<<

Proposed Mixed Use Development Road,

Flood Risk Assessment

February 2018

117623: Mixed Use Development, Rutherglen Flood Risk Assessment

CONTROL SHEET

CLIENT: Rubicon Land

PROJECT TITLE: Proposed Mixed Use Development Dalmarnock Road, Rutherglen

REPORT TITLE: Flood Risk Assessment

PROJECT REFERENCE: 117623

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 117623/WS/01

STATUS: FINAL

FINAL Name Signature Date

Prepared by K M H Barr 02/02/18

Checked by V Ford 02/02/18

Approved by K M H Barr 02/02/18 Issue & Approval Schedule Schedule Issue & Approval

Rev. Date Status Description Signature

By KMHB Minor amendments and 1 6/02/18 FINAL Check VF issued as Final Report. Approve KMHB

By

Revision Record Revision Record 2 Check

Approve

This document has been prepared in accordance with procedure OP/P02 of the Fairhurst Quality and Environmental Management System

This document has been prepared in accordance with the instructions of the client, Rubicon Land, for the client’s sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do so at their own risk.

117623: Mixed Use Development, Rutherglen Flood Risk Assessment

CONTENTS

1 Introduction ...... 1

2 Planning Policy ...... 2

3 Development Proposals ...... 5

4 Potential Sources of Flood Risk...... 8

5 Flood Risk Analysis ...... 9

6 Conclusion ...... 13

7 References ...... 14

Appendix A - Drawings

117623: Mixed Use Development, Rutherglen Flood Risk Assessment

1 Introduction

Fairhurst was appointed by Rubicon Land to assess the potential flood risk associated with a proposed mixed use development at Dalmarnock Road, Rutherglen.

The proposed development site is located within the existing retail park to the west of Dalmarnock Road, approximately 400m north-west of Farme Cross. The site location is shown on Figure 1, below.

Site location

Figure 1: Location plan

A Level 2 flood risk assessment has been carried out in line with guidance contained in the CIRIA document C624 - Development and Flood Risk – Guidance for the Construction Industry, 2004 . This includes identification of any existing flooding information for the area, both historic and modelled.

The flows from east to west about 20m north of the site. This report addresses potential flood risk associated with the River Clyde. Other sources of flood risk have also been considered.

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2 Planning Policy

2.1 National planning policy In consideration of planning applications, planning authorities require to be satisfied that due account has been taken of Scottish Planning Policy (SPP). It is necessary to show that adequate protection against flooding exists or can be provided for a proposed development and that the development does not increase any existing flood risk to persons or property upstream and downstream.

The flood risk framework guiding development sets out three categories of coastal and watercourse flood risk, together with guidance on surface water flooding, and the appropriate planning approach for each (the annual probabilities referred to in the framework relate to the land at the time a plan is being prepared or a planning application is made):

• Little or No Risk - annual probability of coastal or watercourse flooding is less than 0.1% (1:1000 years)

o No constraints due to coastal or watercourse flooding.

• Low to Medium Risk - annual probability of coastal or watercourse flooding is between 0.1% and 0.5% (1:1000 to 1:200 years)

o Suitable for most development. A flood risk assessment may be required at the upper end of the probability range (i.e. close to 0.5%), and for essential infrastructure and the most vulnerable uses. Water resistant materials and construction may be required. o Generally not suitable for civil infrastructure. Where civil infrastructure must be located in these areas or is being substantially extended, it should be designed to be capable of remaining operational and accessible during extreme flood events.

