrington Bridge;

Four further listed buildings within the surrounding area: The Royal

Oak Pub on Bridge Street; The Old Academy on Bridge Street; bronze

statue of Oliver Cromwell; and cast iron K3 telephone box;

Located within an area identified as Area of Archaeological Potential

which covers the historic core of the town and to the north of the River

Mersey,

Non-designated finds in/around the scheme including: the site of

Mersey Bank Chemical Works No 1; site of Castle India Rubber works;

site of Mersey Flour Mills; four archaeological monuments; and four

further monuments/find spots within the wider area including site of

cuckstool, site of Whalley’s Yard Tannery and Friary; site of brewery

on Moulder’s Lane and sit eof Phoenix Works;

Phase 3

Orford Hotel - listed building in vicinity of proposed works at Orford

Non-designated finds in/around the scheme including: line of the Bye

Wash/Feeder at Manor Locks, aqueduct to the Warrington-Latchford

Canal; Woolston New Cut; Woolston Lock; and site of Nos 263 and

265 Padgate Lane which used to be a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

4.26 To reduce the potential effects on cultural heritage features and their setting,

a number of mitigation measures have been proposed, including:

Phase 1

South-east corner of Victoria Park - watching brief during early stages

of construction to assess potential for buried archaeology in

association with ancient ford over the River Mersey and appropriate

recording;

St James Church and Graveyard – protective matting across the site

to reduce impact from construction vehicles on potential remains;

heras fencing to be erected to provide protection as necessary; and

watching brief over the digging of pits for replacement tree planting. If

human remains or other archaeological features are discovered during

excavation, these would be left in-situ and the tree-pit relocated;

Phase 2

Howley Footbridge - sensitive design of flood defences during detailed

design and associated landscape reinstatement scheme;

Site of former Mersey Chemical Works No 1 – watching brief over

trench excavations for flood wall;

Site of former Mersey Flour Mills – if reinforced concrete flood wall

construction then watching brief over trench excavation;

Phase 3

Woolston New Cut – watching brief/recording exercise over short

section of flood wall adjacent to the New Cut, the need or otherwise is

to be determined during detailed design;

The Twiggeries – intermittent watching brief during early-stage

construction as precautionary measures;

Cinnamon Brow – intermittent watching brief during early-stage

construction; and

Orford Road – intermittent watching brief during early-stage

construction.

4.27 Overall the scheme will be beneficial to designated and non-designated built

heritage in the long-term by reducing the risk of flooding throughout the

Mersey corridor in Warrington. The new flood walls will change the historic

settings of some of the designated structures along the course of the

scheme, but these changes will be, at worst, minor adverse. It is also worth

noting that most of these designations have had their settings changed

throughout their existence from general development activity.

4.28 Inserting sheet piles can be destructive to buried archaeological deposits,

although no known archaeological features would be affected by the

scheme.

Land Use and Recreation

4.29 The study area primarily comprises a combination of residential and

industrial/commercial (business and retail) properties, with notable formal

and informal open recreational space most notably Victoria Park and The

Twiggeries, and infrastructure facilities.

4.30 There are no national or regional footpaths or Sustrans cycle paths that pass

through the study area. There are no Public Rights of Way (PRoW) within

Phases 1 or 2; there are 7 PRoW within Phase 3, located across the

Wilkinson Avenue to Kingsway Bridge, Woolston Weir, Orford Road and

Solway Close areas. WBC has also identified potential PRoW across all

three phases of the scheme. Furthermore, the Greenway Network, provides

a borough-wide network of existing and potential off-road routes for walking,

cycling and in some locations horse-riding. There are several local foot and

cycle paths, including Warrington’s Watery Heritage (Phase 1), Howley

Heritage Trail (Phase 2), and the Mersey Way (Phase 2 and Phase 3 in the

Woolston area only).

4.31 Several recreational clubs use the River Mersey corridor and its tributaries,

most notably Warrington Anglers Association which lease fishing rights on

both banks of the River Mersey between Woolston Weir and Bridgefoot

roundabout, and Warrington Rowing Club whose clubhouse is situated off

Howley Lane with slipway into the River Mersey.

