Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme Final Environmental Statement

6 November 2015

i We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve.

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This Environmental Statement, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out to identify the significant environmental effects of the proposed development, was undertaken in line with the EIA Quality Mark Commitments.

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Newhaven FAS Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 iii

Contents

1 Background 1

2 Consenting regime of the Proposed Development 7

3 Scheme Development 9

3.1 Strategic context 9

3.2 Alterntave options considered 13

3.3 Consultation and engagement 22

3.4 Environmental topics scoped out of assessment 25

4 The Proposed Development 26

5 Impact assessment methodology 38

6 Key issues 46

6.1 Fauna and flora 46 6.2 Landscape and visual amenity 68 6.3 Archaeology and cultural heritage 90 6.4 Water environment 107 6.5 Ground conditions 126 6.6 Traffic and transport 145

7 Other issues 166

8 Effects interactions 168

9 Conclusion 173

10 Environmental Action Plan 176

References 178

Appendix A – Newhaven FAS design plans 190

Appendix B – Fauna and Flora 191

Appendix C – Landscape and visual amenity 196

Appendix D – Archaeology and cultural heritage 224

Appendix E – Ground conditions 227

Newhaven FAS Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 iv

Appendix F – Traffic and transport 229

Appendix G – Responses to Draft Environmental Statement 232

Newhaven FAS Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 v Non-Technical Summary

equipment. Newhaven’s swing bridge was also damaged, causing Introduction and Background temporary failure. The Environment Agency has been working closely with Lewes The objective of the Flood Alleviation Scheme for Newhaven is to District Council, South Downs National Park, East Sussex County provide a 1 in 200 year standard of protection to the year 2070. Council, Network Rail, Highways England, Natural England, Historic The Proposed Development forms part of the wider commitment to England, Newhaven Ports and Properties and various other the regeneration of Newhaven. It will deliver multiple benefits to the stakeholders to develop the Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme community by reducing flood risk and providing environmental (FAS). improvements. The town of Newhaven is located in East Sussex, between Brighton and Eastbourne (grid reference TQ449016). The Environmental Statement The main flood risk to Newhaven is due to tidal flooding of low lying land from the River Ouse, which passes through the town. There are As part of the planning application for the Newhaven FAS, an currently 431 residential properties at significant risk of flooding Environmental Statement has been prepared in accordance with the including important assets, such as, Seaford to Lewes railway line; Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Newhaven Port; electricity substations; sewer line; waste water Regulations 2011, describing the likely significant environmental treatment works; the Energy Recovery Facility; power lines; and the effects associated with its construction and operation. A26 and A259 trunk roads. The information provided as part of the Environmental Statement will The existing standard of protection provided by the tidal defences be taken into account by the Planning Authority during determination through Newhaven varies, with the east bank estimated to have a 1 of the planning application. in 50 year chance of flooding, and the west bank having an estimated This Non-Technical Summary provides an overview of the findings of 1 in 100 year chance of flooding. environmental studies reported in the Environmental Statement as During December 2013, an extreme tidal surge event affected well as a summary of the measures proposed to avoid or reduce the Newhaven. This resulted in 60 residential and commercial properties likelihood of significant environmental effects. flooded on the east and west bank. Newhaven Town and Newhaven Harbour railway stations were affected with Newhaven Harbour railway station being closed for three days due to damaged signalling

The Existing Environment • Newhaven Fort and Lunette Battery Scheduled Ancient Monument (located to the south of Newhaven); and Newhaven is a historic port town and has a current population of • Existing historic landfill sites (located north-west within approximately 12,250 people. The River Ouse passes through the Riverside Park). town and is flanked by a combination of revetted slopes, vertical quays and low flood walls. A majority of defences along the River Ouse through Newhaven are sheet piled walls. Residential buildings are mainly concentrated on the west bank, while the east bank is Consultation predominantly commercial and industrial buildings. Information has been exchanged and discussions held with a wide Key sensitive environments within or in close proximity to Newhaven range of consultees during the planning, design and assessment of FAS, as illustrated in Figure A, include: the Proposed Development, including statutory environmental groups, non-statutory environmental organisations, the Local • South Downs National Park (located to the north); Authority, businesses and landowners. This has resulted in changes to the design of the Newhaven FAS. • Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) including Newhaven Refuse Tip SNCI and Newhaven Ponds SNCI A public exhibition was held in February 2015 which presented the (located north-west), Tide Mills SNCI (located south-east), latest information in relation to Newhaven FAS. A Preliminary and Newhaven Cliffs SNCI (located to the south); Environmental Information Report was circulated during March 2015, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to give comments, confirm • Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest environmental baseline conditions and surveys and agree the scope and Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve (located south of and methodology for the Environmental Statement. Newhaven); An Engagement Strategy has been produced for the Newhaven FAS • Marine Conservation Zone (located along the coast south of which will ensure that all interested parties are kept up-to-date as the Newhaven); Proposed Development progresses. The engagement strategy includes an action plan with key dates for each of the stakeholder • Protected and/or notable species including the great crested engagement activities. newt, reptiles, breeding and wintering birds and aquatic species and habitat which supports otters and water voles; Further information events will be undertaken later in 2015 with local landowners as well as interested and/or affected parties, with a ‘drop- • Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings within Newhaven town in’ approach where stakeholders will be invited to meet with the centre; Environment Agency and discuss the Proposed Development.

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Figure A: Newhaven FAS and environmental sensitivities

Strategic context

Newhaven is identified within the River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy. The Strategy area extends along the River Ouse, from the A27, south-east towards the town of Newhaven, then along the coastline of Seaford Head to Peacehaven Heights.

