River Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan

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Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Summary Report December 2010 managing flood risk 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.

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Environment Agency Rivers House 21 Park Square South Leeds LS1 2QG Tel: 0870 8506506 Email: [email protected] www.environment-agency.gov.uk

I am pleased to introduce our summary of the Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP). This CFMP gives an overview of the flood risk in the Derwent catchment and sets out our preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years.

The Derwent CFMP is one of 77 CFMPs for England and a one per cent annual probability flood from river Wales. Through the CFMPs, we have assessed inland sources, 3140 properties are at risk of flooding. flood risk across all of England and Wales for the first This figure does not take into consideration the time. The CFMP considers all types of inland flooding, defences which currently reduce risk in the catchment. from rivers, ground water, surface water and tidal The risks from surface water have not been fully flooding, but not flooding directly from the sea (coastal explored within this CFMP although flooding from flooding), which is covered by Shoreline Management surface water has been recorded in the catchment. Plans (SMPs). Our coverage of surface and ground water We cannot reduce flood risk on our own, we will is however limited due to a lack of available information. therefore work closely with all our partners to improve The role of CFMPs is to establish flood risk management the co-ordination of flood risk activities and agree the policies which will deliver sustainable flood risk most effective way to manage flood risk in the future. management for the long term. This is essential if We have worked with others including Planning and we are to make the right investment decisions for Local Authorities, Yorkshire Water and Natural England the future and to help prepare ourselves effectively to develop this CFMP. for the impact of climate change. We will use CFMPs This is a summary of the main CFMP document, if you to help us target our limited resources where the need to see the full document an electronic version risks are greatest. can be obtained by emailing necfmps@environment- This CFMP identifies flood risk management policies to agency.gov.uk or alternatively paper copies can be assist all key decision makers in the catchment. It was viewed at our Yorkshire offices. produced through a wide consultation and appraisal process; however it is only the first step towards an integrated approach to Flood Risk Management. As we all work together to achieve our objectives, we must monitor and listen to each others progress, discuss what has been achieved and consider where we may need to review parts of the CFMP.

The risk of flooding is significant within the Derwent CFMP area. The main risk of flooding comes from river David Dangerfield and surface water flows. Analysis shows that during Yorkshire and North East Regional Director

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 1 Contents

The purpose of a CFMP in managing flood risk 3 3 Upper Derwent and East and West Ayton 15 4 Wath Beck and the Carrs 16 Catchment overview 4 5 Rye and Derwent 17 Current and future flood risk 6 6 Lower Derwent and the Wolds 18

Future direction for flood risk management 10 7 Filey 20 8 Pocklington 21 Sub Areas 9 Malton, Norton and Stamford Bridge 22 1 The Uplands 12 2 Holbeck and Hovingham 14 Map of the CFMP policies 24

2 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan The purpose of a CFMP in managing flood risk

CFMPs help us to understand the • IDBs, water companies and CFMPs aim to promote more scale and extent of flooding now other utilities to help plan their sustainable approaches to managing and in the future, and set policies activities in the wider context flood risk. The policies identified for managing flood risk within the of the catchment; in the CFMP will be delivered catchment. CFMPs should be used through a combination of different • transportation planners; to inform planning and decision approaches. The following actions making by key stakeholders such as: • landowners, farmers and and their implementation will be land managers that manage subject to further appraisal and • the Environment Agency, who will and operate land for funding, and prioritised by their use the plan to guide decisions agriculture, conservation supporting evidence. The CFMP is on investment in further plans, and amenity purposes; a living document and actions will projects or actions; be updated as necessary to reflect • the public and businesses to • regional planning bodies and changing responsibilities and enhance their understanding local authorities who can use delivery mechanisms. of flood risk and how it will the plan to inform spatial be managed. planning activities and emergency planning;

Figure 1 shows the relationship between CFMPs, delivery plans, projects and actions

Policy planning • CFMPs and Shoreline Management Plans. • Action plans define requirement for delivery plans, projects and actions.

Policy delivery plans (see note) Projects and actions • Influence spatial planning to reduce risk • Make sure our spending delivers the best and restore floodplains. possible outcomes. • Prepare for and manage floods • Focus on risk based targets, for example (including local Flood Warning plans). numbers of households at risk. • Managing assets. • Water level management plans. • Land management and habitat creation. Note: Some plans may not be led by us – we may • Surface water management plans. identify the need and encourage their development.