4.32 Future land use is guided by the adopted Warrington Unitary Development

Plan, emerging Core Strategy, the Warrington Regeneration Framework and

other land use and recreation strategies.

4.33 The proposed development and associated landscaping reinstatement

scheme have been designed to minimise the impacts on land use and

recreation, and includes the following mitigation measures:

Working with landowners to agree scheme and reinstatement

proposals;

Reinstatement of PRoW, locally recognised trails and access;

Where necessary for defences to cross existing PRoW and trails,

reinstatement will be designed to be accessible to disabled persons

where feasible;

Reinstatement of the public open recreational space including

improvements to the landscape where feasible;

Re-establishment of access from private gardens to riverside paths

where defence alignment coincides with existing property boundary.

10.4.1 The following further mitigation measures would be undertaken during

detailed design of Phases 2 and 3, and during the construction of all three

phases:

Liaison with landowners/tenants to agree working arrangements,

including programming works to reduce/eliminate adverse impact on

seasonally-critical activities as far as possible;

Minimising the working area and/or moving the working area in stages

as work progresses to reduce the extent and duration of land-take in

any one area;

Providing temporary alternative access to landowners;

Using vacant land (subject to landowner agreement) for the main site

compound (Navigation Street); and

Temporary diversion of PRoW and locally recognised trails.

4.34 The proposed development would have permanent benefits to the users of

Victoria Park through a revitalised entrance, upgraded road links, increased

parking and the enhancements incorporated into the landscape scheme.

There would also be benefits to the electricity sub-stations at Victoria Park

and Howley Lane, and the gas compound at Orford Road, through increased

flood protection.

4.35 Permanent adverse effects have generally been assessed as either minor or

minor/moderate significance, and include the closure of Weir Lane, albeit

alternative vehicle, disabled and cycle access would be achieved via the

new park entrance; Warrington Rowing Club although this would not

constrain either their existing use or plans for future expansion, and access

to the slipway would be unobstructed; potential to effect to the pumping

station at Cinnamon Brow; Bridge Lane Industrial Estate, primarily affecting

unit 9b; the agricultural grazing land and railway embankment at Orford

Road/The Bennett Recreational Ground; and at Poulton Golf Course at

Cinnamon Brow. These are generally due to the minor land-take required to

construct flood walls/embankment. However, none of these prevent the

continued existing use of the land, albeit they may require some adaptation.

4.36 Temporary effects on land use are generally adverse, from the partial-land

take for the construction working area and disruption to access. These

effects would not prevent the continued use of the land and we will provide

alternative means of access either through diversion or negotiation with the

relevant landowner/tenant.

4.37 There would be no significant permanent effects on recreational routes.

Temporary effects on recreational routes are generally from temporary path

diversions, with the exception of the PRoW / local Sustrans route at Weir

Lane, where local diversions would not be feasible as there are no nearby

alternative bridge crossings of the River Mersey.

4.38 There may be some permanent loss of access to fishing rights over limited

lengths between Wilkinson Avenue and Kingsway Bridge; however, this may

be mitigated during detailed design of Phase 2. There would also be some

temporary disruption to access for fishing during construction.

4.39 There were no permanent effects identified on future land use aspirations.

4.40 The over-riding benefit of the proposed scheme is the increase to the

standard of protection against flooding for 2,129 residential and 123

industrial/commercial properties within Warrington.

Traffic and Transport

4.41 The River Mersey runs through the borough of Warrington in an east-west

direction, which results in bottlenecks to north-south transport movements at

crossings. Within Warrington there exist only two “crossing” points (the A49

Chester Road / Mersey Street corridor and the A50 Kingsway Bridge). The

M6 Thelwall viaduct (to the east) and the A533 Silver Jubilee Bridge (to the

west) offer the alternative, but more distant, routes.