• Medium to High Risk - annual probability of coastal or watercourse flooding is greater than 0.5% (1:200 years)

o May be suitable for:  residential, institutional, commercial and industrial development within built-up areas provided flood protection measures to the appropriate standard already exist and are maintained, are under construction, or are a planned measure in a current flood risk management plan;

 essential infrastructure within built-up areas, designed and constructed to remain operational during floods and not impede water flow;  some recreational, sport, amenity and nature conservation uses, provided appropriate evacuation procedures are in place; and

 job-related accommodation, e.g. for caretakers or operational staff. o Generally not suitable for:

 civil infrastructure and the most vulnerable uses;

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 additional development in undeveloped and sparsely developed areas, unless a location is essential for operational reasons, e.g. for navigation and water-based recreation, agriculture, transport or utilities infrastructure (which should be designed and constructed to be operational during floods and not impede water flow), and an alternative, lower risk location is not available; and

 new caravan and camping sites.

o Where built development is permitted, measures to protect against or manage flood risk will be required and any loss of flood storage capacity mitigated to achieve a neutral or better outcome.

o Water-resistant materials and construction should be used where appropriate. Elevated buildings on structures such as stilts are unlikely to be acceptable.

Surface Water Flooding

- Infrastructure and buildings should generally be designed to be free from surface water flooding in rainfall events where the annual probability of occurrence is greater than 0.5% (1:200 years).

- Surface water drainage measures should have a neutral or better effect on the risk of flooding both on and off the site, taking account of rain falling on the site and run-off from adjacent areas.

SPP states that new development should not take place if it would be at significant risk of flooding from any source or would materially increase the probability of flooding elsewhere. In general, the storage capacity of should be safeguarded and works to elevate the level of the site by landraising should not lead to a loss of floodwater storage capacity. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a duty to give advice to planning authorities as to flood risk under the Flood Risk Management Act 2009, Section 72. SEPA considers this to include professional and expert interpretation of data or records. The Secretary of State for ’s guidance requires SEPA to take a holistic approach to the protection and enhancement of the environment. Planning authorities must consider SEPA’s views on the merits of any proposals involving carrying out works or operations in the bed or on the banks of rivers and streams.

The SEPA/Planning Authority Protocol on Development at Risk of Flooding Advice and Consultation issued in 2011 provides principles to be followed by authorities regarding advice and consultation on flood risk issues. It also gives generic guidance on the requirements for undertaking flood risk assessments.

2.2 Local planning policy The South Local Development Plan (LDP) was adopted on 29 June 2015. The LDP and its associated supplementary guidance are material considerations when determining planning applications. Policy 17 - Water Environment and Flooding of the LDP states:

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Any development proposals which will have a significant adverse impact on the water environment will not be permitted. This includes engineering works such as culverting. In determining proposals consideration shall be given to water levels, flows, quality, features, flood risk and biodiversity within the water environment. The use of buffer and no development zones will be introduced to protect the riparian zone. The avoidance principle of flood risk management as set out in SPP must be met. Within areas identified as functional the Council will not support any development proposals except where a specific location is essential for operational reasons and appropriate mitigation measures can be taken that meet the principles of flood risk management.

Sites where flood risk may be an issue (due to the breeching of watercourses, surface water and run off and impact of the proposal on groundwater) shall be the subject of a local flood risk management assessment. Any development where the flood risk cannot be appropriately managed to prevent a significant adverse increase in the risk of flooding either on the site or elsewhere will not be permitted.

Development proposals must also accord with other relevant policies and proposals in the development plan and with supplementary guidance. The proposed site is shown as lying within a core industrial and business area in the and Rutherglen Settlement Map of the LDP.

2.3 Council guidance South Lanarkshire Council’s Design Criteria Guidance for Sustainable Drainage Systems also provides guidance on assessment of flood risk for new developments. The requirement for dwellings is for a 0.6m freeboard above the 1 in 200 year plus climate change flood level, or 1m freeboard if the site is adjacent to a watercourse. There is no specific guidance for commercial properties. These are understood to be addressed on a case by case basis.

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3 Development Proposals

3.1 Existing Site Conditions The proposed mixed use development site is located on vacant brownfield land within the existing retail park to the west of Dalmarnock Road, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.

The River Clyde lies to the north of the site, separated from it by a narrow vegetated strip of land, and flowing from east to west. A low flood defence wall lies between the site and the river. The site is bounded to the west by a raised embankment with disused railway sidings beyond, to the east by existing units within the retail park and to the south by the main access road into the retail park from Dalmarnock Road.

