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The first of the three topic masterplans relates to District’s most plentiful resource – water. The central part of the district lies in the flood plain of four major rivers and was so boggy that it was avoided by early settlers. While the area has been drained to become rich farmland, flooding is an ever-present issue. Selby experienced major floods in 1794, 1866, 1947, 1982 and most recently in 2000 while suffered in 1935 and 2000. Flood defences have been put in place and the Environ- ment Agency has plans for further defences in the two towns. However, the agency is also exploring a wider strategy to manage the whole watershed to reduce the likelihood of flooding. The water masterplan has looked at flood protection and how defences can be made effective without being intrusive. However, it has also looked at a wider strategy that works with the Environment Agency across the watershed to make water into an asset as much as a threat. Central to this strategy is the concept of a Water Park acting in the capacity of holding flood waters but also predominantly being a wildlife reserve and a visitor attraction. 1Water 21

Water 1 Water 22 ater moulded the land- scape of Wfrom the time when it was part of an inland sea estuary. This was later enclosed to become the glacial Lake Humber which, as it silted-up, became a huge marshy expanse of land avoided by early settlers. This has been gradually drained and turned over to agricul- tural land crossed by the meandering courses of the Rivers Ouse, Wharfe, Aire and the Derwent. Most of the district lies within the flood plain of these rivers and is not much more than 6m above sea level. This history of water has fundamentally influenced the landscape character of the district, which includes the following character areas:

Magnesian limestone ridge: The oldest physical influences are asso- ciated with the Magnesian limestone ridge, which runs along the western boundary of the district. Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet are both posi- tioned on this ridge and are strongly

1water 23 influenced by its specific qualities. Humberhead Levels: The distinctive, The ridge was deposited in an en- extremely low lying and exception- closed evaporated inland sea during ally flat landform of the Humberhead the Permian period, some 245 – 255 Levels was created by alluvial de- million years ago. The limestone has posits of silt and clay that settled out weathered to form a rounded rolling from the waters of the great ‘Lake ridge with well-drained calcareous Humber’, which was impounded by soils. The limestone is of consider- a glacier at the mouth of the Humber able economic value and has been during the late Quaternary era. These quarried since the middle ages for deep deposits have formed some building stone, agricultural lime and of the most productive agricultural latterly, crushed aggregate. Indeed areas of Britain. Selby, the principal the stone for Minster was town of the area, is positioned at its quarried in Tadcaster whose original centre. name – Calcaria – means ‘place of limestone’. River corridors: The extensive network of broad, tidal and naviga- Bunter Sandstone: To the east of ble rivers that drain the district has the ridge, the Limestone dips under had an important influence on the the younger deposits of Bunter or landscape of the region. The Ouse is Lower Red Sandstone of the Triassic the principal river, supported by its period. This sandstone has been tributaries, the Wharfe, Derwent and almost entirely masked by thick silt Aire. Alluvium deposits line the floors and clay deposits (see Humberhead of the river channels, which are now levels). Outcrops are limited to the generally confined within engineered area around Hambleton and Thorpe embankments to control the flow of Willoughby and around Carlton and water through the district. Camblesforth to the south of the district.

Key

Limestone ridge Bunter sandstone Humberhead levels River corridors

Limestone Bunter sandstone Humberhead levels River corridors 24

2water 25 Selby wharf Tadcaster brewery

Woodlands Intensive agriculture

ollowing the retreat of the last also, gradually led to an increase in mental interest (including eight point on the river Ouse navigable ice age 10,000 years ago, the ground levels. The seasonal flooding SSSI’s in the district). Water vole, by sea-going vessels and was Fflat Humberhead Plain was also flushed surface salts out of the otters and bats are present within the originally developed as an important initially colonised by a large forest. soil to ensure its continued health. area and the only confirmed British medieval inland port. Tadcaster was 7,000 years later, rising sea levels This rich farmland is one of the population of the rare Tansy beetle is positioned on the Great North Road pushed the Humber Estuary further most productive areas of Britain and situated within the district. The visual (Roman) at an important crossing inland and waterlogged the affor- has led to large-scale farm intensifi- amenity of the river corridors is an point of the . ested areas, which were replaced by cation in some areas. This has led to important local resource and is rec- Water has also shaped the extensive areas of reed swamp. habitat impoverishment particularly ognised by a number of designated economy of the district from the port The influence of humans started of wetland habitats, loss of trees and Special Landscape Areas. and shipbuilding industries of Selby to be seen in the 11th century about hedgerows and the localised lower- to brewing in Tadcaster. The latter is the time of the foundation of Selby ing of the water table through water Human settlement based on the special qualities of the Abbey. Drainage and clearance of abstraction. The recently introduced local water filtered through limestone the swamps created broad areas Single Farm Payment and Steward- The agrarian-based settlement pat- and gypsum rendering it ideal for of fertile farmland. Winter flooding ship schemes may lead to diversifi- tern of the district comprises a large brewing. deposited silts over the low-lying cation of agricultural practices, with number of evenly distributed rural The rivers have therefore always plain and rich wet grasslands devel- more emphasis being placed on villages and hamlets supported by been seen as both a threat and op- oped. Traditionally the fertility of the conservation issues and alternative the larger market towns of Selby and portunity. The dangers of flooding wetland meadows was maintained uses of the land. Tadcaster. Once again water has had have been balanced against a desire by the technique of ‘warping’: the Remnants of the more natural a large part to play in the evolution to live and work near water and the deliberate and managed flooding vegetation cover within the region of the larger settlements offering key resultant pressure to develop within of meadows with fertile silt laden are commonly associated with the crossing points or providing the op- the natural flood plain. waters. The resulting layers of silt, river corridors and are recognised portunity for water borne transport. not only increased fertility, but and protected as sites of environ- Selby is positioned at the highest 26