The River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy was completed in 2012 and included recommendations for improvements to the standard of protection for the east and west banks of the River Ouse through the town of Newhaven. The agreed strategic objectives for Newhaven FAS include: • Implement flood risk reduction measures to achieve a 1 in 200 year Standard of Protection for Newhaven; • Reduce the impact of a large scale flood event at Newhaven and on the wider sub region;

• Deliver cost effective solutions to a programme agreed with funding partners to enable confidence promoting regeneration in Newhaven;

• Where possible, maximise environmental opportunities and The Proposed Development contribute to the aims of the Water Framework Directive; The preferred option for Newhaven FAS is presented below (Figure • Work with partners, key stakeholders and local community to B). During the consultation period, the Proposed Development was deliver the Proposed Development with their support; and separated into five distinct Scheme Areas for ease of reference. The • Ensure savings are achieved contributing to Government east bank of Newhaven comprises of Scheme Area 1, 2 and 5, while efficiency targets. the west bank includes Scheme Areas 3 and 4. The Proposed Development, which includes a combination of flood defence walls and flood embankments, is mainly concentrated along the river-front Alternative options considered and to the north of Newhaven. Following review of the River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Figure B: Newhaven FAS Scheme Areas Strategy, the project team explored various flood defence options for Newhaven FAS. The options were considered against the following criteria: maximisation of flood defence benefits; costs; potential for significant environmental effects; build-ability and disruption to local activities; meeting stakeholder objectives; broader outcomes/contributions; operation and maintenance; and achieving the design and construction programme. Newhaven FAS was split into various scheme areas with each area consisting of numerous possible options. Following further design work, ground investigations, environmental surveys and stakeholder liaison, several options were dismissed due to not meeting stakeholder objectives, unlikely to gain planning approval, being of substantial cost from a construction, maintenance or programme point of view or would potentially impact on surrounding habitats and protected species. During November 2014, short-listed options were presented to key stakeholders for further discussion and agreement. Following these meetings and on-going environmental investigation and design work, the preferred option was selected.

Scheme Area 1 (Energy Recovery Facility to A26)

Located to the north of the study area on the eastern bank, this For the embankment which extends from the Energy Recovery Scheme Area extends from the Energy Recovery Facility (west) to Facility to the railway line (approximately 150 metres), a slope will be the A26 (east). The existing land is used for grazing and agriculture provided at either end at a 1:12 metre gradient. This will provide and the railway line passes through the centre. Two clay-cored access for the existing public footpath. embankments will be constructed to reduce the flood risk from the Where both embankments meet the railway line, steel sheet pile upstream flood plain. The embankments will extend from the Energy retaining walls will be positioned along the existing railway fence line. Recovery Facility to the railway line and from the railway line towards To mitigate visual impacts, the sheet piling will be clad with timber the A26. Refer to Figure C. An automated floodgate barrier will be capping or plastic timber substitute cladding in agreement with South installed across the railway line and demountable flood barriers will Downs National Park. be provided for the A26. The embankments will reach a peak height of 3.9 metres and be approximately 15 metres wide. To provide for From the railway line, the clay-cored embankment will travel great crested newt mitigation, the construction footprint, which is eastwards towards the A26 for approximately 350 metres and a typically 15 metres wide, will extend to several of the ponds and concrete pier wall will tie in with the embankment retaining wall. drains in this area. During flood events, the demountable flood barriers will cross the A26 and outside of these periods they will be located within a nearby Figure C: Scheme Area 1 embankment alignment storage area. This storage area will also be designed to further minimise visual impacts in agreement with South Downs National Park. Upon completion of works the embankments will be sown with a suitable grass seed mix to provide a species-rich habitat. The public footpath will be seeded with a suitable amenity grass seed mixture to encourage rapid establishment. Figure D provides an indicative drawing of the embankment.

Figure D: Indicative drawing of the embankment within Scheme Area 1 Figure E: Scheme Area 2 proposed alignment

Scheme Area 2 - Energy Recovery Facility to Swing Bridge (east)

Scheme Area 2 extends approximately 850 metres along the East Quay from the Energy Recovery Facility to the Swing Bridge (east) with land use currently comprising of industrial minerals and waste. Refer to Figure E. The Proposed Development will follow the existing line of defences and a T-type concrete wall will be placed over sheet piles to a peak height of approximately 1.4 metres. Depending on the ground conditions, the existing sheet piles may be replaced with new sheet piles. The construction footprint will take up approximately six metres on the land side. In some sections, the flood defence walls will be set back from the River Ouse and demountable stop logs and a flood gate will provide access to the river. The concrete flood walls will be suitably designed to ensure their appearance is in keeping with the industrial/marine like environment of Newhaven. Figure F provides an indicative drawing of the concrete wall within Scheme

Area 2.

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end to ensure access is maintained at a minimum of a 1:12 metre gradient. Figure F: Indicative drawing of a concrete wall within Scheme Area 2 Figure G: Scheme Area 3 proposed alignment

Scheme Area 3 - Riverside Park to Swing Bridge (west)

Scheme Area 3 is situated on the western bank of Newhaven, to the north, and extends from Riverside Park to the Swing Bridge (west). There are two proposed flood defences for this area including raising of an existing embankment within Riverside Park and extension of the flood wall along the West Quay, opposite Denton Island. Refer to Figure G. Riverside Park to Boatyard embankment There will be improvement to and extension of the existing embankment. It will extend approximately 150 metres before turning 90 degrees north-west towards Riverside Park and crossing an existing drain and footpath. At this point it will tie in with the high On completion, the embankment will be sown with a suitable grass ground. The height of this embankment will be increased from seed mix to provide a species-rich habitat. The public footpath will be between 1.5 to 5 metres. Its construction footprint will be seeded with a suitable amenity grass seed mixture to encourage approximately 15 metres wide. The footpath will be graded at either rapid establishment. Footpaths which require temporary

viii diversion/closure during works will be reinstated on completion of Scheme Area 4 - Swing Bridge (west) to West Quay works. Opportunities will be investigated to further reduce wetland priority habitat impacts by re-profiling the banks and reusing material Scheme Area 4 extends to the south from the Swing Bridge (west) on site. along the West Quay. It comprises of a combination of embankments and a concrete flood wall. Refer to Figure I. Denton Island bridge to Swing Bridge (west) Figure I: Scheme Area 4 proposed alignment A concrete flood defence wall of approximately 150 metres in length will be incorporated into the West Quay wall along the river frontage and increased in height by approximately 0.7 metres. The wall will tie in with the high ground and parts of the existing concrete wall will be replaced. The finish of the concrete wall will be suitably designed to ensure its appearance is in keeping with the industrial/marine like environment of Newhaven and the railings designed similar to adjacent developments, ensuring views of the river are maintained. The existing footpath, which will be temporary diverted during works, will be reinstated on completion. Figure H provides an indicative drawing of the flood defence wall adjacent Denton Island. Figure H: Indicative drawing of flood defence wall adjacent Denton Island in Scheme Area 3.

