Castle Eaton AD Plant Extension and Upgrade

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Castle Eaton AD Plant Extension and Upgrade Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Castle Eaton AD Plant Extension and Upgrade Flood Risk Assessment 882120-R1(02)-FRA DECEMBER 2020 RSK GENERAL NOTES Project No.: 882120-R1(02)-FRA Site: Castle Eaton AD Plant upgrade and extension Title: Flood Risk Assessment Client: Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Date: December 2020 Office: Wigan Status: Issue Technical Author K Jackson reviewer C Whittingham Signature Signature Date: December 2020 Date: December 2020 Project manager C Whittingham Project Director D Conway Signature Signature Date: December 2020 Date: December 2020 Date Reviewed Approved Issue No Version/Details Author issued by by - Internal Review 23.09.20 KJ CW CW 00 Draft for client comment 25.09.20 KJ CW DC 01 Updated draft 01.12.20 KJ CW DC 02 Issue 17.10.20 KJ CW DC RSK LDE Ltd (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested. No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared. Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work. RSKThis Environmentwork has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK LDE Ltd. Castle Eaton Farm AD Plant extension and upgrade Flood Risk Assessment 882120-R1(02)-FRA CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Context ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Scope of work ........................................................................................................................... 2 2 SITE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Existing Site .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Planning History ....................................................................................................................... 7 2.3 The Proposed Development ..................................................................................................... 9 3 LEGISLATION, POLICY AND GUIDANCE ................................................................................... 10 3.1 National Policy ........................................................................................................................ 10 3.2 Local Policy ............................................................................................................................ 11 3.3 Area Guidance ........................................................................................................................ 12 3.4 Site-specific consultation ........................................................................................................ 13 4 SOURCES OF FLOOD RISK ......................................................................................................... 16 4.1 Criteria .................................................................................................................................... 16 4.2 Flooding from rivers (fluvial flood risk) .................................................................................... 16 4.3 Flooding from the sea (tidal flood risk) ................................................................................... 17 4.4 Flooding from the land (overland pluvial flood risk) ................................................................ 18 4.5 Flooding from groundwater .................................................................................................... 19 4.6 Flooding from sewers ............................................................................................................. 20 4.7 Other sources of flooding ....................................................................................................... 21 5 FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................... 23 5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 23 5.2 Overland flood flow ................................................................................................................. 23 5.3 Finished floor levels ................................................................................................................ 23 5.4 Safe access/egress ................................................................................................................ 23 5.5 Environmental Permit/Ordinary watercourse easement and consents .................................. 23 5.6 Groundwater ........................................................................................................................... 24 6 PLANNING CONTEXT ................................................................................................................... 25 6.1 Application of planning policy ................................................................................................. 25 6.2 Land use vulnerability ............................................................................................................. 25 6.3 Sequential Test ....................................................................................................................... 25 7 SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE STATEMENT ............................................................................. 27 7.1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 27 7.2 Proposed surface water drainage strategy ............................................................................ 27 8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 29 RSK Environment i Castle Eaton Farm AD Plant extension and upgrade Flood Risk Assessment 882120-R1(02)-FRA APPENDICES APPENDIX A RSK GROUP SERVICE CONSTRAINTS APPENDIX B DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS APPENDIX C SWINDON LLFA CORRESPONDENCE APPENDIX D CURRENT DRAINAGE ARRANGEMENT RSK Environment ii Castle Eaton Farm AD Plant extension and upgrade Flood Risk Assessment 882120-R1(02)-FRA 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Context 1.1.1 This Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has been prepared on behalf of Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited (the ‘client’). The assessment is in support of the full planning submission for the upgrade and extension of an existing Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility, located at Castle Eaton, SN6 6JX (the ‘site’). 1.1.2 The assessment has been prepared in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)1 and its accompanying Planning Practice Guidance2, the Interim Code of Practice for Sustainable Drainage3, BS 8533-2011 Assessing and Managing Flood Risk in Development Code of Practice4, BS 8582:2013 Code of practice for surface water management for development sites5 and the Non-statutory technical standards for sustainable drainage systems6, with site-specific advice where relevant from the Environment Agency, the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and the client. 