Key

100 year flood level 200 year flood level Areas benefiting from flood defences Water bodies

3water 27 Temporary flood defences in Selby The 1947 flood in Selby and the 1935 flood in Selby’s flood defences in the 2000 flood Flood defence banks in Tadcaster and Selby Tadcaster

elby has experienced five most of which has happened also mean that the growing season volume of available water counter the threat of global warming major floods in just over 200 since 1990. increases by 45 to 100 days a year. and there is only so much that can Syears, Tadcaster two major Changes to wildlife species and be done at the district level to ad- floods within the last 70 years. While regional rainfall is not Impact on the district habitats dress the causes of global warming This is a result of its low-lying flat increasing more of the rain falls (see the Energy masterplan). The landscape crossed by tidal rivers. in winter. Winters have become These changes to the region’s cli- Despite an overall reduction in rain- Water strategy therefore needs to Flooding has generally occurred 30% wetter while we have had mate will have significant impacts on fall the district will become increas- reduce the volume and speed of run- when severe rainfall in the watershed 60% less rainfall in summer. This many aspects of life within Selby and ingly prone to winter flooding. There off from uplands and built-up areas combines with a high tide. Over the increases the prospects of sum- Tadcaster. These may include: are currently 86km of flood defences and increase the capacity of the river years flood defences have reduced mer droughts and winter floods. on the River Ouse, of which 78km system to accommodate flood water. the impact of flooding and if the situ- Increased frequency and severity are flood embankments and 8km These issues are dealt with on the ation were stable, the works planned Average tide levels on the of flood events hard defences such as flood walls. following pages. over the next five years by the east coast have risen at rates Even with the works planned to ex- Environment Agency would largely between 1.5 and 3.6mm per year Higher tidal surges tend these defences, the uncertainty solve the issue. over the last 80 years. that results from global warming However, the situation is unfor- Increased influence of saline means that they may not be enough. tunately not stable. Information from These trends are predicted to get water Currently there are concerns that the study ‘Warming up the Region’ worst as global warming becomes this could be further exacerbated (UK Climates Impact Programme) even more apparent. Annual tempera- Changes to the patterns of agri- by faster run-off from upland areas, documents how climate change has tures are predicted to rise by between cultural production an increasing volume and speed of already affected the region: 1.6 and 3.9˚C by 2080. This is run off from built-up areas and the likely to lead to a reduction of annual Increased demand for water loss of traditional flood plains to Over the last 120 years there has rainfall of between 10 – 20% but a development. It is unlikely that flood been a temperature rise of 0.5˚C sea-level rise of 15 – 75cm. This will Changes to the quality and defences can be made ever higher to 28

Waterside development in Ecolonia Holland Emscher Park Germany Earthcentre, Doncaster