4.42 At a level local to the scheme the key transport routes that could be as

affected are:

Knutsford Road corridor – an east-west vehicular route to the south of

the River Mersey, providing access to the southern suburbs of

Warrington, including Latchford. The route runs immediately

alongside the river for a stretch between the A49 and Victoria Park,

and it is also located directly along the southern boundary of Victoria

Manchester Road corridor – an-east-west vehicular route between

Warrington Town Centre and junction 21 of the M6, and serving the

eastern Warrington communities including Woolston. Access from

Manchester Road will be required via local routes for the Bridge Lane

and Weir Lane compounds in Phase 3;

Kingsway North corridor – a north-south corridor offering one of two

opportunities to cross the River Mersey in Warrington;

Orford Road / Birchwood Way corridor – Bordering the western and

northern extents of the Orford Road works, these routes are key local

routes to the east of Warrington Town Centre;

Manchester – Liverpool Railway Line – running in an east-west

direction along the southern fringe of the Orford Road site, the line

provides the main rail route between the major cities of Manchester

and Liverpool; and

Routes alongside the scheme – in addition to the individual routes

considered above, there exists a number of local routes, public rights

of way and footpaths in the immediate vicinity of the scheme.

4.43 Building the flood defences will create traffic and the surrounding network

will experience some abnormal loads and increased numbers of Heavy

Goods Vehicles and traffic associated with construction related staff.

4.44 To reduce the potential adverse effects on traffic and transport during the

construction stage, the following mitigation measures have been proposed:

Phase 1

ML5 Temporary Haul Route - appropriate traffic management

measures to ensure that the impact on all users, particularly vehicle

and pedestrian users of Knutsford Road, is minimised, to be agreed

with WBC;

ML5 Temporary Closure of Black Brook Park (adopted highway) –

suitable diversion routes to minimise disruption to pedestrians;

ML5/ML6 Temporary Closures of footpaths/disruption to access to

Victoria Park – suitable diversion routes to minimise disruption to

pedestrians;

ML5/ML6 Temporary Traffic Management to accommodate works to

Victoria Park entrance and Knutsford Road Retainer – appropriate

traffic management measures including relocation of bus

stops/pedestrian crossings;

ML6/ML7 Temporary closure of Knutsford Road footway – suitable

diversion routes to minimise disruption to pedestrians and relocation of

bus stops;

ML8 Access for Piling Rig – all vehicle access/egress from site

compound and working areas to be agreed with WBC in advance;

Generation of a Traffic Management Plan to be agreed with WBC in

advance of construction;

Phase 2

MR5 Temporary lane closure between Farrell Street and Navigation

Street – appropriate traffic management measures;

MR5 Temporary closure of local trail – suitable diversion routes to

minimise disruption to pedestrians;

MR5 Temporary disruption during works over Padgate Brook bridges –

appropriate traffic management;

MR6 Temporary Road Closure of Wharf Street – appropriate traffic

management measures including potential temporary opening of

access to Sutton Street to provide alternative access;

MR6 Temporary closure of local trail - suitable diversion routes to

minimise disruption to pedestrians;

All vehicle access to/from site compound and working areas to be

agreed with WBC in advance. Full consideration of trips generated

during Phase 2 would be identified within the Traffic Management Plan

and appropriate mitigation measures identified;

Phase 3

MR1 Temporary closure of Public Right of Way/local trail - alternative

suitable footway provisions;

MR1 Access to Woolston Weir – Traffic control to be provided where

necessary;

MR2 Access to site by landowners/tenants – liaison with

landowners/tenants to agree access arrangements; various options to

be considered during detailed design;

MR3 Temporary closure of Public Right of Way/local trail - alternative

suitable footway provisions;

MR3/MR4 Temporary closure along Paddington Bank – alternative

traffic management measures including land closure, parking

restrictions and creation of temporary one-way system;

MR4 Temporary closure of Kingsway North footway and relocation of

bus stops – alternative suitable footway provision and relocated bus

stop to appropriate location; and

All vehicle access to/from site compound and working areas to be

agreed with WBC in advance. Full consideration of trips generated

during Phase 3 would be identified within the Traffic Management Plan

and appropriate mitigation measures identified.