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 3 Catchment overview

The Derwent catchment covers The CFMP area covers the six approximately 1,993 square districts of Selby, Ryedale kilometres and includes 7 sub- Scarborough, Hambleton, York catchments; the Upper Derwent, and East Riding of Yorkshire. Middle Derwent, Lower Derwent, Urban land use occupies 0.5 Rye, Seph and Rye, Seven and per cent of the CFMP area and Pickering Beck and Hodge and includes the settlements of Dove. There are nearly 167,000 Scarborough, Malton, Norton, people living in the CFMP area. Pickering, Pocklington and The River Derwent flows for 115.5 Stamford Bridge. kilometres from its source near The CFMP area has a wealth of the coast on Fylingdales Moor environmental and culturally southwards as far as its confluence recognised sites that are exposed with the river Hertford then to flooding. These include the westwards through the Vale of North Yorkshire Moors National Pickering, south through Kirkham Park, 82 Sites of Special Scientific Gorge and the Vale of York and joins Interest, (SSSI) six Special Areas the River Ouse at Barmby on the of Conservation (SAC) and Marsh. Downstream of Elvington two Special Protection Areas, lock the River Derwent was formerly (SPAs). Culturally there are 1,145 tidal until the construction of Scheduled Ancient Monuments the Barmby Barrage in 1975. The (SAM) and 11 Registered Parks Barmby Barrage impounds the and Gardens. natural flow of the Derwent so that its water can be abstracted by The Derwent CFMP is bordered Yorkshire Water for public water by the Esk and Coastal Streams, supply. The headwaters of the Tees, Ouse, Hull and Coastal CFMP area are characterised by Streams CFMPs. The CFMP is swift-flowing upland streams, which also bordered by the River Tyne drain the North Yorkshire Moors to Flamborough Head Shoreline National Park. In the lower part of Management Plan. the catchment, the river gradient becomes much gentler and the river meanders through the Vale of Pickering and lower Derwent Valley. Within this low-lying section of the River Derwent agricultural land is particularly important as shown by the ‘grade’ which rises to between grade 1 and 3: excellent to moderate quality productive land.

4 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Map 1. The location and extent of the Derwent CFMP area

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 5 Current and future flood risk

Overview of the current flood risk What is at risk?

Flood risk has two components: Currently the main sources of flood Within the Derwent catchment the chance (probability) of a risk within the catchment are: there 3140 properties at risk from particular flood and the impact (or a one per cent annual probability • from rivers, throughout the consequence) that the flood would flood caused by river water, without CFMP area; have if it happened. The probability taking into account flood defences. of a flood relates to the likelihood of • surface water drainage and There are over 236 separate flood a flood of that size occurring within sewers have the potential to defence structures that reduce a one year period, it is expressed affect most urban areas in the the probability of flooding in as a percentage. For example, a one catchment has been recorded in some communities. per cent flood has a one per cent Filey and Scarborough; The analysis of flooding to chance or 0.01 probability environmental sites shows there are of occurring in any one year. over 15.5 square kilometres of SSSI As part of the CFMP process, we (30 sites), 13 square kilometres have developed a catchment wide of SAC (four sites) and 11 square broadscale model to determine kilometres of SPA (2 sites) that the risk of flooding from both main are at risk during a one per cent and non-main rivers, if defences probability flood. Of these only were not in place. It is vital that we 3.8 square kilometres of one understand this level of risk in the SAC is impacted negatively by event that defences are overtopped flooding, whereas six SSSI are or fail. The flood risk quoted in positively affected by flooding. this report is for the one per cent probability flood.

There is a long history of flooding within the catchment. In June 2007 around 100 properties flooded in Pocklington and Pickering, in 2005 almost 170 properties flooded in Malton and Norton. In 2005 around 140 properties flooded from surface water drainage in Scarborough and Filey.

