Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme Phase 3B Woolston Design and Access Statement MARCH 2016

Design and Access Statement_V6.docx

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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Mersey Warrington FRMS

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 DESIGN STATEMENT 4 3 ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT 11 4 CONSULTATION 14 5 CONCLUSION 19

FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Location Plan Figure 2 Statutory Plan Figure 3 MR1 General Arrangement Figure 4 MR2 General Arrangement Figure 5 Thelwall General Arrangement Figure 6 Site Sections Figure 7 Landscape Reinstatement – MR1 US Figure 8 Landscape Reinstatement – MR1 DS Figure 9 Landscape Reinstatement – MR2 Figure 10 Landscape Reinstatement - Thelwall Figure 11 Photomontage Figure 12 Public Rights of Way

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose and Scope

1.1.1 On 19 April 2012, Warrington Borough Council (WBC) granted planning permission for the Mersey Warrington Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS) under consent reference 2011/19262. Planning permission was granted for the whole scheme including detailed consent for Phase 1 and outline consent for Phases 2 & 3.

1.1.2 This Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been prepared, on behalf of the Environment Agency (EA), in support of a planning application for Phase 3B Woolston of the FRMS.

1.1.3 The requirement to prepare a DAS was introduced by Section 42 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and came into force in August 2006. Government advice is contained within The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and Article 9 (4)(c) explicitly states that DAS’s are not required to accompany planning applications for engineering operations. Whilst not strictly required for this development, it is considered that a DAS will assist WBC in understanding the evolution of the scheme’s design.

1.1.4 Article 9 (3) of the Order states that a design and access statement should:

a. explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development; b. demonstrate the steps taken to appraise the context of the development and how the design of the development takes that context into account; c. explain the policy adopted as to access, and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account; d. state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation; and e. explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed.”

1.1.5 In addition to the above, ‘Design and Access Statements – How to read, write and use them’ published in 2006 by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has been used to prepare this statement. This guidance

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identifies a number of design and access considerations that should be employed when describing the proposal.

1.1.6 The CABE guidance suggests that the design element should show the process that has been gone through and explain the scheme in terms of the following:

 Use;  Layout;  Amount;  Scale;  Appearance; and  Landscaping.

1.1.7 The access element should include the following details:

 Vehicular and transport links; and  Inclusive access.

1.2 The Site and its Surroundings

1.2.1 This statement relates to the Phase 3B works which will comprise flood defences at:

 upstream and downstream of Woolston Weir (MR1); and  Bridge Lane Industrial Estate (MR2).

1.2.2 The location and site description of the Phase 3B works remains largely unchanged from that described in the original outline consent for the scheme as a whole (ref. 2011/19262). In summary, the development involves a total of approximately 800m of the right bank of the River Mersey. This is split into two flood defence walls: MR1 consists of walls upstream (MR1 upstream) and downstream of Woolston Weir (MR1 downstream); MR2 consists of defences to Bridge Lane Industrial Estate. The locations of the works are shown on Figure 1 and the planning application boundary on Figure 2.

1.2.3 In the original planning application certain assumptions were made about the likely location of temporary contractor compounds and routeing for site vehicles. These remain the same with the exception of arrangements for accessing the MR1 upstream wall. Some staff, cars, small plant and equipment will be able to access MR1 upstream via Weir Lane; however most heavy plant, equipment, sheet piles

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and bulk materials will be delivered to MR1 upstream by barges via the River Mersey.

1.2.4 Access for staff, plant and materials for MR1 downstream for works west of Weir Lane will be via Weir Lane (as the original outline description).

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2 DESIGN STATEMENT

2.1 Use

2.1.1 A map of the planning application boundary is provided within Figure 2. As noted earlier in this statement, the proposals relate to the construction of flood defences upstream and downstream of Woolston Weir (MR1) and at Bridge Lane Industrial Estate (MR2) and temporary works associated with a construction compound at Thelwall Viaduct. The land use related aspects of each of these sections of the scheme are outlined below.

Thelwall Proposals

2.1.2 Construction for MR1 upstream will be served by a contractor compound, located near Thelwall Viaduct (approx. grid ref. SJ 663 887) on land formerly used as a former inert materials landfill (see Figure 5). The majority of this land consists of rough grassland and scrub located immediately to the east of a highway embankment supporting the M6 southbound Thelwall Viaduct and to the south of A57 Manchester Road at the J21 junction of the M6.

2.1.3 The proposed private access route to the compound is currently in use in connection with a materials processing facility operated by W Mahers Ltd located on land at Woolston Deposit Grounds.

2.1.4 The Thelwall compound will be approximately 2940m2 and will be provided with a stoned surface and security fencing. The compound will provide offices, staff & visitor parking, and a plant, equipment and materials storage facility for the Phase 3B works (MR1 and MR2). In particular, it will be used as a delivery and storage area for sheet piles, rock armour, the piling rig, a crane and other heavy plant required for construction.