4.45 Once the scheme is built, there will be no further deliveries to the site, nor

any fuels or waste removed. Therefore, traffic to the flood defences will only

be vehicles associated with the annual inspection and maintenance of the

defences. However, there are a number of locations where the proposed

scheme would require some permanent changes to adopted highways and

public rights of way.

4.46 To reduce the potential adverse permanent effects on traffic and transport

the following mitigation measures have been proposed:

Relocated Victoria Park entrance - New 2-way vehicle access ramped

over the defence to Knutsford Road and revised vehicle / pedestrian

access within the park to reinstate connectivity with existing access. A

new vehicle access would be provided between Knutsford Road and

the electricity sub-station;

Relocated Victoria Park entrance conflicts with bus stop and

pedestrian crossing – relocated bus stop and pedestrian crossing;

Closure of Weir Lane – DDA/cycle access provided via new Victoria

Park entrance with pedestrian access provided via steps over flood

Vehicle access to allotments to be relocated;

Access to Howley Lane electricity sub-station – ramp with flood gate to

provide vehicular access and pedestrian steps to north for emergency

access.

4.47 In conclusion the temporary impacts on traffic from construction would

generally be mitigated to have insignificant effects; however some slight

adverse effects remain due to the nature of the scheme, such as the need

for localised diversion routes, the temporary road closure of Wharf Street

and short-term localised diversion through Sutton Street, temporary closure

of the PRoWs at Woolston Weir and through Orford Road where no suitable

diversion is feasible, and temporary lane closure along Paddington Bank.

4.48 Permanent impacts on traffic and transport are mainly insignificant with

proposed mitigation measures in place. Additionally, there would be some

positive impacts associated with aspects of the scheme including the

widening of Victoria Park entrance and widened riverside foot and cycle

paths.

Water Environment

4.49 It was determined at scoping stage that the proposed scheme may affect

water quality during construction and may also have permanent effects on

geomorphology/hydromorphology.

Water Framework Directive

4.50 Impacts upon hydromorphology/geomorphology have been considered in a

Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessment to determine

whether the construction of the scheme would adversely affect the water

body, or prevent improvements being made to the water bodies in the future.

4.51 The WFD classifies rivers in terms of how much they have been modified by

humans. This classification includes artificial water bodies created by

humans where no water body previously existed (such as canals) and

heavily modified water bodies (HMWB) whose physical characteristics have

been substantially changed. Four separate water bodies have been

identified within the study area:

Mersey Estuary (Transitional/Estuarine water body) – Identified as a

HMWB with moderate ecological potential and failing current chemical

quality. The WFD objective is to achieve good ecological potential by

2027 and high chemical status by 2027;

River Mersey from Manchester Ship Canal to Howley Weir (including

Padgate Brook) – Identified as a HWMB with moderate ecological

potential and failing current chemical quality. The WFD objective is to

achieve good ecological potential by 2027 and high chemical status by

Spittle Brook – identified as a HMWB with moderate ecological

potential. The WFD objective is to achieve good ecological potential

by 2027; and

Lower Mersey Basin and North Merseyside Permo-Triassic Sandstone

Aquifers (Groundwater) – identified as poor current chemical quality.

The WFD objective is to attain poor quantitative status by 2015 and

poor chemical status by 2015.

4.52 One of the main reasons for the HMWB designation of the River Mersey is

the existing presence of flood structures at various locations along its length.

Water Quality

4.53 The River Mersey (from Manchester Ship Canal to Howley Weir) is currently

failing the chemical water quality due to the presence of three priority

hazardous substances. It is also classified as moderate for dissolved oxygen

levels and poor for ammonia and phosphates. Spittle Brook has not been

assessed for chemical quality but is classified as poor for ammonia,

dissolved oxygen and moderate for phosphates.