Swing Bridge (west) to ‘The Ark’ flood defence embankments will be seeded with a suitable amenity grass seed mixture on completion. The Proposed Development will include improving and extending the existing flood concrete wall and providing access points (i.e. flood gates) to the riverside fishing pontoons. The concrete flood defence Scheme Area 5 - Swing Bridge (east) to Newhaven Beach wall will extend approximately 150 metres and will be increased in height from between 0.6 metres to 1.1 metres, tying in with the high The Proposed Development within Scheme Area 5 will extend from ground near the Swing Bridge and the existing concrete wall to the the Swing Bridge (east) along East Quay towards Newhaven Beach south. The construction footprint will extend approximately six metres at a distance of approximately 1.3 kilometres. Refer to Figure J. The on the land side. The proposed flood wall (Swing Bridge west to The Proposed Development will be somewhat set back in places and Ark) will be suitably designed to ensure it’s appearance is in keeping flood gates incorporated at a number of points in the defences to with the industrial/marine like environment of Newhaven. Where allow port and harbour activities to continue functioning. Again, the possible, concrete pillars will be integrated between changes in flood construction footprint will extend approximately six metres on the land wall type to formalise changes in the flood wall profile. side. West Quay Promenade embankment From the Swing Bridge (east) the concrete wall will tie in with the University Technical College, using the building as a form of flood The Proposed Development looks to improve and extend the existing defence. A T-type concrete wall will then extend towards the earth embankment within the recreational ground. A flood gate will Newhaven Port, at an increased height of approximately 1.1 metres tie in with the existing flood wall to the north at a height of and tie in with another building, which will either be flood proofed or approximately one metre. The embankment will then follow the include a concrete wall positioned on its eastern side. The alignment current line of the existing embankment, a distance of approximately will then extend eastwards towards the railway line, providing several 150 metres, maintaining a new height of one metre. It will then tie into flood gates and run adjacent to the railway line at a height of the footpath near the promenade to the south. On completion, the approximately 1.2 metres. South of Newhaven Harbour Station, a embankments will be seeded with a suitable amenity grass seed flood gate will be provided as the alignment continues south behind mixture to encourage rapid establishment. the Ferry terminal and Newhaven Marine Station. Here the concrete West Quay embankments wall will follow the former station platform front. The concrete wall will then follow the existing railway line before tying into high ground at its Further south, two additional embankments near West Quay will be southern extent with construction of an additional embankment and raised by a further 0.4 metres. The first site lies adjacent to Riverside flood gate. South, within an existing grassed area and will extend approximately ten metres. The second site sits off West Quay, behind residential The concrete flood defence wall will be appropriately finished to gardens and will extend approximately 60 metres. Again these ensure it is suitable in appearance with the industrial/marine like environment of Newhaven. Cladding will only be provided to the

x south of the University Technical College to the boundary of the Environmental Impacts and Proposed public area. Where any railings are required, these will be designed similar to adjacent developments. Mitigation Figure J: Scheme Area 5 proposed alignment Fauna and flora

The assessment has shown that the Proposed Development will not have a significant effect on habitats or designated sites for nature conservation. The assessment has however identified potential for impact on great crested newts, reptiles, birds and fish during construction.

Construction related impacts will be mitigated by adherence to the European Protected Species Mitigation Licence for great crested newts. The species will be trapped and excluded from the works area during spring/summer in Scheme Area 1. They will be moved to receptor habitats identified by the licence, which are outside the construction area and within 50 metres of water bodies found to support the species. Existing great crested newt habitat will be enhanced by creation of artificial refugia and hibernacula and other aquatic habitat, not currently supporting great crested newts, will be enhanced. Reptiles will be moved to adjacent habitat and also excluded from the works area. Vegetation will be cleared in stages to discourage reptiles from re-entering the site in Scheme Areas 1 and 3.

Figure K: Image of a great crested newt Landscape and visual amenity

The construction phase of the Proposed Development will result in impacts upon landscape and visual amenity due to the presence of construction plant and materials within the existing landscape. This is particularly relevant to residents to the east and users of footpaths to the north within South Downs National Park (Scheme Area 1), residents south-west along Robinson Road and users of the Sussex Ouse Valley Way (Scheme Area 3), and residents west of the Riverside North Road and those living along Fort Road (Scheme Area 4). Checks will be made to confirm the presence/absence of nesting birds and if they are found, a ten metre exclusion zone will be Concrete flood defence walls will be suitably designed to ensure their established. Nests will be monitored, and works will only commence appearance compliments the industrial/marine like environment of when the nest is no longer active. Where possible, construction Newhaven. Where railings are positioned above walls, they will be works within Scheme Areas 1 and 3 will be undertaken outside of designed to ensure views of the river are maintained and will be November to February to avoid potential impacts on wintering bird similar in appearance to railings of adjacent developments. The species. embankments will be sown with a suitable grass seed mix in order to provide species-rich habitat and where public footpaths extend along Vibration piling will be adopted and where possible, piling works will embankments, these will be seeded with a suitable amenity grass be undertaken during low tide and daylight hours. To further reduce seed mixture to encourage rapid establishment. Footpaths effected the impacts on fish species, piling works should take place between by the Proposed Development in Scheme Areas 1 and 3 will be April and the end of May. However, if this is not possible, a fish graded at either end to ensure access is maintained at a 1:12 metre scarer, (such as a bubble screen), can be provided. The Proposed gradient. Within Scheme Area 1, where sheet piles are proposed and Development will be subject to its own Flood Defence consent and as can be seen, these will be designed to reduce visual impacts, such part of this process, mitigation measures for fish/aquatic species will as by providing timber capping or plastic timber substitute cladding. be reviewed by the Environment Agency. Similarly, the storage area housing the A26 demountable flood barriers will be designed in agreement with South Downs National Upon completion of works, embankments will be sown with a suitable Park. grass seed mix to provide a species-rich habitat. Provided mitigation measures are adopted as outlined within the Environmental Action Provided mitigation measures are adopted as outlined within the Plan, there will be no significant residual effects from the Proposed Environmental Action Plan, there will be no significant residual effects Development on Fauna and flora.

xii on completion of works from the Proposed Development. The effects the benefit of enhancing knowledge relating to Pleistocene and experienced during construction will be temporary. Holocene deposits. The geoarchaeological assessment will be agreed in consultation with the Local Authority’s archaeological advisor and carried out in accordance with an approved Written Figure L: View of Newhaven Port looking towards the east bank Scheme of Investigation. In addition, during construction, a protocol for the reporting of finds will be adopted. This will require any finds to be reported to the Local Authority in order for it to be catalogued.