6 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Where is the risk? Table 1. Locations of towns and villages with 100 or more properties at risk in a 1 per cent annual probability river flood if there were no Flood risk is spread throughout defences in place the Derwent CFMP area. Table 1 below outlines some of the Number of properties at risk Locations key communities with over 100 properties at risk of flooding, not 500 to 1000 Malton/Norton taking into consideration defences. The areas with highest risk include 200 to 500 Helmsley, Pocklington, Pickering Helmsley, Malton and Norton. 100 to 200 Thornton-le-Dale, Kirbymoorside, West Ayton, Wilberfoss

Table 2. Critical infrastructure at risk:

15 gas and electricity assets

9 educational facilities

14 health facilities

7 wastewater treatment works

1 emergency services buildings

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 7 Map 2. Properties at risk of flooding in the Derwent catchment

How we currently manage flood risk in the catchment

The catchment has a long history • maintaining the above defences, modelling of the rivers and of flooding which has resulted in including regular inspection to recording major flooding in the a number of engineering schemes ensure condition is maintained; catchment; being implemented to reduce the • maintaining over 268 kilometres • providing a flood forecasting and risk of flooding. Within the Derwent of river channels including warning service via 16 separate catchment there are currently 236 removal of blockages likely to flood warnings to over 2200 defences and 71 other structures increase flood risk; properties across the CFMP area. such as screens, culverts and This warning service also alerts sluices. These defences offer • working with local authorities to our professional partners and various standards of protection influence the location and layout emergency responders to activate within the Derwent catchment but of development, ensuring that flood response; the majority offer a standard of inappropriate development is not protection of a one in a 50 year allowed in the floodplain through • promoting awareness of flooding probability flood. Defences are the application of PPS25. to organisations and members of located in the main urban areas the public so they are prepared in Further activities are carried out including Malton, Norton, case they need to take action at which reduce the consequences of Stamford Bridge and Pickering. times of flooding; flooding in the catchment including: In addition activities are carried out • promote resilience and resistance • understanding where flooding to reduce the probability of flooding: measures for those properties is likely to occur by flood risk already in the floodplain. mapping including detailed

8 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan The impact of climate change and future flood risk rainfall increases were input into the broadscale modelling of the The effect that flooding will have in help to reduce sediment input into catchment. In total the properties at the future is influenced by a range rivers which would help farmers and risk of flooding from rivers rises from of issues such as climate change, landowners. 3140 currently to 3758 in the future changes in land use during the one per cent flood, which The catchment was not sensitive (e.g. development), and changes in is around a 20 per cent increase in to increased urban development how land is managed. properties at risk. This indicates that as the total area of urban the catchment is sensitive to climate Within the Derwent catchment we development is small compared to change with increases in the number carried out a catchment sensitivity the total catchment area. And the of properties at risk as the increased analysis for a number of future flood implementation of PPS25 reduces rainfall in the catchment will not risk drivers. These drivers included: development within flood risk areas be attenuated by the steep upland and controls the drainage from new • slowing runoff by large scale catchments and results in large development. changes to agricultural practices; increases in flow in the middle and The Derwent catchment is most lower catchments. The frequency • increased urbanisation; sensitive to the impacts of climate of flooding is also identified as • impact of climate change. change. The key predictions for the increasing with over 3200 properties impact of climate change are: being at risk during the five per Changes in agricultural land cent flood in the future, more than management where shown to have • more frequent and intense storms currently at risk during the one per the potential to decrease flows by causing more widespread and cent flood. Figure 2 below shows up to 10 per cent indicating that regular flooding from drainage the increase in flood risk from rivers the catchment was sensitive to systems and some rivers; across the catchment for the one per land management change. To gain • increased winter rainfall cent flood probability. this benefit in downstream flood increasing the likelihood of large- risk locations, changes across the The increased intensity of rainfall will scale flood events. catchment would be required. increase the occurrence of surface However, some benefits to locations To represent this an increase water and sewer flooding as existing with a smaller upstream catchment of 20 per cent was applied to drainage networks will be stretched are achievable. This would also predicted river flows. The predicted to cope with the additional volumes of water.

Figure 2. Current and future (2100) flood risk to property from a one per cent annual probability river flood, not taking into account current flood defences.

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200 Number of Properties at Flood Risk at Properties Number of

100

0 Thornton-le- Helmsley Kirbymoorside Pickering West Ayton Malton/ Stamford Pocklington Wilberfoss Dale Norton Bridge

Current Future

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 9 Future direction for flood risk management

Approaches in each sub-area

Flood risk is not the same in all of the catchment. We In the following sections we outline the approach in have divided the Derwent catchment into nine sub areas each sub area by highlighting: which have similar physical characteristics, sources of • key issues and messages for each sub area flooding and level of risk. We have identified the most appropriate approach to managing flood risk for each of • our policy and vision for future management the sub-areas and allocated one of six generic flood risk management policies, shown in Table 3. • key actions to deliver the policy

To select the most appropriate policy, the plan has considered how social, economic and environmental objectives are affected by flood risk management activities under each policy option.