Groundwater

4.54 The superficial deposits across the central area of Warrington (and

extending along the flanks of the River Mersey) are classified as a

Secondary aquifer with soils classified as having high leaching potential.

4.55 The whole area is considered to form part of the total catchment of a Source

Protection Zone (SPZ); these areas are designated around groundwater

sources used to supply public drinking water. The outer zones of the SPZs

are located north of the M62, approximately 500m from Solway Close.

4.56 To reduce the potential adverse effects on water quality during construction

the contractor will be required to undertake the works in accordance with the

Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines, CIRIA Report 156:

Control of water pollution from construction sites and, where relevant,

legislative and construction best practice with regards to demolition and

construction works. Furthermore, the contractor will be required to ensure

relevant training and staff awareness of site procedures.

4.57 In addition, the following measures are to be adopted where appropriate:

Control of sediment and run-off form working areas;

On-site drainage, interception and collection of run-off.

Disposal of surface water runoff to sewers or tankered to the nearest

Sewage Treatment Work; discharge to watercourses would be

permitted only where approval from the EA has been obtained. The

relevant sections of BS6031: Code of Practice for Earthworks for the

general control of site drainage will be followed;

Control of dewatering activities by use of sheet piles, diaphragm walls

and other groundwater exclusion techniques;

Disposal of pumped out water to grassed land or into an

infiltration/settlement basin or soakaway as appropriate to the volume

and nature of water;

Dewatering pumping out/return to be at a sufficiently slow rate to

permit water to infiltrate and prevent scour;

Dewatering pumps to be mounted on a tray to catch fuel and drained

regularly;

Spill kits to be on hand in case of emergency with relevant staff

trained in their deployment; and

Works with potential to give rise to degradations in water quality to be

undertaken during dry weather, as far as is possible.

4.58 With the adoption of proposed mitigation measures the risk of pollution

during construction would be controlled and effects would be minor adverse

to negligible.

4.59 The WFD assessment found that the flood defence scheme will not

permanently affect the hydromorphology of the River Mersey, Padgate

Brook or Spittle Brook. Some aspects of the scheme will have beneficial

effects by removing the culvert at Orford Road and restoring the wetland

habitat at The Twiggeries..

Contaminated Land

4.60 The contaminated land assessment comprised a detailed assessment of the

potential risks within Phase 1 to assess the potential ground hazards

including both land stability and contamination, and the associated

influences upon the ground engineering, controlled waters and upon human

health.

4.61 For Phases 2 and 3 a preliminary scoping assessment has been undertaken

to examine the issues which may need to be addressed during detailed

design and to accompany applications for the approval of reserved matters.

Phase 1

4.62 The current land uses with potential for contamination within Phase 1

include a car rental site with petrol/diesel filling points and associated

underground fuel storage tanks and an automotive repair garage to the west

between the River Mersey and Knutsford Road. To the east, within Victoria

Park, allotments are present which may be associated with the use of

pesticides or spreading of ash. Historical land uses with potential for

contamination along the site include a graveyard and site of the former

Mersey Bank Chemical Works, all of which are located to the west between

the River Mersey and Knutsford Road at the approximate location of the

existing car rental site and automotive repair garage. To the east is the in-

filled Latchford Canal within Victoria Park. No information on the structure of

the canal or what material was used for its infill has been obtained.

Historical plans also indicate that a building located in Victoria Park was

once called “The Old Warps” (now the Spirit restaurant) indicating that land

reclamation may have taken place in the area. Where areas of ground have

been reclaimed, there may be the possibility of Le Blanc waste (galligu)

deposited in the 19th century, which was commonly tipped within Warrington

during this period, particularly in the use of raising ground levels and for

infilling old river channels.

4.63 Accordingly, there is potential for contaminants across Phase 1;

investigations carried out during 2010 identified the presence of asbestos,

arsenic, extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH), concentrations of PAH

and phenol at various locations across Phase 1. No groundwater was

analysed within Phase 1 boreholes and no testing undertaken for pesticides

or herbicides, or Polychlorinated Biphenyl’s (PCBs).