1.1.3 The NPPF sets out the criteria for development and flood risk by stating that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk, but where development is necessary, making it safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere. 1.1.4 The key definitions within the PPG are: • “Flood risk” is a combination of the probability and the potential consequences of flooding from all sources – including from rivers and the sea, directly from rainfall on the ground surface and rising groundwater, overwhelmed sewers and drainage systems, and from reservoirs, canals and lakes and other artificial sources; and • “Areas at risk of flooding” means areas at risk from all sources of flooding. For fluvial (river) and sea flooding, this is principally land within Flood Zones 2 and 3. It can also include an area within Flood Zone 1 which the Environment Agency has notified the local planning authority as having critical drainage problems. 1 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, ‘National Planning Policy Framework’, February 2019. 2 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, ‘Planning Practice Guidance - Flood Risk and Coastal Change, ID 7’, March 2014. http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/flood-risk-and-coastal- change/ 3 DEFRA, ‘Interim Code of Practice for Sustainable Drainage
Recommended publications
  • Willow Cottage £425,000 Castle Eaton
    Willow Cottage £425,000 Castle Eaton An extended and much improved period cottage set in the heart of the village , enjoying many character features and a large well-tended garden leading down to the infant river Thames. bathroom of three -piece white suite with shower over t he bath . Willow Cottage , 1 The Street, Castle Eaton, Wiltshire SN6 6JZ To the first floor, landing with velux rooflight, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom comprising a corner bath with shower over, This impressive stone built cottage provides well-proportioned WC and basin . Far reaching views can be enjoyed from this room. and flexible accommodation, arranged over three floors. With a A double bedroom with dual aspect and exposed beams , a single wealth of character features throughout such as dressed stone bedroom and a further double bedroom to the front. To the walls, open fireplace and exposed beams. second floor an attic room (with reduced head-height) currently used as a home office with velex rooflights and a further attic A fine feature of the cottage is the beautiful rear garden that leads storage area. down to the river, mainly laid to lawn with deep planted borders and bound by mature hedging and shrubs. To the side a shared SERVICES gravel driveway with parking for one car. We understand that all mains services are connected with gas fired central heating. Freehold offering vacant possession on To the rear French doors open into the kitchen/diner, finished with completion. solid oak wooden flooring. The bespoke cream shaker style kitchen is complemented by solid wood worktops, with a butler OUTGOINGS sink integrated dishwasher, plumbing for washing machine and Council Tax Band ‘D’ 2019/20 charges £tbc .
    [Show full text]
  • Crime Reports
    Crime Reports Castle Eaton 1900 Swindon Petty Sessions. Thursday. Elizabeth Perrett of Castle Eaton and Sarah Stokes of Wroughton were summoned for stealing apples. It appeared that the women only picked up some fallen fruit, and the cases were dismissed. Gloucester Citizen Friday 19 October 1900 1910 Reginald Thomas Hewer of Castle Eaton was summoned for obstructing the Market Place with a motor- car on September 5th. PC Ball stated that he was on duty at the Police Station when he received a complaint about a car obstructing the entrance to the Parish Church. The car was outside for three hours and obstructed a wedding party. Defendant said he had seen cars there on many occasions and he did not realise that he was doing any harm by leaving his car there. - Fined 10s (costs inclusive). Cheltenham Chronicle Saturday 17 September 1910 1920 The outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in North Wilts have had a sequel in breaches of the regulations, leading to several prosecutions. At Swindon Session, Sidney Charles Pike, of Castle Eaton, was summoned for moving eight oxen across the highways and was fined £5 in respect of each beast (£40 in all). Notice of appeal was given. Western Daily Press Tuesday 3 February 1920 1923 Cirencester Petty Sessions. Monday. Harry Johnson, farm labourer of Great Wigborough, Colchester, failed to answer a summons by Jessie Edith Stevens, single woman of Scrubditch, North Cerney, to show ©Wiltshire OPC Project/2013 cause etc. Applicant stated that the child (a son) was born at Castle Eaton in September 1921 and Johnson contributed 5s per week for a time and then 4s, but since January she had not received any money.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Eaton Parish Council the Annual Parish Meeting
    Page 1 of 8 CASTLE EATON PARISH COUNCIL THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING and AGM of the PARISH COUNCIL held on THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. MINUTES PRESENT Cllr W Hughes (chairman) Cllr L Saunders Cllr D Sainsbury Borough Cllr Mrs M Penny 8 residents A Gorton (clerk) ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr and Mrs B James 2 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 14, 2015 The Chairman explained that these Minutes had been circulated previously, had been published on the website and signed off at the Meeting of August 27, 2015 3 REPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council has been dominated by the Community Benefit payments during the last year. The initial elation of receiving the money was soon suppressed when the responsibility of what had arrived was fully realised! This small Council is not used to such large sums and does not have the infrastructure. It took many days of research and careful deliberation to establish what the money could be spent on, how it could be paid out and the criteria for deciding what qualified for payments. We tried desperately hard to encourage consultation with residents and asked for suggestions for how the money should be spent. We received quite a lot, not all of which would be possible, but when we went back to people and asked if they could elaborate on their suggestion and do a bit of research we got – silence! The only people who responded with firm proposals were the Village Hall and the Play Area.