Map 3. Catchment sub areas

10 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Table 3 Policy options ➜ Policy 1 Areas of little or no flood risk where we will continue to monitor and advise This policy will tend to be applied in those areas where there are very few properties at risk of flooding. It reflects a commitment to work with the natural flood processes as far as possible.

➜ Policy 2 Areas of low to moderate flood risk where we can generally reduce existing flood risk management actions This policy will tend to be applied where the overall level of risk to people and property is low to moderate. It may no longer be value for money to focus on continuing current levels of maintenance of existing defences if we can use resources to reduce risk where there are more people at higher risk. We would therefore review the flood risk management actions being taken so that they are proportionate to the level of risk.

➜ Policy 3 Areas of low to moderate flood risk where we are generally managing existing flood risk effectively This policy will tend to be applied where the risks are currently appropriately managed and where the risk of flooding is not expected to increase significantly in the future. However, we keep our approach under review, looking for improvements and responding to new challenges or information as they emerge. We may review our approach to managing flood defences and other flood risk management actions, to ensure that we are managing efficiently and taking the best approach to managing flood risk in the longer term.

➜ Policy 4 Areas of low, moderate or high flood risk where we are already managing the flood risk effectively but where we may need to take further actions to keep pace with climate change This policy will tend to be applied where the risks are currently deemed to be appropriately-managed, but where the risk of flooding is expected to significantly rise in the future. In this case we would need to do more in the future to contain what would otherwise be increasing risk. Taking further action to reduce risk will require further appraisal to assess whether there are socially and environmentally sustainable, technically viable and economically justified options.

➜ Policy 5 Areas of moderate to high flood risk where we can generally take further action to reduce flood risk This policy will tend to be applied to those areas where the case for further action to reduce flood risk is most compelling, for example where there are many people at high risk, or where changes in the environment have already increased risk. Taking further action to reduce risk will require additional appraisal to assess whether there are socially and environmentally sustainable, technically viable and economically justified options.

➜ Policy 6 Areas of low to moderate flood risk where we will take action with others to store water or manage run-off in locations that provide overall flood risk reduction or environmental benefits This policy will tend to be applied where there may be opportunities in some locations to reduce flood risk locally or more widely in a catchment by storing water or managing run-off. The policy has been applied to an area (where the potential to apply the policy exists), but would only be implemented in specific locations within the area, after more detailed appraisal and consultation.

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 11 Sub-area 1

The Uplands

Our key partners are: Currently within the sub area there The key messages are 1314 properties identified as Vale of Pickering Internal at risk of flooding during a one per • Where possible we will look Drainage Boards cent probability flood, assuming to use the naturally occurring no defences. This may rise to 1413 processes, enhancing and North York Moors National Park properties in the future. Although restoring these to reduce runoff Natural England there are raised defences in this from the moors. sub area. Royal Society for the Protection • The majority of the flow of the of Birds Derwent in lower parts of the The vision and policy catchment originates from this Ryedale District Council sub-area. Utilising Policy Option 6, we will Land owners • The lower parts of the sub area seek opportunities to reduce run off are naturally wet areas that can National Farmers’ Union and store water within the sub area. be used to reduce the effects Upland habitats can be improved Country Land and Business of flooding on populated to help reduce runoff and manage Association areas downstream. flood risks as part of a catchment wide approach to flood risk • Land use changes can reduce management that exploits natural flow from the Moors. The issues in this processes wherever possible. • Our long term intention is sub-area We will seek opportunities to to restore the natural storage The landscape of the catchment restore the natural flood storage within the sub area. results in fast responding rivers by allowing the river to reconnect with the floodplain to slow the • For dispersed properties draining the North York Moors. localised resilience measures Flood waters rapidly reach towns passage of water out of the area. could be appropriate to and villages at the base of the Consequently, we will contribute reduce the effects of flooding moors where flooding can affect to wider environmental benefits, to property. properties on a frequent basis. reduce the effects of flooding on Downstream of the towns the populated areas at risk in other landscape is flat with drained parts of the catchment, and restore agricultural land restricting the the natural storage to reduce the available floodplain area. The effects of flooding. Alternative majority of the flow of the River land uses need to be explored for Derwent in the lower parts of the currently drained areas as these will catchment originates from this become wetter as a result of climate sub-area. change regardless of any planned action to manage change.