A topographic survey of the site and the adjacent access roads was carried out by Loy Surveys in November 2016. The survey is shown on Loy drawing no. 33291 included in Appendix A. The site slopes gently from north to south. Elevations vary from about 7.5m AOD at the northern edge adjacent to the flood defence wall to about 5.5m AOD at the southern edge adjacent to the retail park access road. The crest level of the embankment to the west of the site is around 8.2m AOD.

The site sits within a low lying area with a known history of flooding. The area is reported to have been affected by flooding in December 1994, during a severe flood event on the River Clyde. The mechanism of flooding is understood to have been backing up of surface water from the combined sewer system rather than direct flooding from the river.

The low lying area is protected from direct flooding from the River Clyde by existing flood defences. A flood defence embankment with sheet pile cut-off was constructed on the north side of Downiebrae Road upstream (east) of Dalmarnock Road by South Lanarkshire Council around 2000. The embankment extends from higher ground just to the east of the point where Downiebrae Road turns away from the river, to Dalmarnock Bridge. A design drawing of the flood embankment has been provided by South Lanarkshire Council. The design defence crest level is 8.20m AOD. The embankment is now understood to be owned by Clyde Gateway. Downstream of Dalmarnock Bridge, adjacent to the site, flood defences consisting of a gabion basket wall and impermeable liner was constructed for the retail park around 2007. The planning consent for the retail park was conditional on completion of the flood defences and confirmation of future maintenance and management arrangements. The design flood defence crest level is understood to be the same as at Downiebrae Road, but no drawings are available. It is understood that the retail park developers own and maintain the flood defences.

3.2 Proposed development The proposed development is for mixed commercial use. The proposed layout includes A Starbucks drive-through restaurant, sites for future retail and/or leisure use and associated car parking.

The proposed site is shown on Mosaic site plan drawing reference 11047 AL(0)005 included in Appendix A.

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3.3 Sources of Flood Risk Information

3.3.1 River Clyde Flood Management Strategy Extensive flood risk information for the River Clyde is available from the River Clyde Flood Management Strategy (RCFMS) study commissioned by City Council. The Council appointed a Joint Venture of Ltd and W.A. Fairhurst and Partners (the Halcrow- Fairhurst JV) in May 2003 to undertake the RCFMS study. The scope of the project was to deliver a strategy for GCC to manage flood risk on the River Clyde in the long term, and to carry out the preliminary design of engineering works for the delivery of the selected solutions. A catchment-wide approach was also required to assess the risk of flooding and identify the ‘best possible solution’ for Glasgow and its peripheral regions.

A key aspect of the study was the upgrade of a previously developed ISIS hydrodynamic model of the River Clyde in order to integrate the latest information associated with extreme flows and tides within the Clyde catchment and current topographical data. The report of the hydrodynamic modelling study was completed in 2005. The River Clyde hydrodynamic model is currently being updated by Fairhurst for . The river bed bathymetry between Bowling and Cambuslang is to be updated using a survey undertaken for Scottish Water in 2016. This work has not yet been reported, but it is anticipated that differences in predicted water levels compared to the 2005 report will be relatively small, perhaps of the order of 10s of millimeters.

3.3.2 River Clyde 2D Flood Mapping – Farme Cross & Clydeford South Lanarkshire Council appointed Halcrow in April 2008 to carry out a study to provide detailed flood mapping in two local areas of the River Clyde floodplain at Dalmarnock Bridge/Farme Cross and Clydeford. This study used as its starting point the ISIS hydrodynamic model of the River Clyde developed during the RCFMS study. Minor local modifications were made to the existing one-dimensional model, and it was dynamically linked to two-dimensional hydraulic models of the two floodplain areas. The report of the study, including flood maps and animations of the progression of flooding, was completed in April 2009.

3.3.3 Previous Flood Risk Assessments Information on local flooding issues is available from the reports of flood risk assessments carried out for adjacent commercial developments. These include the flood risk assessment prepared in 2002 for Vico for the first phase of the retail park, and the flood risk assessments prepared in 2015 and 2016 for McDonald’s and KFC restaurants located within the retail park.