Provided mitigation measures are adopted as outlined within the Environmental Action Plan, there will be no significant residual effects on completion of works from the Proposed Development. The protection of heritage listed buildings within Newhaven, which are currently at risk of flooding, is considered beneficial.

Water environment

The assessment has identified the potential for impacts on the deep Archaeology and cultural heritage chalk aquifer during construction from sheet piling operations. Piling could open flow and contaminant pathways from sources at the Impacts identified during construction relate to excavation of surface and sources of below-ground contamination. This has the embankment foundations, which have the potential to truncate potential to increase the movement of contamination into the shallow Pleistocene and Holocene deposits and permanently remove groundwater, which may cause deterioration of the water body status. in-situ artefactual evidence, within Scheme Areas 3 and 4. Sheet To reduce these impacts, specific piling methodology and a risk piling can also cause displacement of previously undisturbed sub- assessment will be developed in accordance with the Environment surface deposits and compression of material. Agency guidance. In addition, standard compliance with regulatory policies/guidelines will be adopted, as detailed within the To mitigate these impacts, a programme of geoarchaeological Environmental Action Plan. Taking these mitigation measures into assessment and analysis of information gathered from the account, there will be no significant residual effects from the geotechnical site investigations will be undertaken. The core samples Proposed Development on completion of works. obtained during the geotechnical investigations will be assessed in order to date the river terrace sequences and identify their In relation to flood levels upstream of Newhaven, these are not archaeological and past environmental significance. This will have expected to increase to the extent or depth of flooding within the South Downs National Park in extreme events. Therefore, the

xiii creation of new defences within Newhaven would not affect flood materials and services. Construction workers will remain vigilant of extent related to fluvial flooding upstream. ground conditions at all times during works, reporting any suspect areas of potential contamination.

Figure M: River Ouse looking upstream of Newhaven Provided mitigation measures are adopted as outlined within the Environmental Action Plan, there will be no significant residual effects on completion of the Proposed Development.

Traffic and transport

The traffic and transport assessment has identified the potential for impacts to pedestrians and cyclist on the northern side of the A259, North Way during construction. In addition, public rights of way will require diversion/closure within Scheme Area 1 (footpath number 20), Scheme Area 3 (footpath number 19) and Scheme Area 4 (footpath number 25) and possibly Scheme Area 5 (footpath number 40a).

In order to undertake works along Riverside North (Scheme Area 4), Ground conditions it will be necessary to reduce the road to a single lane for short periods of time. Any delays due to temporary traffic signals are not Potential impacts in respect of ground conditions relate to the risk of expected to exceed one minute. In addition, a Traffic Management construction workers and neighbouring uses, occupiers and the Plan and Construction Phase Travel Plan will be implemented. These general public being exposed to contaminated soils, dust, gases, will specify such measures as the hours of work, designated routes particulates and unexploded ordnance, during construction. Works for construction traffic, providing ‘just in time’ deliveries, clear will be undertaken in accordance with regulatory requirements pedestrian signage, wheel cleaning and dust suppression. On including, but not limited to, a Health and Safety Plan, Pollution completion, the operation of the flood gates/barriers will need to be Response Plan, Site Waste Management Plan and disposing of agreed with the relevant stakeholders in Scheme Areas 1, 2, 4 and 5. contaminated material to a licenced facility. In addition, a non- intrusive unexploded ordnance detection and intrusive investigation of identified targets will be completed and all staff will receive Provided mitigation measures are adopted as outlined within the Environmental Action Plan, there will be no significant residual effects unexploded ordnance detection awareness training. It is understood on completion of the Proposed Development. that a Geo-environmental Phase II site investigation is currently underway. The results of this will be used to assess the risks to

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Noise and vibration, Air quality and the community movement/activity, these impacts are not considered to be significant, provided works are undertaken in accordance with the Environmental An assessment of noise and vibration and air quality was scoped out Action Plan. as their construction related impacts will be managed by the Environmental Action Plan. In addition, effects relating to the community have been addressed within various other chapters Environmental Action Plan including Landscape and visual amenity and Traffic and transport. An Environmental Action Plan has been prepared in respect of the Newhaven FAS and is appended to the Environmental Statement. Cumulative effects and effect interactions The Environmental Action Plan summarises the actions required to Several other developments have been identified which are due to be implement the environmental mitigation for the Newhaven FAS. It taken forward at the same time as the Newhaven FAS. The potential sets out specific objectives and targets defining the way in which the for cumulative effects in relation to these developments has been identified environmental issues will be addressed prior to assessed within the Environmental Statement. This has identified construction, during construction and on completion. It also details that there will be no adverse effect of the Proposed Development in the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the proposal, with combination with other projects in and around Newhaven. reference to all temporary and permanent works.

Local cumulative effects have also been considered due to the Provided the measures outlined in the Environmental Action Plan are interaction of impacts identified for each of the environmental adopted, there will be no significant residual effect from the Proposed disciplines. Whilst there is potential for a certain amounts of Development on the environment. interaction, for example, visual impact from construction vehicle

Availability of the Environmental Statement Copies of the Environmental Statement will be made available for inspection at Lewis District Council during normal office hours at the following address:

Lewes District Council Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1A

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1 Background

1.1. Introduction

The Environment Agency has been working closely with Lewes District Council, South Downs National Park, East Sussex County Council, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Network Rail, Newhaven Ports and Properties, Highways England, Natural England, Historic England and various other stakeholders in development of the Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) (also referred to as the Proposed Development). The Newhaven FAS forms part of the wider commitment to the regeneration of Newhaven. It will deliver multiple benefits to the community through reducing flood risk and providing environmental improvements.