    [Show full text]
  • SPORTS CLUBS in Swindon
    Central SPORTS CLUBS IN Swindon An A-Z of local sports clubs & societies covering a wide range of sporting activities Wiltshire and Swindon Sport www.wiltssport.org.uk 01225 781500 White Horse Business Park, Richmond House, 1 Goodwood Close, Epsom Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0XE Promoting and supporting sport and physical activity to the residents of Wiltshire and Swindon. ANGLING Ashton Keynes Angling Club (coarse fishing) [email protected] www.ashtonkeynesanglingclub.co.uk/ Membership and casual users (day tickets on Neigh Bridge Country Park) Coate Water Fishing Permits www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20077/parks_and_open_spaces/487/coate_water_park/2 01793 490150 You can set up on the bank in the designated fishing areas from 7.30am and purchase a relevant ticket from the ranger on duty when they check the lake. You are allowed to fish until dusk. Day tickets are £5.70 (concessions available). Day Season Permits enable the holder to set up on the bank and fish from 7.30 am until dusk throughout the fishing season. The application form for both types of permit is available to download on the Council website. Day Season permits can be purchased from the Ranger cottage at Coate Water on Fridays between 8.30am - 12noon. You will need to provide a completed Permit Application Form and a valid Fishing Rod Licence. Tickets are £51.50 (concessions available). 24hr Permit Applications (£206.00, concessions available) should be sent to: Mark Jennings, Swindon Borough Council, Wat Tyler House, Beckhampton Street, Swindon SN1 2JH Plaums Angling Club www.plaums-angling-club.co.uk Secretary Gerry Cooper 01793 824327 [email protected] Membership and day tickets.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Eaton Farm Castle Eaton Wiltshire
    CASTLE EATON FARM CASTLE EATON WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION For BACH HOMES on behalf of MOZART HOMES LTD CA REPORT: 07079 JULY 2007 CASTLE EATON FARM CASTLE EATON WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION CA PROJECT: 2280 CA REPORT: 07079 Author: David Kenyon Approved: Laurent Coleman Signed: ……………………………………………………………. Issue: 01 Date: 16 July 2007 This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission. © Cotswold Archaeology Building 11, Kemble Enterprise Park, Kemble, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ Tel. 01285 771022 Fax. 01285 771033 E-mail: [email protected] Castle Eaton Farm, Castle Eaton, Wiltshire: Archaeological Excavation © Cotswold Archaeology CONTENTS SUMMARY........................................................................................................................ 2 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 3 The site ................................................................................................................ 3 Archaeological background.................................................................................. 4 Archaeological objectives .................................................................................... 5 Methodology .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Parish Profile for the Parishes of Castle Eaton
    South Cotswolds Team Ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester PARISH PROFILE FOR THE PARISHES OF CASTLE EATON, KEMPSFORD with WHELFORD and THE MEYSEYS in the South Cotswolds Team Ministry Cirencester Deanery the Diocese of Gloucester ___________________________________________________________________________ Parish Profile for Castle Eaton, Kempsford & Whelford and The Meyseys Welcome Thank you for taking an interest in this post in the South Cotswolds Team Ministry, caring for the communities of Castle Eaton, Kempsford & Whelford and The Meyseys. You will find three able and enthusiastic PCCs and good supportive people with whom to work. The South Cotswolds Team comprises some 15 parishes and 22 churches stretching from Ampney Crucis, near Cirencester in the west to Lechlade in the east; and from Castle Eaton in the south to Winson in the north. We have four stipendiary clergy and one house-for- duty clergy; two SSM priest colleagues, one of whom has recently moved into Meysey Hampton, a number of Readers - including one based at Kempsford; and supportive retired clergy colleagues. We also have a full-time Youth Worker. We are working hard on what it means to be a ‘Team’ across a large area – the South Cotswolds - and how we use our skills, gifts and opportunities together in building the kingdom of God here in this place. The good news is that members of the Team get on really well together and we enjoy working with each other! We believe in supporting each other and having fun – along with all the other things we have to do. You will be a key member of our Team.