3.3.4 SEPA Flood Maps

SEPA’s flood maps (SEPA 2014) provide guidance on the possible extent, depth and velocity of flooding from fluvial, coastal and surface water sources for different likelihoods - ‘High’ (10yr return period), ‘Medium’ (200yr return period) and ‘Low’ (1000yr return period for fluvial and coastal sources and 200yr with allowance for climate change for surface water). The resolution of the mapping does not provide site specific detail; however, the site lies within an area shown to be at medium (200yr return period) risk of fluvial flooding. It is understood that the existing flood defences were not taken into account in the creation of the map.

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The flood maps do not consider the interaction between sources of flooding. The river flood map is based on a two dimensional flood modelling method applied across Scotland to all catchments greater than 3km2 and includes hydraulic structures ‘where appropriate information was available’. Whilst the SEPA flood maps can be useful for initially investigating whether a site may be at risk of flooding, the following caveat is attached to their use: “The Flood Maps are indicative and of a strategic nature. Whilst all reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the Flood Maps are accurate for their intended purpose, no warranty is given by SEPA in this regard… It is inappropriate for these Flood Maps to be used to assess flood risk to an individual property.”

More detailed analysis is required to fully understand the flood risk to any development site.

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4 Potential Sources of Flood Risk

At this location there are several potential sources of flooding that may require consideration:

• Fluvial flooding: Extreme fluvial flood events have the potential to cause rapid inundation of properties whilst posing a threat to the welfare of occupants and potentially preventing emergency access to properties and essential infrastructure. The site lies adjacent to the River Clyde and is protected by existing flood defences.

• Coastal flooding: Flooding that originates from the sea, either open coast or estuary sources, where water levels exceed the normal tidal range and flood onto the low–lying areas that define the coastline. Tidal effects are considered along with fluvial flooding in the existing studies of the River Clyde.

• Infrastructure failure: The risk of flooding at a site near a watercourse is likely to be affected by the failure of conveyance infrastructure such as culverts or bridges. The potential failure of other infrastructure, including reservoirs either nearby or in the upstream catchment, can have an adverse effect on flood risk at a site.

• Overland flow: Overland flow occurs when the infiltration capacity of the ground is exceeded in a storm event. This could result in water travelling as sheet flow overland or excess water being conveyed from one location to another via local road networks.

• Groundwater: Groundwater flooding could occur at low points on any given site, particularly if the site is relatively low-lying or next to a water feature.

• Sewer flooding: If the capacity of sewers is exceeded in an extreme event, or a blockage occurs, surcharging of the network can result in surface flooding.

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5 Flood Risk Analysis The potential sources of flooding identified in Section 4 are discussed below.

5.1 Fluvial and coastal flooding

5.1.1 River Clyde 2D Flood Mapping

Under the River Clyde 2D Flood Mapping study commissioned by South Lanarkshire Council, detailed flood mapping was carried out in the areas of Dalmarnock Bridge/Farme Cross and Clydeford. This study utilised hydrology and hydraulic modelling of the River Clyde originating from the earlier RCFMS study carried out for Glasgow City Council. ISIS Software was used in the RCFMS study to carry out hydrodynamic modelling of the River Clyde. ISIS is an industry-standard software package for this type of river modelling. A catchment-wide approach was adopted for the RCFMS study. The RCFMS study included: • Review of catchment processes in the Upper Clyde and development of a Broad Scale Model. • Detailed hydrodynamic modelling of the Clyde over a 56km corridor between (Blairston gauging station) and . • Consideration of the joint risk of fluvial and tidal flooding. Fluvial flood risk was found to dominate within this reach of the river.

For the 2D Flood Mapping study, the existing RCFMS model was updated and dynamically linked using ISIS-TUFLOW software to two-dimensional hydraulic models of the two floodplain areas.

The ISIS-TUFLOW model was updated to include the recently built flood defences upstream and downstream of Dalmarnock Bridge. Topography within the floodplain areas was derived from remotely sensed LiDAR data.