1.2. The location

The town of Newhaven is located in East Sussex, between Brighton and Eastbourne (OS grid reference TQ449016). The Newhaven FAS covers an area of approximately 1.17 square kilometres (km2), 117.30 hectares (ha).

1.3. Existing site and surrounding areas

Newhaven is a historic port which is still operational. It currently has a population of approximately 12,250 people 1. Through Newhaven, the river is confined by a mixture of revetted slopes, vertical quays and low flood walls. A majority of defences along the west and east bank of Newhaven are sheet piled walls. Residential buildings are mainly concentrated on the western side, while commercial and industrial buildings dominate the eastern side. The Environment Agency currently undertake maintenance activities (largely concentrated on outfalls), in conjunction with the Port Authority and riparian owners. The Port Authority also has a responsibility to dredge the channel through Newhaven for navigation. Important assets within Newhaven and the surrounding area include: Seaford to Lewes railway line; Newhaven Port; electricity substations; a sewer line; a waste water treatment works; the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF); power lines; and the A26 and A259 trunk roads. A majority of these assets are currently at risk from flooding.

Key sensitive environments within or in close proximity to Newhaven FAS, as shown in Figure 1.1.1, include: • South Downs National Park (SDNP) (located to the north); • Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) including Newhaven Refuse Tip SNCI and Newhaven Ponds SNCI (located north-west), Tide Mills SNCI (located south-east), and Newhaven Cliffs SNCI (located to the south); • Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve (LNR) (located south of Newhaven);

1 Environment Agency., 2015. Newhaven FAS, Project Appraisal Report. Worthing.

Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme – Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 1

• Marine Conservation Zone (located along the coast south of Newhaven); • Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings within Newhaven town centre; • Newhaven Fort and Lunette Battery Scheduled Ancient Monument (located to the south of Newhaven); • Protected and/or notable species including the great crested newt, reptiles, breeding and wintering birds and other aquatic species and habitat which supports otters and water voles; • Existing historic landfill sites (north-west within Riverside Park); and • Potential to encounter contaminated land, unexploded ordnance (UXO), unknown buried services and structures and below-ground archaeological deposits.

1.4. Need for the Flood Alleviation Scheme

The main flood risk to Newhaven is due to tidal fluvial flooding of low lying areas. There are currently 431 residential properties at risk from a flood event including significant risk to the railway line, two Newhaven train stations, a new technical college, key local road infrastructure (i.e. main access roads from the north (A26) and the west (A259), and the internationally operating Newhaven Port. Should there be overtopping or a breach of existing defences, flooding would be rapid with fast flowing water up to 1.8m deep inundating commercial and residential areas, with a high risk of death and injury. The flooding of these low lying areas would also cut transport links, hindering access for emergency services.

The existing Standard of Protection (SoP) of tidal defences in Newhaven varies, with the east bank estimated to have a SoP of 1 in 50 years/2% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) (i.e. there is a 1 in 50 year chance (2%) of a flood event occurring in any given year). While the west bank has an estimated SoP of 1 in 100 years (1% AEP) associated with tidal flood levels. During December 2013, an extreme tidal surge event affected Newhaven. This resulted in 60 residential and commercial properties flooded on the east and west bank. Newhaven Town and Newhaven Harbour railway stations were also affected with Newhaven Harbour railway station being closed for three days due to damaged signalling equipment. Newhaven’s swing bridge was also damaged, causing temporary failure. The preferred option for the Newhaven FAS is to provide a 1 in 200 year (0.5% AEP) SoP to the year 2070.

Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme – Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 2

Figure 1.1.1: Newhaven FAS and environmental sensitivities

Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme – Final Environmental Statement, 6 November 2015 3

1.5. Purpose of the Environmental Statement

The Environmental Statement (ES) is designed to inform readers of the nature of the Proposed Development; the likely environmental effects and their significance and the mitigation measures proposed to prevent, reduce and where possible off-set, any significant adverse effects on the environment. Any effects that remain after mitigation measures have been applied are identified as ‘residual effects’. The ES also includes an assessment of any cumulative effects that arise from both the combined effect of individual impacts and the Newhaven FAS in combination with other developments in the area.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request was submitted to Lewes District Council (LDC) and SDNP in December 2014. SDNP are the regulatory authority for works within South Downs National Park. The Proposed Development was considered likely to have significant environmental effects and as such would require an (EIA) in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2011, hereafter referred to as the ‘EIA Regulations’. The EIA will be presented in the form of a Statutory ES and will address the information outlined in the EIA Regulations (Part 2 of Schedule 4), and relevant information in Part 1 of Schedule 4, as is reasonably required to assess the effects of the Proposed Development, as detailed in Table 1.1.1.

Table 1.1.1: Location of information within the Environmental Statement

EIA Regulations 2011 Location within the ES 1. Description of the Proposed Development, including in particular: Section 4 a) A description of the physical characteristics of the whole development and the land use requirements during the construction and operational phases; b) A description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used; and c) An estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.) resulting from the operation of the Proposed Development. 2. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or Section 3 appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his/her choice, taking into account the environmental effects. 3. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be Section 6, 7 significantly affected by the Proposed Development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. 4. A description of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Section 4, 6 Development on the environment, which should cover the direct and 8 effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects of the Proposed Development, resulting from: a) The existence of the Proposed Development;

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EIA Regulations 2011 Location within the ES b) The use of natural resources; and c) The emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste and the description by the Applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment. 5. A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and Section 6, 7, where possible, offset any significant adverse effects on the 10 environment 6. A non-technical summary of the information provided under ES Non- paragraphs 1 to 5 of this Part. technical summary 7. An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of Section 6 know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information.

The ES will be submitted along with the planning application for the Newhaven FAS in order to obtain planning permission from LDC and SDNP to construct the Proposed Development. Further information regarding the consenting regime of the Proposed Development is presented within Section 2.