12 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 1

Actions to implement the policy

• Produce a system asset management plan to determine the requirements for maintaining current infrastructure and channel structure whilst reducing surface runoff and increasing flood storage.

• Carry out a flood warning feasibility study to extend our flood warning service coverage.

• Work with landowners and other organisations to change the way land is managed to slow the rate at which floods are generated, e.g. Slowing the Flow project at Pickering.

• Work in partnership to provide information and advice to property owners on improving flood resilience and flood proofing of properties.

• Put in place policies in local development plans to ensure there is no future development in the floodplain.

• Form a multi agency approach to reconnect the floodplain with the river through the sub area and restoring wetland areas.

The North York Moors

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 13 Sub-area 2

Holbeck and Hovingham

Our key partners are: Until we understand how this Actions to implement network of banks influences the the policy Local Authorities level of flood flow in the river, we will continue to maintain and Property Owners • Produce a system asset monitor the condition of the banks management plan to determine Vale of Pickering Internal and undertake reactive debris the most sustainable approach Drainage Boards clearance. Where possible we will to managing assets to ensure allow natural processes to take that the current standard of place unhindered by activities. protection is maintained at the We will continue to monitor and current level. We will continue The issues in this advice those people at risk. We to provide channel maintenance sub-area will continue our limited activities in the sub area. within the sub area and will review This sub area falls almost entirely our approach following a more • Following the improved within the Howardian Hills Area of detailed study of the sub area and understanding of defences within Natural Beauty (AoNB). The area the role of defences in the sub area. the sub area, we will reassess the runs from the western edge of the most sustainable approach to Derwent catchment area along the managing flood risk. watershed of Yearsley Moor. The The key messages catchment is largely rural but dotted • Undertake a detailed strategic with small villages. There are a • The risk of flooding from the study of all watercourses within number of rural floodbanks within Holbeck is low. The greater the Vale of Pickering to determine the sub area. Flood risk is limited, risk comes from the River Rye the long-term approach to with 52 properties potentially at blocking the flow of the Holbeck managing flood banks and assets risk during the undefended one per and the Rye flowing into the throughout the area. cent probability flood, there is only lower Holbeck catchment when a small increase to 56 properties the Rye is in flood. in the future. Recent flood defence works in Hovingham provide a one • The effects of overtopping of per cent standard of protection to flood banks in the lower reaches 17 properties. of the River Rye are uncertain. • The selected policy will be reviewed following investigation The vision and policy of the complex network of embankments. Policy Option 3 has been selected for this sub area. The flood banks at the lower end of the sub area are part of a complex network of embankments along the length of the River Rye and Middle Derwent.

14 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 3

Upper Derwent and East and West Ayton

Our key partners are: have a long term benefit from our the downstream risk areas. actions. Recent actions to improve • We will continue with our current Scarborough Borough Council the condition of the Sea Cut and activities in this sub area and its long term maintenance mean Yorkshire Water continue to maintain the Sea that a high standard of protection Cut channel. IDBs is maintained. In continuing to use the Sea Cut to divert flows, less Yorkshire Electricity Distribution PLC intensive flood risk management actions will be required further Actions to implement down the catchment. Once there is the policy a greater understanding of the risk The issues in this • Produce a system asset from surface runoff, we will support management plan to determine sub-area other organisations in developing the most sustainable approach plans to manage these risks. Local The sub area sits in the north east to managing assets to ensure defences will be maintained and of the catchment and has a coastal that the current standard of will continue to be sufficient at boundary. The main river in the protection is maintained at the managing risk to properties. We do sub area is the River Derwent. The current level. This should also not believe that climate change will Sea Cut which is an old route of ensure that the Sea Cut Diversion result in a significant increase in the the Derwent headwaters allows retains the current level of risk of flooding in this sub area. flood flows from the Derwent to conveyance. be diverted directly to the coast reducing flood risk downstream in • Establish and maintain a register East and West Ayton. The key messages of structures and features which are likely to have a significant • The exisiting defences present Within the sub area the main risk effect on flood risk in the area. will continue to be sufficient at areas are around Burniston, Scalby, Use this register to identify pinch managing risk to properties. Newby and East and West Ayton, the points where flood water may current risk from the undefended • We will continue to manage flood overspill. one per cent flood is 285 properties risk to ensure the properties which could increase to 336 in the • Work in partnership with continue to have a long term future. Scarborough Borough Council to benefit from our flood risk reduce the risk of flooding from management activities. surface water. The vision and policy • The Sea Cut channel provides an important flood protection Following Policy Option 3, our system to downstream areas in vision for the sub area is to the catchment. We will continue continue with current actions to to maintain the Sea Cut channel manage the risk of flooding to to provide a long term benefit to ensure the properties continue to