5.1.2 Predicted flood levels Predicted flood levels have been obtained from the report of the River Clyde 2D Flood Mapping study. In accordance with SPP recommendations, this report has considered flood levels occurring from a 1 in 200 year event. To comply with SLC requirements, a 1 in 200 year plus climate change event has also been considered.

The report indicates that the Farme Cross area could be affected by flooding from the River Clyde either upstream or downstream of Dalmarnock Bridge. The area is protected against the 1 in 200 year return period required by Scottish Planning Policy, with the freeboard in this event varying from 0.42m at the upstream end to 0.74m downstream of Dalmarnock Bridge. The area is not protected against the 1 in 200 year plus climate change event, which would overtop the existing defences.

If the flood defences were overtopped, the site could be inundated to significant depths. The lowest parts of the site lie almost 3m below the level of the crest of the flood defences.

Table 5.1 overleaf shows the predicted flood levels in the vicinity of the site for each of the two events.

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Table 5.1 - Design events and their associated flood levels

ISIS cross Location 1 in 200 1 in 200 year Flood section year flood + CC flood defence label level level level (m AOD) (m AOD) (m AOD)

U_DRDNG 360m u/s of Dalmarnock Bridge 7.78 8.73 8.20

U_DRD_BR Upstream of Dalmarnock Bridge 7.57 8.68 8.20

D_DRD_B2 Downstream of Dalmarnock Bridge 7.46 8.41 8.20*

D_DRD_BR 40m d/s of Dalmarnock Bridge 7.46 8.42 8.20*

DU_DRAIL Upstream of Rail Bridge 7.36 8.22 8.20*

* Downstream flood defence understood to have the same crest level as upstream defence.

5.2 Infrastructure failure

The site lies below predicted extreme flood levels in the River Clyde, and could be inundated in the event of a failure of the existing flood defences.

The flood defence at Downiebrae Road is an engineered embankment constructed by South Lanarkshire Council. The downstream defence adjacent to the site is a gabion basket wall and impermeable liner constructed by the retail park owner. This was the subject of planning conditions regarding its design, and future maintenance and management that were approved by the Council prior to construction of the retail park. The risk of failure of flood defences is considered to be low provided appropriate maintenance and management continue.

Water levels in the River Clyde could be affected by blockage of Dalmarnock Bridge or the rail bridge downstream. Dalmarnock Bridge was reportedly damaged by accumulation of debris in the December 1994 flood event. Due to the size of the bridge openings, it is considered that a blockage of such a magnitude to significantly affect water levels is unlikely.

5.3 Overland flow

The site is located in a depression, with flood defences lying between it and the River Clyde. Overland flow resulting from extreme pluvial events will tend to accumulate at low points in the topography, including locations within the site.

Areas of potential surface water flood risk are shown on the SEPA flood map within the existing Tesco car park to the south of the site. These areas of flood risk correspond with known low lying areas of ground that are set below the level of the current site. The site itself is not shown to be affected.

The site is unlikely to be significantly affected by surface water flooding as there are very limited areas outwith it that drain towards it, and there is lower ground within the car parking area to the south. Detailed design should take account of the risk of overland flow accumulating at low points. Buildings should be located to avoid low lying ground, with such areas used for car parking.

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Ground profiling, setting finished floor levels above the surrounding ground and best practice drainage design can provide effective mitigation against any residual risk of overland flow flooding.

5.4 Sewer flooding

The area is known to have been affected by secondary flooding from backing up of sewers from the River Clyde in the December 1994 event. It is understood that this risk has been addressed as part of the adjacent retail park development.

There is a residual risk of flooding from exceedance of sewer capacity within the existing sewer network outwith the site. Surface flows arising from sewer flooding are likely to follow the same flow paths as overland flow to low points in the topography. There is lower ground within the car parking area to the south of the site. Ground profiling, setting finished floor levels above the surrounding ground and best practice drainage design can provide effective mitigation against the risk of sewer flooding.

5.5 Groundwater

Groundwater flooding can occur in low lying areas and other depressions. Ground profiling, setting finished floor levels above the surrounding ground and best practice drainage design can provide effective mitigation against the risk of groundwater flooding.