1.6. Structure of this report

This report has been separated in the following key areas. Table 1.1.2: Report content Section Description number Section 1 Background – provides an introduction to the Proposed Development including the reason for the Newhaven FAS and the purpose of the Statutory ES. Section 2 Consenting regime of the Proposed Development – details relevant legislative consenting requirements. Section 3 Scheme Development – discusses the River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy and identifies the need for the Newhaven FAS. This section also outlines the alternative options developed to date and highlights how consultation has influenced the selection of the preferred option. The environmental topics which have been ‘scoped out’ of this assessment are also summarised. Section 4 The Proposed Development – summarises the Newhaven FAS and the indicative construction methodology. Section 5 Impact assessment methodology – provides an outline of the EIA process and how the assessment will determine the significance of effects on the environment from the Proposed Development. Section 6 Key Issues –an assessment for each environmental discipline, detailing the potential impacts, proposed mitigation measures and

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Section Description number residual environmental effects. An assessment of the cumulative effects of the Proposed Development with other developments in and around Newhaven is also provided. Section 7 Other issues – this section provides the reasoning behind other environmental topics being ‘scoped out’ during the scoping and methodology stage.

Section 8 Effect interactions – This section details the potential environmental effects which may combine together to cause a cumulative effect on a single receptor (e.g. human beings). An assessment of the potential cumulative effects of the Proposed Development in- combination with other developments in and around Newhaven is presented for each environmental discipline (Section 6). Section 9 Conclusion – outlines a summary of the main findings of the ES and provides recommendations for future actions.

Section 10 Environmental Action Plan – Details the required mitigation measures prior to, during and when the Proposed Development is operational which were identified from Section 6.

1.7. Further information and comments

Copies of the ES will be made available for inspection at LDC during normal office hours at the following address: Lewes District Council Southover House, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1AB.

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2 Consenting regime of the Proposed Development

As part of the ES, consideration is given to the legislative and planning framework. Provided below is a summary of consenting requirements for Newhaven FAS prior to construction. Each environmental discipline has also provided a summary of compliance with planning and policy within Section 6. a) Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 The Proposed Development exceeds the Schedule 2, 10(h) threshold criteria under the EIA Regulations. This relates to the in-land waterway construction of flood relief works on an area exceeding one hectare. The Proposed Development is also located within the SDNP, which is considered a ‘sensitive area’ as defined by the EIA Regulations. On this basis, a request for an EIA screening opinion was submitted to SDNP (the regulatory authority for works within SDNP) during 2014. They adopted an EIA screening opinion that the Proposed Development would be likely to have a significant environmental effect and would therefore require an EIA. SDNP key concerns included: upstream effects on morphology and intertidal habitat; potential impact on wildlife and ecology; and the landscape and visual impact of the Proposed Development within and on the setting of SDNP. LDC did not consider that the Proposed Development within Newhaven (outside of the SDNP) would require an EIA. However, given the EIA screening opinion received from SDNP as a regulatory authority, an EIA has been undertaken in respect of the Proposed Development. b) Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 The Newhaven FAS, which partially occurs below Mean High Water Springs (MHWS), is not considered to require a marine licence consent, with reference to Article 19 of the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 (no. 409). This is as the improvement works are being undertaken by the Environment Agency within the existing boundaries of the works being maintained, and are not considered to constitute a significant alteration alone or in combination. The Marine Management Organisation has confirmed that these works do not require a marine licence. c) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Consent will be required from ESCC for temporary closure/diversion of the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) No. 19, 20 and No. 25. These are located in Scheme Areas 1, 3 and 4. d) Habitat Regulations 2010 Under the Habitat Regulations 2010, a European Protected Species Mitigation Licence will be required from Natural England for potential impact on great crested newt. e) Water Resources Act 1991 The flood risk management works recommended will be promoted under the Water Resources Act 1991. This takes into account restrictions to the Environment Agency’s legal powers under Schedule 22 of the Act that apply to effects of works on statutory

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undertakers. In Newhaven, works are required through the port, owned by Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd and for the low-lying railway, owned by Network Rail. f) Water Framework Directive Delivering the Water Framework Directive (WFD) through the Water Environment (WFD) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 is the responsibility of the Environment Agency. A preliminary WFD Assessment was undertaken for the Preliminary Environmental Information (PEI) Report (March 2015) and is further addressed within Section 6.4: Water environment. Consent will be required from the Environment Agency under the Water Resources Act 1991 for works in, over, under or adjacent to main rivers. g) Flood Defence Consent Since the Proposed Development will involve work adjacent to a main river, and to make changes to structures that control floods, Flood Defence Consent will be required.

h) Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 61 consents under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 may be required for construction works associated with the Proposed Development. The contractor will be required to discuss with LDC the proposed construction methodology, and in particular, management of noise and vibration during construction of the Proposed Development.

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3 Scheme development

3.1. Strategic context

Newhaven is identified within the River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy2 (‘the Strategy’). The Strategy area extends along the River Ouse, from the A27, south-east towards the town of Newhaven, then along the coastline of Seaford Head to Peacehaven Heights. The Strategy was completed in 2012 and will be reviewed again in 2022.

The Strategy builds on previous studies within the 2008 River Ouse Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP). The Strategy also builds on previous reports including: Beachy Head to Selsey Bill Shoreline Management Plan (2006); Lewes Brook Water Level Management Plan and Sussex Ouse Flood Management Strategy (2005).

The Strategy identified three key areas of concern as shown in Figure 3.1.1: • River banks north of Newhaven which currently protect scattered villages, agricultural land and key infrastructure. This includes flood cells of Southease to A27, Southease and Newhaven to Southease; • Newhaven town and the tidal River Ouse which runs through the town. This includes the west bank and Denton Island flood cells, and part of the east bank; and • The beach between Newhaven and Seaford. This includes Seaford flood cell, and part of the east bank of Newhaven.

For the beach between Newhaven and Seaford, beach renourishment works are on- going each year to maintain the beach profile and reduce shingle loss to a 1 in 500 year SoP (0.2% AEP). Recommendations in the Strategy for Newhaven town and the riverbanks north of Newhaven (upstream) are further detailed below.

2 Environment Agency., 2012. Planning for the future, River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy. Worthing.

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3.1.1. The Strategy in relation to Newhaven For Newhaven town, the Strategy recommended the following: • For the east bank of Newhaven – ‘improve’ the SoP to a 1 in 200 year/0.5% AEP. This includes construction of an embankment across the floodplain to the north of Newhaven. This is needed because the SoP required for Newhaven town is higher than the rural areas upstream of Newhaven; and • For the west bank of Newhaven – ‘sustain’ a minimum SoP of 1 in 100 year/1% AEP. This includes an embankment to the north to cut off the floodplain to the north of the town.