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 15 Sub-area 4

Wath Beck and Carrs

Our key partners are: The vision and policy Actions to implement

Internal Drainage Boards We have chosen Policy Option 1 for the policy and landowners this sub-area. Our vision for the sub • Produce a system asset area is to allow natural processes North Yorkshire County Council management plan for both on Wath Beck and the River Hertford watercourses to determine The Cayton and Flixton Carrs Project to take place unhindered by our whether maintenance for flood maintenance activities, however risk management can be reduced we will continue to monitor and or ceased entirely. advise those people at risk. This The issues in this could include removing the River • Undertake a detailed strategic sub-area Hertford from the main river network study of all watercourses within and handing over its responsibility the Vale of Pickering to determine This sub area includes two separate to North Yorkshire County Council. the long-term sustainable geographical areas (Wath Beck We will review the policy once the approach to managing flood and The Carrs) which both have review of all flood banks in the banks and assets in the area, a low risk of flooding from the catchment has been completed. including Wath Beck. river systems. In total there are currently only 9 properties at risk • We will consider removing the during the one per cent probability The key messages River Hertford from the main river flood, if undefended. This may network. increase to 12 in the future due • Flow from the River Hertford does to increased flows in the rivers. not have an impact on flows Scarborough has been subject to elsewhere in the catchment. surface water flooding in the past. • Our current activities on the River Reducing maintenance and allowing Hertford aid land drainage and natural processes to re-establish do not provide any flood risk could reduce flows and benefit management benefit. downstream sub areas. • The long term future of the flood banks in the lower reaches of Wath Beck will be decided following a detailed study of the River Rye and River Derwent system.

16 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 5

Rye and Derwent

Our key partners are: The vision and policy • We are confident that the current practices will change in Vale of Pickering Internal We have chosen Policy Option 3 for the future. We do not yet know Drainage Boards this sub area. We will continue our the detail of how. This will be current management actions such clear once a detailed study of Landowners as maintaining the flood banks. the area is undertaken. Natural England We need to consider a more sustainable strategic approach to • There are environmental long term management. We will benefits that could be gained undertake a detailed study of the from reconnecting the river The issues in this River Rye and River Derwent to with the floodplain. sub-area fill the gaps in our understanding of how flood banks affect This sub area stretches from downstream risk. By carrying out Actions to implement downstream of West Ayton in the this review in partnership with the policy north east and Rye Dale in the west other organisations in the Vale to Stamford Bridge in the south. of Pickering, benefits may be • Produce a system asset This sub area does not include identified for both property and management plan for the Malton and Norton as they are a the local environment. This study sub area to determine the separate sub area. will build upon recent work to most sustainable approach provide us with a clear picture of to managing assets to ensure The Rye and Derwent have flood the benefits that can be gained that the current standard of embankments along almost the from lowering, maintaining and protection is maximised under entire length of river upstream strengthening banks in different current levels of investment. of Old Malton, here there is an areas. We will look to see how extensive floodplain along the Vale • Undertake a detailed strategic natural processes can be used to of Pickering. Below the Malton/ study of all watercourses maximum benefit in managing Norton urban area the river slowly within the Vale of Pickering local and catchment-wide flood risk meanders through a much more to determine the long term ahead of maintaining defences. constrained valley which limits the sustainable approach to area of natural floodplain. managing flood banks and assets throughout the area. Flood risk is generally located The key messages Ensure that this study feeds within small urban areas including • The sub area is a large complex into the long-term management Allerston, Ebberston and Snainton. of the sub area. There are approximately 160 system and is not fully understood properties at risk of river flooding at present. • Implement the River Derwent currently, if undefended. Climate • It is our intention to review how Restoration Plan to recover change will increase the risk of river we can gain local and catchment the SSSI section of the river flooding to a total of 231 properties. wide benefits from changes to to an unfavourable recovering flood banks in the area. or favourable condition in partnership with Natural England and others.