5.6 Summary of flood risk

The site lies within an area at medium to high risk of flooding according to the SPP risk framework, but is protected by existing defences to the 1 in 200 year standard. The SPP risk framework states that where a site is located in a built-up area and flood protection measures to the appropriate standard already exist and are maintained, it may be suitable for residential, institutional, commercial and industrial development. It is concluded that the site is suitable for development in accordance with SPP.

Discussions were held by Fairhurst with South Lanarkshire Council’s flooding team in 2015 in relation to an adjacent development. It was concluded that the Council’s flooding team would support development within the area for commercial land uses only, with no residential element.

If the flood defences were overtopped, the site could be inundated to depths of up to 3m. It is recommended that site occupants make use of SEPA’s Floodline service and that a flood evacuation plan is prepared for each facility within the site.

The detailed design of the site, and in particular the ground floor level of the proposed Starbucks unit, should take account of the risk of other potential sources of flooding, in particular overland flow and sewer flooding. Ground profiling, setting the finished floor level above the surrounding ground and best practice drainage design, should therefore be considered in setting the unit ground floor level, all of which can provide effective mitigation against the risk of these sources of flooding.

The Starbucks unit should be located at a level which avoids low lying areas, where surface water could accumulate. It is proposed that the floor level of the Starbucks unit, considering maximum/reasonable gradient requirements from the present site access point, could be of the order of circa 6.7m/7.3m AOD.

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5.7 Evacuation route

The route for pedestrian evacuation to higher ground is first west along the retail park access road then south along Dalmarnock Road to Farme Cross, continuing south along Farmeloan Road. The elevation of Farmeloan Road at its junction with Alleysbank Road is above 10m AOD, well above potential flood level, and the ground continues to rise to the south. The distance from the site boundary to ground at a level above the predicted 1 in 200 year flood level is about 450m.

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6 Conclusion

The site lies within an area at medium to high risk of flooding from the River Clyde, but is protected by existing defences to the 1 in 200 year standard. The SPP risk framework states that where a site is located in a built-up area and flood protection measures to the appropriate standard already exist and are maintained, it may be suitable for residential, institutional, commercial and industrial development. It is concluded that the site is suitable for development in accordance with SPP.

If the flood defences were overtopped, the site could be inundated to varying depths of up to 3m. It is recommended that site occupants make use of SEPA’s Floodline service and that a flood evacuation plan is prepared and maintained for each facility within the site.

The detailed design of the site, and in particular the ground floor level of the proposed Starbucks unit, should take account of the risk of other potential sources of flooding, in particular overland flow and sewer flooding. The Starbucks unit should therefore be located at a level which avoids low lying areas, where surface water could accumulate. Ground profiling, setting the finished floor level above the surrounding ground and best practice drainage design, should therefore be considered in setting the unit ground floor level, all of which can provide effective mitigation against the risk of these sources of flooding.

Having reviewed the current site masterplan, it is proposed that the floor level of the Starbucks unit, considering maximum/reasonable gradient requirements from the present site access point, could be of the order of circa 6.7m/7.3m AOD.

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7 References

Halcrow Fairhurst JV (2005), River Clyde Flood Management Strategy - Hydrodynamic Modelling Report.

Halcrow (2009), River Clyde 2D Flood Mapping, Farme Cross and Clydeford.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (2015), Technical Flood Risk Guidance for Stakeholders, Version 9.1.

The Scottish Government (2014), Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).

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Appendix A

Drawings

Loy drawing no. 33291: Topographic Survey

Mosaic drawing reference 11047 AL(0)005: Location Plan As Proposed

Aberdeen Leeds Bristol Dundee Newcastle upon Tyne Sevenoaks Elgin Sheffield Glasgow Taunton Huddersfield Watford Inverness Westhill CIVIL ENGINEERING • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING • TRANSPORTATION • ROADS & BRIDGES PORTS & HARBOURS • GEOTECHNICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING • PLANNING &

DEVELOPMENT • WATER SERVICES • HEALTH & SAFETY/CDM SERVICES