4.64 The likely receptors sensitive to potential contamination are:

Controlled waters;

Humans;

Building fabric (buried concrete); and

The wider environment.

4.65 The potential for aggressive ground conditions is anticipated to vary across

the site; appropriate grade concrete will be assessed and used to mitigate

conditions.

4.66 Potential effects during construction of Phase 1 prior to mitigation were

identified as:

Humans (residents) – residents inhaling dust borne asbestos and

metals;

Humans (construction workers) – contact with hydrocarbons, metals

and asbestos by contact or inhalation;

Controlled waters (aquifer) – monitoring wells acting as pathways for

contamination migration; and

Controlled waters (River Mersey) – run-off and surface water drainage.

4.67 Potential effects during the operation of Phase 1 were identified as:

Humans (users of public open spaces) – contact, ingestion and/or

inhalation of metals and organics;

Building fabric – aggressive ground conditions attacking the concrete;

Controlled waters – direct impact by substances leached from soils.

Phase 2

4.68 Current and historical land uses with potential for contamination include the

electricity sub-station, the Central and Howley tanneries, a transport depot,

paper and saw mills. Ground investigations reported elevated

concentrations of lead and zinc near Howley Quay in made ground, as well

as elevated concentrations of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Elevated

concentrations of chromium were identified within Phase 2; further sampling

and analysis is required to determine the potential risk to human health.

Elevated concentrations or coliforms were identified in made ground in the

vicinity of the former Howley Tannery, which could post a risk to human

health, particularly construction workers. Furthermore, elevated

concentrations of faecal coliforms were recorded in groundwater obtained

from boreholes at the same location. Leachable concentrations were also

identified within made ground at Howley Quay.

4.69 Likely receptors for the above would be similar to those identified for Phase

Phase 3

4.70 The stretch of land between Kingsway Bridge and Woolston New Cut Canal

and the Twiggeries did not show significant current and historical land uses

with potential for contamination, consisting primarily of residential, public

open space and allotments. However, elevated concentrations of chromium

were identified at these locations; further sampling and analysis is required

to determinate the potential risk to human health. Ground investigations for

Woolston and Solway Close did not record the presence of any

contaminants likely to give risk to risks to human health. Potential for

pesticides and ash has been identified within the allotments although this

was not identified during ground investigations.

4.71 No analysis of groundwater samples or leachate tested was undertaken at

this time to assess risks to controlled waters. No ground investigation data

is available for Orford Road at this time.

4.72 Likely receptors for the above would be similar to those identified for Phase

1 with the inclusion of Spittle and Padgate Brooks.

4.73 To reduce the potential adverse effects the following mitigation measures

will be employed:

During Construction of Phase 1

Best practice measures in accordance with Health and Safety

Executive guidance, including dust suppression such as dampening

exposed soils and wheel washes for site vehicles as appropriate;

Potential for air monitoring within/outside the construction areas, if

deemed necessary;

Site hygiene measures for construction workers such as appropriate

personal protective equipment and washing facilities;

Locating and decommissioning of acquifer wells in accordance with

standard guidance;

Adherence to best practice guidance including Environment Agency

Pollution Prevention Guidance, such as bunding of oil tanks, use of

drip trays and preparation including emergency spillage action plan;

Design of buried structures to appropriate guidance to reduce risk of

aggressive attack on concrete;

Management of excavated contaminated soils, ie temporary storage

on covered ground and stockpiled covered to prevent contaminated

run-off, prior to its re-use on site or disposed of off-site in an

appropriately licences facility;

During Operation of Phase 1

Severance of potential pathways by presence of hard standings and

flood structures, and/or use of clean importuned materials;

Buried structures designed/specified in accordance with appropriate

engineering guidance to eliminate risk of aggressive attack by soils on

buried concrete;

Additional site investigations within Victoria Park; and

Remediation/removal of contaminated materials, where deemed

necessary following further validation testing.