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here is a growing recognition water run-off and addressing flood (as proposed in the Energy water bodies, both permanent lakes of the threat posed by in- defences in and around settlements masterplan in Section 2) and seasonal features. It will hold Tcreased flood risk. This threat as dealt with in Section 6. flood water to reduce flooding in needs to be addressed. However, the Wetland habitat restoration Selby while providing a distinctive concept of the SDF is to do this in Added benefits landmark development. It presents a such a way that a range of benefits Hydroelectric power unique opportunity to raise the pro- are achieved that contribute to the While the Environment Agency’s pri- file of Selby as a prime example of economy, environment and quality mary concern is managing the flow Storage of water sustainable development improving of life of the district. Water can there- of water through the region, these the quality of life for local residents, fore become a force for renaissance. measures potentially have a series of The water masterplan is therefore bringing new economic benefits to benefits that could contribute signifi- based on a series of measures to the area, enhancing and supporting Defence cantly to the renaissance of Selby. reduce the risk of flooding both local wildlife and improving water These may include: within the catchment area and within management for the region. This is in line with the 100-year the heart of each of the towns. The The other major project is a strategy published by the Environ- Waterside development (as pro- latter are incorporated into the town long-term proposition and relates ment Agency for the Ouse. This is posed in the Selby and Tadcaster masterplans as part of environmen- to controlling the tidal nature of the moving towards a more holistic and Plans) tal works and waterside housing river system (Section 8). This would sustainable approach to managing development so that the flood have significant benefits in making the increase risk of flooding nation- Leisure and recreation facilities defences can be used to enhance the river more navigable for leisure ally and regionally. The strategy (as proposed in the Yorkshire the waterside environment and bring uses and remove the threat of tidal promotes a more natural manage- Water Park in section 7) it back into productive use. flooding. It does, however, raise a ment of the water within the overall The main project is the York- range of wider issues that would catchment of the river including a Agricultural diversification shire Water Park on land near Selby need to be subject to separate study. range of interventions in two broad town (Section 7). This will involve categories: reducing the speed of Biomass crop production the creation of a series of linked 30

Flood prevention: Water Renaissance

1. Afforestation of the upper reaches of the catch- 6. Riverside Park in Selby incorporating the flood ment area. defences.

2. Holding areas for water along the principal 7. Riverside environmental improvements to the rivers. valley in Tadcaster to incorporate the flood defences and create a circular walk. 3. No new development in the flood plain unless within the area protected by flood defence in the 8. Waterfront housing development in Selby and two towns. Tadcaster incorporating flood defences.

4. All new development proposed in the town 9. The development of a Selby marina either as an masterplans to incorporate Sustainable Urban extension of Holme Lane or as part of the Sta- Drainage systems and to be designed with tion Quarter. permeable surfacing to reduce run-off. 10. The development of a regional water park incor- 5. Repositioning of tidal defences further inland. porating holding capacity for flood water as well as being a regional tourist attraction and wildlife resource.

11. Potential future tidal barrage/weir.

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An illustration by Camlin Lonsdale to show how the appartments proposed on Selby waterfront could create a public square incorporating flood defences.

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Proposals by Camlin Lonsdale for a riverside park along the former wharfs in Selby town centre. The landscaping would incorporate the flood defence levels.

easures to reduce flooding for flood waters as well as holding River corridors within settlements (see section 6.7 of the Selby are the responsibility of the water for use by farmers during dry masterplan). This creates a MEnvironment Agency and it summer periods. The repositioning The overlap between flood defences landscaped area incorporating is not the role of the SDF to go too of flood defences further from the and the Renaissance strategy are the flood defence levels as part deeply into the Environment Agency river can also create a greater hold- greater within Selby and Tadcaster. of a linear park. area of responsibility. The EA ap- ing capacity. In both towns the danger of flooding proach to flooding in Selby District is has, to an extent, caused the towns Waterfront flats and a cafe pro- contained within their 100 year Flood Restrictions on development: Given to turn their back on their river. posed within the Selby waterfront Risk Management Strategy covering that much of the district lies within a Elsewhere insensitive flood defences park. The scheme incorporates the Ouse. The areas of overlap with flood plain it is clearly not possible have exacerbated this by blocking an aquatic barrier with the first the SDF include: to restrict this entirely. However, views of the water. In developing the level of accommodation above developments such as Olympia Park Water SDF we have been concerned this. Tree planting: The reforestation of in Barlby will need to ensure that that this does not happen in Selby the upper reaches of the catchment flood defences are in place before District. The town masterplans have In Tadcaster it is proposed that area helps to slow run-off. Much new housing/business development therefore addressed the issue of the flood defences along the of this will take place outside the is occupied. implementing the flood defences valley be incorporated into a district. There are, however, op- in a way that adds to the renais- landscape scheme for the whole portunities, with farm set-aside, to Sustainable Drainage: All new sance of the town. If this is achieved area incorporating a circular increase the amount of forestation in developments proposed in the town there is the potential to open up the walk. the district. masterplans should incorporate towns again to their rivers, to create Sustainable Urban Drainage systems waterside public open space and to Housing development on the Water holding areas: New lakes and be designed with permeable encourage waterside development. PowerPlus / Mill Lane site is along the waterways/rivers can play surfacing to reduce run-off. The proposals include: proposed to incorporate a flood a valuable role in providing capacity defence barrier as per the water- A waterfront park in Selby front park in Selby. 34