The agreed strategic objectives for Newhaven FAS include: • Implement flood risk reduction measures to achieve at least 0.5% SoP for the east bank of Newhaven and 1% SoP for the west bank of Newhaven; • Reduce the impact of a large scale flood event at Newhaven and on the wider sub region; • Deliver cost effective solutions to a programme agreed with funding partners to enable confidence promoting regeneration in Newhaven; • Where possible, maximise environmental opportunities and contribute to the aims of the WFD;

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• Work with partners, key stakeholders and local community to deliver the Proposed Development with their support; and • Ensure savings are achieved contributing to Government efficiency targets.

3.1.2. The Strategy in relation to areas upstream of Newhaven A wide floodplain extends upstream from Newhaven towards Lewes. As identified in the Strategy, assets at risk of flooding include residential and commercial properties within South Heighton, Tarring Neville on the east bank, Piddinghoe, Southease and Rodmell on the west bank; Lewes to Seaford branch railway line; the A26; overhead power line on the east bank; and Lewes Brooks SSSI. A majority of the Strategy study area is within the SDNP.

The Strategy had assessed various options including Managed Realignment, setting defences back in small limited areas and realignment to higher ground across the area. These options were dismissed as they would cause water volume through Newhaven to increase with each tide (known as the ‘tidal prism’) and regular tidal inundation. This would further undermine the remaining river banks, opening the floodplain further. Without further control of the increased tidal prism, this could cause an additional flood route to develop between Seaford and Newhaven, affecting the whole Strategy area.

The Strategy recommended to implement new defences in Newhaven and to carry on maintaining the raised banks upstream. These would therefore be sustained to their current level of flood risk of a 1 in 10 year SoP (10% AEP).

Since the Strategy was completed, the Environment Agency have reviewed and updated flood risk mapping and modelling for the tidal River Ouse. A report completed by JBA Consulting 3 concluded that the 2010 flood zones for Newhaven agreed with the Strategy findings, although there were minor discrepancies between the flood levels of the east and west banks of Newhaven. This was possibly due to the dissipation of overtopping flow on the east bank and the relative containment of the flow in the west.

The JBA Consulting report investigated whether there was any dependence between the tidal events and the river at Newhaven. This was to assess the joint probability and determine the combination of fluvial and tidal events for modelling. The analysis demonstrated that there was no statistical basis for a joint probability analysis, as the fluvial and tidal flooding are independent.

When the Strategy was approved there was uncertainty regarding the timing and effect of the anticipated increased tidal prism through Newhaven, if the upstream floodplain became tidally active. Approval was therefore obtained to allow capital works to proceed as supported during the first intervention period and further works would require a review of the Strategy in 2022. As the Strategy recommended, the Newhaven FAS will include new defences generally set back from the edge of the channel with the following assumptions: • The tidal prism effect is as appraised in the Strategy and sets the preferred option to maintain banks upstream for 100 years; or

3 JBA Consulting., 2013. Ouse Model Maintenance ABD and Hazard Mapping Report.

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• The Strategy over-stated the effect of the tidal prism in which case defences through Newhaven would be unaffected by potential changes to river banks upstream. The Strategy suggested that any rebuild of the banks upstream should maximise the opportunities for creation of intertidal habitat. It is understood that the main concerns raised by SDNP include the potential for increases in flood extent, depth and frequency for key landscape or habitat areas upstream of Newhaven. In order for there to be an effect on upstream water levels, a very large volume of floodplain would need to be removed in comparison to the tidal prism volume, which in the case of the Ouse is very large (the tidal limit extends to Barcombe upstream). Modelling the effect of raising defences in Newhaven to a 1 in 200 year SoP has been undertaken and reported as part of the 2009 LDC Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 4. Flood mapping within the SFRA demonstrates no increase in the extent of flooding upstream of Newhaven during the 1 in 200 year tidal event with the assumption that defences are raised throughout the town. The volume of storage lost would be very small in comparison to the tidal prism volume. Therefore, it would not be expected that flood levels would increase upstream of Newhaven to an extent which would increase the extent or depth of flooding within the SDNP upstream in extreme events. As such, the creation of new (and raising of existing) defences for tidal levels within Newhaven would not affect flood extents related to flooding upstream of Newhaven.

3.1.3. Denton Island Although the Strategy recommended defence raising for Denton Island, the Newhaven FAS does not propose undertaking any works at this location. Denton Island consists solely of commercial property and therefore LDC has been working with the local businesses to implement individual property level protection measures to reduce the risk to businesses on the island.

4 Lewes District Council.,2009. Lewes District Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

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3.2. Alternative options considered

Following review of the River Ouse to Seaford Head Coastal Defence Strategy and various other documents and models, the project team explored various flood defence options for Newhaven FAS. The assessment of options has taken into account environmental issues, buildability, costs, meeting stakeholder objectives, programme and operation and maintenance concerns. Options were further short-listed following design input, resulting in the selection of the preferred option (the Proposed Development) presented within this report.

3.2.1. Long-listed options Nine scheme areas were originally identified and various options explored for each area, as shown in Table 3.2.1. Each of the long-listed options was assessed against the following criteria: • Maximisation of flood defence benefits – does the option achieve less than optimal flood reduction benefit or achieve optimal flood reduction benefit or greater; • Cost - has the option got substantially high or low costs; • Environmental, heritage, landscape impacts - are there potentially significant environmental effects or not; • Buildability and disruption to local activities – has the option got major buildability issues/substantial disruption to local activities or construction logistics relatively straight-forward/low impact to local activities; • Meeting stakeholder objective – is there potential for major objections/goes against feedback received or helps achieve majority of stakeholder needs/addresses main concerns; • Broader outcomes/contributions – is there little potential for broader outcomes/attracting contributions or high potential to deliver broader outcomes or secure contributions (or both); • Operation and maintenance – does the option require substantial levels of on- going operational input/maintenance or minimal operational staff/maintenance requirements; and • Achieving design and construction programme – is there a lengthy design and/or construction duration that is difficult to streamline/create efficiencies or is the design straight-forward and/or can be streamlined. Can construction be made efficient to be delivered within programme.