4.74 Following the implementation of the above mitigation measures, there will be

no remaining impacts to the ground condition and contamination during the

construction phases. Furthermore, there will be no effects, or moderately

beneficial effects, to the ground condition and contamination during the

operational phases of the flood defences.

4.75 The preliminary appraisal of environmental impacts/constraints for Phases 2

and 3 identified historical uses with potentially contaminative activities;

previous site investigations identified that some exceedences of assessment

criteria in relation to risks to humans, controlled waters and the wider

environment. However, subject to appropriate mitigation such as the

removal of soils/materials containing excessive concentrations of

containments and/or the provision of an inert cover system, the identified

exceedences are not considered to be sufficient to render the site unsuitable

for the proposed flood risk management scheme.

4.76 Further assessment will be undertaken during the detailed design stage for

phases 2 and 3 to consider in detail potential short term ground risks

associated with the re-development of the site, and long term risks

associated with its operation and maintenance. However, it is considered, on

the basis of this assessment, that there are unlikely to be any significant

contamination risks that cannot be resolved by appropriate remediation in

accordance with relevant adopted Government technical guidance.

Noise and Air Quality

4.77 Impacts on air quality were scoped out of the assessment for the following

reasons:

Although there is the potential for short term impacts upon air quality

as a result of the construction works, from the vehicle movements

required to bring material to the site and from dusty conditions which

may occur during the works, this is considered a minor and short term

impact that can be successfully managed by the adoption of standard

construction practice; and

There would not be any air quality impacts once the flood defence

scheme is complete and in operation.

Phase 1

4.78 Noise will be generated during construction of the flood defences. Within

Phase 1 there are existing residential receptors located approximately 25m

to the south, across Knutsford Road to the proposed works. The works

being undertaken to the rear of commercial properties near Bridgefoot

roundabout are located approximately 40m from the nearest noise sensitive

receptors across Knutsford Road. Latchford Primary School is located

approximately 80m to the south.

Phase 2

4.79 In Phase 2 there are several groups of receptors located at different

distances from works undertaken between Kingsway North and the Howley

Suspension Bridge. From east to west, these are residential properties on

Moorside (approx 140m across the river from Warrington Rowing

club/Padgate Brook and the electricity Sub-station); Salisbury Street

(approximately 375m to the north of works at Farrell and Navigation Street,

including the disused slipway); Birch Court Nursing and Residential Home

(approximately 24m from works); and Riverside Close (within 10m of works

at Howley Suspension Bridge).

4.80 Works undertaken between Howley Suspension Bridge and Bridgefoot

roundabout are within 10m of residential properties on Riverside Close,

extending to approximately 150m when in relation to works at Howley Weir.

Works are also within approximately 65m of Birch Court Nursing and

Residential home. Works being undertaken on Wharf Street in MR6 are

approximately 110m from Sutton Street to the north.

Phase 3

4.81 During Phase 3, works being undertaken at Woolston Weir would be carried

out within 10m of residential properties on Weir Lane, Edward Gardens and

Timberscombe Gardens. At Bridge Lane Industrial Estate, works would

occur approximately 200m from the closest noise sensitive receptors on

Cliftonville Road to the north, although the Industrial Estate lies between the

works and these receptors.

4.82 At Paddington Bank, the closest residential dwellings would be within 15m of

residential properties on Wilkinson Avenue and Paddington Bank, and 25m

across the A50 Kingsway North in relation to works along Kinsgway North.

4.83 Work undertaken at Twiggeries would be within 15m of residential dwellings

on Bibby Avenue and Peacock Avenue, and 20m of dwellings on the A50

Kingsway North.

4.84 At Orford Road, there would be residential properties within 35m located on

Orford Road and 50m located on Eric Avenue. At Cinnamon Brow/Solway

Close there would be residential dwellings to the west on Solway Close and

to the east on St Andrews Close, all within 10-50m, depending on the

location of the works which are subject to detailed design.

4.85 Liaison with WBC’s Environmental Health Officers indicated that the main

concerns in relation to air and noise quality are likely to be the hours of

operation, ensuring that residents/businesses are well-informed of when and

where works are likely to occur, and providing a consistent means of public

liaison.