7water 35 he flagship proposal in the wa- A demonstrator project for park. The suggested site is the regional shortage (Water towers ter masterplan is the Yorkshire sustainable development in the Cawood/Wistow Ings to the north could also be used as vantage TWater Park. This is envisaged region. east of Selby town (although there points to gain elevated views as a large area within the flood plain are potential other sites to the north across the flat landscape). including a series of lakes and areas The proposal: and south). This is a good location where planned flooding can take for flood alleviation and also has the Demonstrator areas for agricul- place. The water park is designed to There are a number of precedents advantage of being close to Selby tural diversification, biomass provide capacity to hold flood water for this type of water park in the so that it can benefit from the town’s production, renewable energy so reducing the impact of flooding UK. The Wetlands and Wildfowl transport links and the benefits can and potentially fisheries/aquacul- along the river. However, it will also Trust have nine centres in the UK, contribute to Selby’s economy. The ture. have a number of other benefits: the best known being Slimbridge water park will include: wildlife sanctuary in Gloucestershire. A visitor centre providing An amenity, education and The Cotswolds Water Park near Active water sports – water facilities for recreation and an recreation resource including Cirencester claims to be the largest skiing, boating, rowing and sail- interpretation centre for wildlife, access to the countryside. water park in the UK and includes boarding. sustainable development and recreational facilities and wildlife in agricultural diversification. A regional leisure facility provid- a series of former sand and gravel Leisure facilities from organised ing active (water sports) and pits. Other examples include the Mil- active to informal passive enjoy- Marina development: There is the passive (walking) recreation for ton Keynes Parks Trust’s Floodplain ment of the countryside. possibility, as illustrated below, both local people and visitors. Forest and the Cuckmere estuary, of linking the water park to the which involves the recreation of tidal The creation of a series of habitat Holme Lane Marina as described An important wetland wildlife marshes. types including wetlands and ar- in Section 6.8 of the Selby habitat including wet woodland The Yorkshire Water Park will eas for migratory and permanent masterplan. The marina would and meadows. involve elements of each of these. It wildfowl. include residential development will cover 900 ha of land including to integrate the water park with A demonstrator area for biomass lakes, marshes and flood meadows. Temporary water storage Selby town. production and farm diversifica- We have explored a number – in flood conditions as well as tion. of potential locations for the water water storage for use in times of

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7water 37 Two illustrations of the Yorkshire Water Park. To the left the normal condition of the park, below, the situation during flood when the area would hold water to reduce downstream flooding. 38

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The Cardiff Barrage was built across a harbour with a 14m tidal range- one of the greatest in the The Tees Barrage (three pictures below) which incorporates a road bridge retains a constant up- world. The barrage has eliminated the effect of the tide releasing the development potential of the stream water level. Near to Stockton town centre it incorporates a navigation lock, a fish path and waterfront. Completed in 1999, it has created a 500 acre freshwater lake with 8 miles of waterfront. canoe slalom course. Upstream it has led to 100ha of waterside development.

The Naburn Marina made possible by a tidal The Dinard Barrage in France The River Hull tidal barrage weir on the River Ouse north of Selby

ignificant changes are being low tide. This limits the potential for of flooding. The other benefits habitats throughout the river system made in the management riverside development as well as the would include the creation of a but particularly in the Humber Estu- Sof coastal waters within the scope for leisure boating. Naburn, hugely increased length of navigable ary. There is also a possibility of northeast region. Flood defences are further north on the Ouse benefits waterway. This in turn would allow increasing contamination in the river being moved further inland and the from a tidal weir and lock, beyond Selby to develop a leisure boating system and increasing the risk of sea encouraged to breach the exist- which is a busy leisure marina and water sports industry. A marina flooding elsewhere. ing coastal defences. This will create supporting boat yards and leisure could be developed on the Ouse and These issues will need to be inter-tidal mud flats and creeks that boating. the new navigable rivers would allow studied in much more detail if the absorb the energy of high tides and We have therefore explored the all of the disconnected sections of idea is to be progressed. However, provide valuable habitats for wading possibility of creating a barrage leisure waterway in the region to be the potential benefits to Selby District birds. This in turn may reduce the south of Selby on the River Ouse. joined-up. It would help to transform are great. risk from tidal floods higher up the The precedents for this include the the waterfront in Selby allowing water corridor. barrages on the and River the town to embrace the river with Hull as well as the Cardiff Barrage waterside development and housing. Potential Barrage that made Cardiff bay none-tidal The barrage could also be used thereby promoting a huge regenera- to create new wetland habitats as As part of the SDF we have explored tion of the area. well as being a source of hydroelec- the possibility of further controlling There are a number of benefits tric power. However, the proposal the tidal flow of the river. At present that this could bring. The main is not without potential problems as the River Ouse, as it passes through benefit would be flood management. the consultations as part of the SDF Selby, is quite aggressively tidal. By making the river system non- have highlighted. These mainly relate The currents in the river are very tidal, the barrage would prevent tidal to the flow of silt in the river system strong and mud flats are exposed at inundation one of the major causes that could harm important wildlife