    [Show full text]
  • Application Number:S/12/1766/RM Ward:Blunsdon and Highworth Parish: Castle Eaton
    S/12/1766/RM GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION Application Number:S/12/1766/RM Ward:Blunsdon And Highworth Parish: Castle Eaton Proposal: Environmental impact application for the erection of a solar park to include installation of solar panels to generate electricity, with transformer hangings, security fencing and cameras, landscaping and associated works. Site Address: Castle Eaton Farm, Mill Lane Castle Eaton Swindon SN6 6JX Agent: Applicant: Miss Peta Donkin Hive Energy Limited Pegasus Planning Group Limited Woodington House Pegasus House East Wellow Querns Business Centre Hampshire Whitworth Road SO51 6DQ Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 1RT WARNING: IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE CONDITION(S) BELOW, THE COUNCIL MAY TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST YOU Reason for granting planning permission: In reaching the decision to grant planning permission the Council has had regard to the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework March 2012, the relevant Development Plan Policies, as well as relevant supplementary planning guidance, representations received and all other material considerations Conditions 1. The development permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. www.swindon.gov.uk/planning S/12/1766/RM Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Permission for Development 1. The Local Planning Authority HEREBY GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION for the development proposed in the application subject to the scheduled conditions. Which is hereby expressly incorporated herewith and of which brief details are, by way of identification only, set out in the schedule (see overleaf).
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Eaton - Census 1861
    Castle Eaton - Census 1861 YEAR OCCUPATION/ SCHEDULE SURNAME GIVEN NAMES RELATIONSHIP CONDITION GENDER AGE BORN DISABILITY WHERE BORN LOCATION 1 King Robert Head Married M 46 1815 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 1 King Sarah Wife Married F 46 1815 Marston, Gloucester Castle Eaton 1 Trinder Henry William Grandson M 10 1851 Cirencester, Gloucester Castle Eaton 2 Jardis William Head Unmarried M 24 1837 Blacksmith Blunsdon Castle Eaton 3 Hedges Thomas Head Married M 41 1820 Inn Keeper Ashton Keynes Castle Eaton 3 Hedges Mary Ann Sister Unmarried F 31 1830 House Keeper Kempsford, Gloucester Castle Eaton 4 King Robert Head Married M 29 1832 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 4 King Eliza Wife Married F 29 1832 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 4 King William Son M 8 1853 Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 4 King George Son M 6 1855 Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 4 King Henry Son M 4 1857 Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 4 King Martha Ann Daughter F 2 1859 Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 5 Sims Edward Head Married M 51 1810 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 5 Sims Martha Wife Married F 50 1811 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 5 Sims Eli Son Unmarried M 16 1845 Agricultural Labourer Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 5 Sims Ann Daughter F 11 1850 Scholar Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 5 Sims Mary Daughter F 9 1852 Scholar Castle Eaton Castle Eaton 6 Mills John Head Married M 58 1803 Agricultural Labourer Farringdon, Berkshire Castle Eaton 6 Mills Rachel Wife Married F 50 1811 Agricultural Labourer Shillingford Castle
    [Show full text]
  • Journey to the Source of the Thames © Classic Cycle Trips 2020 Page 1 Of
    Journey to the source of the Thames Journey to the source of the Thames The Thames is the second longest river in the UK and at 215 miles, the longest river entirely in England. It flows through 8 counties, has 24 major tributaries including the Cherwell at Oxford where its known as the Isis. From its source at Trewsbury Mead in Gloucestershire there are many other famous settlements along its banks, Henley-on-Thames and Windsor probably being the most notable after Oxford, as well as flowing past Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and the Houses of Parliament to its estuary and mouth as far east as Southend on Sea. Along its banks is the market town of Wallingford, significant due to the fact that if you are marching an army from the south it is the first place along the river that you can cross an army on foot. In 1066 William the Conqueror met Archbishop Stigand at the town to make the formal arrangements for the handover of the country following the defeat of King Harold’s army at Hastings. Already one of King Alfred’s Burgh towns, it marks the western edge of the Kingdom of Wessex, the Normans then built one of their largest fortresses at the site of the ford. The town then had its heyday up to the English civil war, at one time being the county town of Berkshire, however following the siege of Wallingford in 1646 when the castle was captured by Parliamentary forces in 1652 its destruction was decreed and thebuilding materials it yielded were taken down river to be used at Windsor Castle.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Eaton AD Plant Upgrade and Extension Planning, Design and Access Statement
    Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Castle Eaton AD Plant Upgrade and Extension Planning, Design and Access Statement 662939 DECEMBER 2020 RSK GENERAL NOTES Project No.: 662939 Title: Castle Eaton AD Plant Upgrade and Extension, Planning Design and Access statement Client: Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Date: December 2020 Office: Manchester Status: Final for Planning Technical Author Poppy Grange reviewer Sydney Hougrand Signature: Signature: Date: 23.12.2020 Date: 23.12.2020 Project Manager David Conway Signature: Date: 23.12.2020 Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Castle Eaton AD Plant Upgrade and Extension Planning Design and Access Statement 662939-01 (03) Biomethane (Castle Eaton) Limited Castle Eaton AD Plant Upgrade and Extension Planning Design and Access Statement 662939-01 (03) CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 The Planning Application Submission .................................................................................... 1 1.3 Structure of this Statement ..................................................................................................... 2 2 SITE DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Site Location ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Arrival of Autumn
    I S S U E 1 1 NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2018 ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN News for all who enjoy the Thames Path INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Autumn 1 Autumn is with us, glowing on the trees and gusting round the corners Along the Trail 2 after a summer that was memorable for its long, long stretch of childhood hot dry weather. An easy autumn circular walk around Christchurch Mead- Events 4 ow shows off the spires and towers of Oxford; rowers and ducks along the Thames as it reaches Folly Bridge; a wonderful herd of Old English Longhorn What’s it 5 Worth? cattle and a majestic display of trees. This flood meadow enclosed by the rivers Cherwell and Thames is open to the public all year round. It is a site Trail Overview 6 long used for sport, recreation and leisure, was invaluable as a defence against the Parliamentarian forces in the Civil War, and was the location for Volunteer Tasks 7 the first balloon flight in England in 1784. A green, open space with splendid views, the Meadow offers a valuable refuge away from the city streets. Circular walk 8 Christchurch Meadow lies on the opposite side of the Thames Path by End notes 10 Folly Bridge, Oxford. The walk around it is just over a mile, but can take as many hours as you wish to complete it. V i si t : https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visiting -c h r i st - church/meadow follow @ntthames Thames Path National Trail Office, Speedwell House, Oxford, OX1 1NE Information:[email protected] T:01865 810224 Volunteers [email protected] T: 01865 810211 W www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thames-path/ P A G E 2 Along The Trail Along the Thames Path National Trail, the Oxford City widening and im- provement works are now entering their final stages, once complete the works will allow for a far safer and easier level of use with superb widths for both commuters and recreational users as the trail and its river winds its Along theTrail way through Oxford City and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • The River Thames
    THE THAMES THROUGH TIME The Archaeology of the Gravel Terraces of the Upper and Middle Thames: The Thames Valley in the Medieval and Post-Medieval Periods AD 1000–2000 The River Thames THE THAMES THROUGH TIME The Archaeology of the Gravel Terraces of the Upper and Middle Thames: The Thames Valley in the Medieval and Post-Medieval Periods AD 1000-2000 The River Thames By James Bond, Anne Dodd, Jill Hind and Trevor Rowley INTRODUCTION By AD 1000, the Thames was largely established along its modern course (Fig. 1). The character of the river and its immediate environs has been studied as part of numerous archaeological investigations in the valley (Booth et al . 2007; Lambrick et al . 2009; Morigi et al . 2011). By the time of Domesday Book, extensive areas along the river banks were cultivated as hay meadow, and detailed local archaeological studies suggest that this could have begun as early as the 8th or 9th century (eg Booth et al . 2007, 331–6). In places, earlier channels silted up as the alluvium left behind by seasonal floods heightened, extending old river islands and creating new ones. There is abundant evidence for human intervention in these processes from the late Saxon period onwards, with the dumping of soil and refuse at the water-edge to raise the ground level, infill unwanted channels and extend habitable land. The cutting and stabilisation of these channels provided water for milling, industrial processes and navigation. Between AD 1000 and 2000, the Thames provided a wide range of resources to local inhabitants. It was an indispensable source of water for brewing, washing, irrigation and industry; it was the chief drain and sewer of the region, carrying away human and industrial waste; it provided power for mills; it was a source of fish and wildfowl, and of reeds, rushes and willow for flooring and wickerwork; and, it was a highway for transport between the west, the midlands and the port and capital city of London.
    [Show full text]