4.86 Accordingly, the majority of construction works would be limited to between

8am and 7pm Monday to Friday with no weekend or bank holiday working.

However, it may be necessary to undertake a limited works outside these

times, for example to minimise traffic congestion during works to locally raise

the road at Wharf Street.

4.87 ‘Best Practicable Means’ would also be employed to minimise construction

impacts, including the following examples,

Keeping local residents and property owners fully informed;

Using local screens or barriers to shield particularly noisy activities;

Use of regularly maintained and appropriately silenced equipment;

Shutting down of equipment when not in use;

Static machines shall be sited as far away as practicable from

inhabited buildings or other noise sensitive locations;

Handling of all materials in a manner which minimises noise;

Moving parts of working platforms and other equipment shall be

lubricated to control noise when being operated;

No vehicles shall wait or queue with their engines running for any

more than 5 minutes;

Switching all audible warning systems to the minimum setting required

by the Health and Safety Executiveor using banksmen; and

Planning the routes and times of deliveries to minimise nuisance to

local communities.

4.88 In Phase 1, receptors located within 25m of works undertaken in Victoria

Park, and also receptors located within 40m of works adjacent to Bridgefoot

roundabout are expected to experience the highest daytime noise levels.

With variation in distance along the length of the works, and the

implementation of mitigation measures as outlined in the mitigation section,

it would be expected that overall construction noise levels may be reduced

at these receptors.

4.89 In Phase 2, receptors on Riverside Close located within 10m, and Birch

Court Nursing and Residential Home within 24m, of works undertaken at

Howley Suspension Bridge are expected to experience the highest daytime

noise levels. With variation in distance along the length of the works, and the

implementation of mitigation measures as outlined in the mitigation section,

it would be expected that overall construction noise levels can be reduced

for the receptors.

4.90 In Phase 3, receptors located within 10m of works undertaken at Woolston

Weir and at Cinnamon Brow/Solway Close, and within 15m of works at

Paddington Bank and Orford Road are predicted to experience the highest

daytime noise levels when works are occurring at the closest locations. With

variation in distance along the length of the works, and the implementation

of mitigation measures as outlined in the mitigation section, it would be

expected that overall construction noise levels will be reduced from the

predicted levels for periods of the works.

4.91 With the proposed mitigation and control, measures in place it is considered

that the scheme will comprise only short term and manageable impacts

upon the local noise environment.

Drawings

Figure Reference Revision Description

IMNW000699/GEN/ENV/001 D Site Location and Site Context Plan

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/001 E Indicative Landscape Plan Warrington Bridge to Howley Weir Sheet 1 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/002 D Indicative Landscape Plan Victoria Park Sheet 2 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/003 E Indicative Landscape Plan Victoria Park Entrance Sheet 3 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/004 B Indicative Landscape Plan Howley Weir to Kingsway Bridge Sheet 4 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/005 C Indicative Landscape Plan Kingsway Bridge to Paddington Meadows Sheet 5 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/006 C Indicative Landscape Plan Warrington Bridge to Howley Weir Sheet 6 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/007 C Indicative Landscape Plan Bridge Lane and Woolston Weir Sheet 7 of 8

IMNW000699/GEN/ILP/008 C Indicative Landscape Plan Solway Close and Orford Road Sheet 8 of 8

We are The Environment Agency. It's our job to look after your environment and make it a better place - for you, and for future generations. Your environment is the air you breathe, the water you drink and the ground you walk on. Working with business, Government and society as a whole, we are making your environment cleaner and healthier. The Environment Agency. Out there, making your environment a better place.

Published by: Environment Agency National Capital Project Management Service Richard Fairclough House Knutsford Road Warrington, WA4 1HG www.environment-agency.gov.uk © Environment Agency All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency.

Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme ... · Phase 2 – River Mersey (north bank) from Kingsway Bridge to Bridgefoot roundabout; and Phase 3 – River Mersey from Kingsway

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