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 17 Sub-area 6

Lower Derwent and the Wolds

Our key partners are: The vision and policy The key messages

York City Council We have chosen Policy Option 3 • The level of flood risk in for this sub area. The vision for this part of the catchment is East Riding of Yorkshire Council the sub area is that flood risk will determined by flood flows Natural England remain limited through effective generated upstream in the management. We will continue with area above Malton. Royal Society for the Protection our current activities in the area. • Flood flows in the lower area of Birds Our approach will ensure that flood overtop into the Lower Derwent risk remains low in the area. Due Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Valley SPA and SAC. to the location of villages and the Wilberfoss and Thornton IDB natural extent of the floodplain, we • Actions to manage do not expect that climate change flooding must comply with will increase flood risk. the requirements of the Habitats Directive and SSSI The issues in this In the long term we will need requirements. sub-area to address the condition of the flood banks. Whilst they control • Our flood risk management This large sub area covers the area flood waters they are built of poor actions are necessary here to from just upstream of Kexby down engineering material which prevents prevent widespread flooding to the confluence of the Derwent us from carrying our maintenance in the area. with the Ouse and includes the works with machinery. This is not an Barmby Barrage which prevents issue for stability of the floodbanks • We will continue to manage the the lower section of the river being in the short to medium term but flood defences in the area. tidally influenced. When the River will need to be considered in more Derwent is in flood, high volumes detail in the future. of water pass through this low lying mainly rural area. There are villages at risk that are found along the length of the river but lengths of flood bank provide protection to properties and agricultural land. Currently there are 685 properties at risk during the one per cent flood, assuming no defences which may rise to 769 in the future. However the extensive defences in the area reduces this risk significantly with only 80 properties being at risk during the 1.3 per cent flood as a result of the current defences.

18 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 6

Actions to implement the policy

• Produce a system asset management plan to determine the most sustainable approach to managing assets to ensure that the current standard of protection is maintained.

• Work in partnership to provide information and advice to property owners and businesses on improving flood resilience and flood proofing of properties.

• Continue to maintain Barmby Barrage to ensure that flood risk does not increase.

• Improve modelling and understanding of flood risk in the Lower Derwent to determine a sustainable long term approach to managing flood banks and assets in the area. As part of this work evaluate the benefit of defences within the sub area as well as the role of Barmby Barrage in reducing flood risk to Selby from the tidal influence of the Humber Estuary.

• Following the improved understanding of defences within the sub area, ensure that the most sustainable approach to managing flood risk has been adopted. This analysis should include the potential for managed realignment, wetland creation, defence removal and if required a long term appropriate standard of protection.

• Implement the River Derwent Restoration Plan to recover the SSSI section of the river to an unfavourable recovering or favourable condition in partnership with Natural England and others.

Barmby Barrage

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 19 Sub-area 7

Filey

Our key partners are: The vision and policy Actions to implement

Scarborough Borough Council Policy Option 5 has been the policy chosen for the sub area. Due to Yorkshire Water • Work in partnership with the widespread surface water Scarborough BC to reduce the flooding which has occurred in risk of flooding from surface the sub area, action to investigate water. The issues in this and reduce this risk should be undertaken. Surface water maps • Yorkshire Water to improve sewer sub-area have recently been developed, infrastructure and storage, as recommended in the Filey Flood Filey is not at risk from flooding which form a basis from which an Investigation Report. caused by rivers. There is a flood action plan can be started. Once risk from surface water which has there is a greater understanding affected the town frequently in of the risk from surface runoff, we recent years. Very localised intense will support Scarborough Borough rainfall caused widespread flooding Council and other organisations most recently during 2007 as a in developing plans to manage result of drainage systems being these risks. Further analysis overwhelmed by the extreme through the development of rainfall amounts. The geography surface water management plan of the policy unit channels water will highlight the potential risk of down steep gradient hillsides flooding from surface water to the into the town using roads and community of Filey. paths as preferential flow routes towards the coast. The key messages Over 100 residential properties were affected in July 2007 as • Filey is at risk of tidal flooding well as businesses and public and from surface water buildings. Flood depths of three feet flooding, due to the steep or more occurred in low spots of gradient hillsides into the the town where flood waters town centre. ponded. As we have not carried • Through working in out surface water modelling as partnership, over time we will part of the CFMP we are unable to increase our knowledge outline future flood risk although of surface water flooding. it is expected to increase.