Table 3.2.1: Newhaven FAS long-listed options

Scheme Area Long-listed options

Area 1: A26 to • Construct an embankment along land boundaries; railway crossing • Raise land to required flood level; • Construct concrete retaining wall between road and railway line, within field;

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Scheme Area Long-listed options

• Construct an embankment through open field (to allow wider footprint and less requirement for tree removal); • Create line of sheet piles, with earth support along one side (to provide small footprint and reduce visual impact from SDNP); • Reprofile ground to allow wide/ 'natural' looking bund; and • Provide concrete wall along boundary of industrial unit. Area 2: Railway • Provide automated floodgate barrier across existing Crossing Network Rail Railway Crossing;

• Raise railway line locally to be above design flood level; • Provide floodgate barrier at new crossing point, north of industrial unit; and • Provision of permanent concrete tie-in structure and temporary flood gates (such as aqua dam or plastic stoplogs). Area 3: Railway • Concrete wall tying in with ERF defence level, along field crossing to boundary; Newhaven ERF • Earth embankments tying in with ERF defence level, along field boundary; • Localised land raising; • Construct concrete retaining wall between ERF and railway line, within field boundary; and • Construct an embankment through open field (to allow wider footprint and less requirement for tree removal). Area 4: • Provide permanent defences, such as concrete/stone Newhaven ERF berm just back from front line of River Ouse to defend to Swing Bridge industrial properties, with flood gates for river access;

• Set back permanent defences behind commercial premises, by railway line, with flood gates at access points; • Set back temporary defences (approximately 20yr life) behind commercial premises along road with flood gates at access points; • Temporary defences (approximately 20yr life) along edge of railway line at east of industrial estates; • Sheet piling along watercourse frontage; • Temporary (approximately 20yr life) defences through existing industrial sites; • Demountable defences within the industrial units; and

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Scheme Area Long-listed options

• Wide raised ground strip along river frontage.

Area 5: • Raising of existing river walls to required level; University Technical • Set back defences behind UTC buildings on perimeter of College (UTC) road network tying into high ground at swing bridge; • Sheet piling along river frontage; • Flood defence walls set back in line with buildings with permanent flood gates between defended buildings, where necessary; • Temporary flood gates between defended buildings; and • Wide raised ground strip along river frontage. Area 6: Port of • Raising of existing quay walls to required level with Newhaven diversion around operational frontage;

• Set back defences to follow railway line with flood gates at crossings, tying into old railway platform; and • Raising of existing quay walls to required level with raised berm within roadway at narrow point to tie back to permanent defences alongside railway line. Area 7: • Raising and improvement of existing river walls around Newhaven west properties; bank - Sea to Swing Bridge • Extension of existing concrete wall north to swing bridge cross road at end of concrete wall with floodgate/demountable defence and create additional earth embankment; • Extend concrete wall south opposite existing defence, cross road with raised bund/platform and tie with earth embankment up to existing defence line.; • Property-level protection; and • Top up existing defence to required level. Area 8: • Flood gate/boards to swing bridge; Newhaven west bank - Swing • Localised defences around Denton Island bridge; Bridge to • Replace handrail along frontage with concrete wall Northern Extent between swing bridge and Denton Island bridge;

• Replace property boundary fence with flood defence wall between swing bridge and Denton Island bridge; • Speed bump/raised road profile at end of Denton Island bridge; • Localised defences around subway with a gate access to

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Scheme Area Long-listed options

subway; • Remove subway and reconstruct as over-ground crossing; • Localised land raising around northern marina to tie in embankment to high ground; • Earth embankment at rear boundary to recreation ground, tying in with raised sections of road and flood walls; and • Extension and raising of existing earth embankment at north of village to provide sufficient level of protection, if required. Area 9: Denton • Provide earth embankments along land boundary to Island southern side of island;

• Concrete retaining wall to southern side of island; and • Property level protection.

Several of these options were dismissed on the following grounds: • Not meeting the strategic objectives; • Unlikely to be approved by key stakeholders and the Local Planning Authority; • Having substantial costs from a constructability, maintenance and programme point of view; and • Would impact on the surrounding habitats (visual impacts) and protected species.

3.2.2. Short-listed options Following further design work and assessment of technical, social, environmental and economic factors, the Scheme Areas were reduced to eight and later to five with varying options. During November 2014 a short-list of options were presented to key stakeholders (refer to Figure 3.2.1). These are summarised below:

Scheme Area 1 (shown as Area 1, 2 and 3 in Figure 3.2.1) • Construction of embankment through the open field. Cross A26 and tie in with high ground; • Sheet piled embankment with earth support on one side; • Concrete wall along boundary of industrial unit; • Automated floodgate barrier for network rail or permanent concrete tie-in structure; and • Concrete wall or earth embankment tying in with ERF defence level along field boundary.

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Scheme Area 2 (shown as Area 4 in the figure) • Permanent concrete berm set back from river to defend industrial properties with flood gate for river access; and • Temporary defences along edge of railway line.

Scheme Area 3 (shown as Area 8 in the figure) • Extension and raising of existing earth embankment north of the village; • Earth embankment at the rear of the boundary to the recreational grounds, tying in with the raised section of the road and flood walls; • Localised land raising around northern marina to tie embankment with the high ground; • Speed bumps/raised road profile at the end of Denton Island bridge; • Localised defences around the subway with gate access to the subway; • Replace handrail along the frontage with a concrete wall between the Swing Bridge and Denton Island Bridge; and • Replace the property boundary fence with a flood defence wall between the Swing Bridge and the Denton Island Bridge.

Scheme Area 4 (shown as Area 7 in the figure) • Extension of existing concrete wall north of the Swing Bridge; • Cross the road at the end of the concrete wall with a floodgate/demountable and create additional earth embankment; and • Extend the concrete wall south opposite the existing defences, cross the road with a raised bund/platform and tie in with the earth embankment up to the existing flood defence line.

Scheme Area 5 (shown as Areas 5 and 6 in the figure) • Flood defence walls set back in line with UTC with permanent flood gates between defended building; • Temporary flood gates from building to land boundary; • Set back defences to follow railway line with flood gates at crossing, tying into old railway platform; • Raising of existing quay walls with diversion around operational frontage; and • Temporary demountable defence across level crossing.

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Figure 3.2.1 - Short-listed options presented at Stakeholder meeting (November 2014).

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