20 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 8

Pocklington

Our key partners are: Working with others, activity will of flooding from both river and be increased in the sub area to surface water sources. Yorkshire Water reduce the risk of flooding from • Continue to manage localised Pocklington Beck and from surface Highways Agency / or local sedimentation build up where water. There are no flood defences highways authorities it poses a risk of flooding. in the area and our current activity Investigate the source of this East Riding of Yorkshire Council is limited. Increasing our activity sediment and the potential for may not necessarily lead to land management actions to Natural England flood defences but will ensure a reduce its input into the beck. landowners reduction in the level of risk. • Determine in detail the risk of flooding to the transport and the The key messages consequences of road closures The issues in this during flooding. Where possible • The risk of flooding is predicted ensure that key routes remain sub-area to increase in the area in the operational during flood events. future from both river and Pocklington Beck is a small tributary Following the identification of surface water flooding. river that joins with the Bielby flood risk to these facilities, Beck in the surrounding sub area. • The risk of flooding is from more ensure alternative routes and Pocklington can be affected by than one source which will emergency plans are developed flooding from the watercourse and require organisations to work and reviewed periodically. surface water. Currently there are together to coordinate plans 366 properties at risk during a one • Work in partnership with East to manage the risk. per cent probability flood, this could Riding of Yorkshire Council rise to 440 in the future. • The long term sustainability of to reduce the risk of flooding the local economy will be aided from surface water. This The floodplain in the upper parts through our work to reduce the should include areas of known of the area is limited due to the risk of flooding. problems in the policy unit and upland nature of the land. Further lead to works that improve the downstream the floodplain extent standard of protection from small increases as topography flattens Actions to implement watercourses and land drainage out. There are no defences limiting and overland flow. the floodplain extent. the policy • Produce a system asset management plan for the The vision and policy sub area to determine the Under Policy Option 5 our vision for most sustainable approach to the Pocklington area is to make the managing assets to reduce the town of Pocklington a safer place risk of flooding. to live. The current and expected • Develop a feasibility study future levels of flood risk in the for Pocklington. This study area mean that we will take further should aim to reduce the risk action in this area.

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 21 Sub-area 9

Malton, Norton and Stamford Bridge

Our key partners are: as a result of climate change. The key messages

Network Rail • A strategic catchment wide approach to flood risk Ryedale District Council The vision and policy management, such as reducing Highways Agency and or local Our Policy Option 3 approach to runoff and increasing flood highways authority managing the risk of flooding in storage upstream, will mean this area will ensure that there is a that additional actions to counter long term benefit from defences. the effects of climate will not We will continue with the long require additional localised The issues in this term maintenance of the flood actions in this area. sub-area defences through the area in order to continue to provide high • For flood risk to remain low any The sub area contains the urban standard of protection to people future development should take areas of Malton, Norton and at risk. Although the standard of place outside of the floodplain. Stamford Bridge. The towns protection offered by the flood • The flood defences constructed are situated downstream of the defences will reduce over time in Malton and Norton following confluence of the Rivers Derwent we will not undertake additional the autumn 2000 floods has and Rye and are the larger urban activities in this area. However, reduced the risk of flooding in the conurbations they are also one upstream improvements to the way area. Although flood defences of the major flood risk areas in that the system of flood banks and can never remove the risk of the catchment. Large numbers of washlands work will counter the flooding completely. properties have been flooded in effects of climate change here, as the recent past in both 1999 and will actions to reduce runoff in the 2000. Since then flood defences upstream sub areas. were constructed through parts of the sub area to reduce the risk of flooding.

Without defences there would be 681 properties at risk during the one per cent flood which would rise to 745 in the future. However the new defences provide a high standard of protection through the area, but this will reduce over time

22 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan Sub-area 9

Actions to implement the policy

• Produce and implement a system asset management plan to determine the most sustainable approach to managing assets to ensure that the current standard of protection is maintained.

• Determine in detail the risk of flooding to transport and the consequences of rail closures during flooding. Where possible ensure that key routes remain operational during flood events. Following the identification of flood risk to these facilities, ensure alternative routes and emergency plans are developed and reviewed periodically.

Defences built since previous floods

Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan 23 Map of CFMP policies

Policy 1: No active intervention.

Policy 3: Continue with existing or alternative actions to manage flood risk at the current level.

Policy 5: Take further action to reduce flood risk.

Policy 6: Take action with others to store water or manage runoff in locations that provide overall flood risk reduction or environmental benefits, locally or elsewhere in the catchment.

24 Environment Agency Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan

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