2.1.5 In addition, a further area will be used for construction purposes adjacent to the river’s edge between the Thelwall Viaduct and the Bailey bridge. This area is currently used as a vehicle turning area which is fenced with motorbike barriers to prevent unauthorised access. The Mersey Way long distance trail runs along the northern bank of the Mersey at this point, although it is currently closed from Statham Lane/A57 to Woolston due to bank instability.

2.1.6 The contractor compound will remain in use until all MR1 upstream works have been completed, following which the compound facilities would be removed and the stoned area reinstated as agreed with the landowner.

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MR1 (Upstream) Proposals

2.1.7 MR1 is located upstream of Woolston Weir on land located to the rear of the properties on Weir Lane and Edwards Gardens. The majority of land at MR1 is currently used as informal open space, consisting of a footpath, rough grassland, scrub and trees (see Figure 3). An existing public footpath runs along this northern section of the river bank from Weir Lane upstream. It is currently closed and temporarily subject to a diversion due to a landslip in the supporting river bank and a risk of further slips.

2.1.8 The proposal would involve the reconstruction of the collapsed section of river bank, followed by the installation of a sheet pile wall along the top of the river bank. As part of the scheme, the footpath would be reinstated between the wall and the adjacent residential boundaries. The footpath would connect at its upstream end to a small area of public open space.

2.1.9 An approximately 190m section of river bank would be faced by an area of rock reinforcement. The rock is required due to the relatively weak condition of the existing river bank. Its function is to offer physical support to the sheet piles, protect the river bank and reduce future scour. The rock would cover the full riverside extent of MR1 upstream. It would extend below water level, with a typical gradient of 1:3.5 to the point where this intersects with the bed of the river.

2.1.10 Along existing rear boundaries of Weir Lane/ Edward Gardens, hedges or fencing would be retained and protected. Should the construction working area require the removal of these hedges or fencing, agreement would be first sought from the landowner and these features, together with any gates, would be reinstated on completion. Any existing access points from gardens onto the riverside footpath would also be reinstated.

2.1.11 Upon completion of construction works, the MR1 site area would again be available for use by the public as informal open space.

MR1 (Downstream) Proposals

2.1.12 MR1 downstream is currently used as informal open space and consists of land near the disused Woolston New Cut Canal (the New Cut), see Figure 3. The New Cut was a canal created in 1821 to avoid the meandering course of the River Mersey in this part of Warrington. It formed a part of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation.

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2.1.13 The current proposals comprise ground raising on Weir Lane adjacent to Lock Cottage which would continue around the side of Lock Cottage to meet a new earth flood embankment. The flood embankment would continue along the south side of the New Cut, behind and around the western boundary of Weir Lodge. A short spur embankment would tie in to higher ground near the New Control Structure. The remaining boundaries of Weir Lodge would be protected by a low flood defence wall with timber fencing on top to raise the boundary to 2.4m. Flood gates would be provided in the boundary wall for landowner access.

2.1.14 Fencing would prevent access to the New Cut itself over the flood embankment.

MR2 Proposals

2.1.15 MR2 is currently industrial/commercial development land (areas of hardstanding), scrub, and a section of river bank to the rear of Bridge Lane Industrial Estate.

2.1.16 The proposal for MR2 would involve a sheet piled flood defence wall located within a narrow strip of land between the Industrial Estate buildings and the River Mersey. A new security fence would also be located along the riverward side of the flood defence wall, offering increased security to the occupiers of this Industrial Estate.

2.1.17 Upon completion of construction works, the MR2 site area would again be available for use as industrial/commercial development land, albeit with additional space available for potential future expansion.

2.2 Layout

2.2.1 The general arrangement of the proposed flood defence works are shown on Figures 3, 4, and 5.

2.2.2 Detailed options for Phase 3B were considered at length following granting of the original consent. MR1 (downstream) options considered the need to allow landowners access for construction of a consented hydro-electric power scheme at Woolston Weir and also to avoid a private sewerage installation. Options for MR1 (upstream) were more challenging due to bank instability issues.

2.2.3 A fuller description of all options considered is provided below.

Woolston Weir (MR1 upstream)

2.2.4 The original proposal showed the flood defences along the rear boundaries to private property boundaries at Weir Lane/ Edward Gardens. After this option had been developed in outline, the slippage of a section of the existing bank resulted in

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the closure of a riverside footpath and the need for a solution to address ground instability.

2.2.5 Subsequent ground investigation has determined that the riverbank along this reach is incapable of supporting the weight of heavy construction machinery required to build the flood defence wall. Alternative construction techniques were considered, including soil nailing, piling and light-weight embankments, however safety issues were such that none of these were considered acceptable. Engineers considered that, for safety reasons, construction and heavy plant access should not be permitted in a strip 15m wide along the river bank to avoid further bank slips.

2.2.6 As an alternative, EA considered taking flood defences through the rear gardens of the Weir Lane/ Edward Gardens properties (i.e. beyond the 15m safety strip) but it proved impossible to find an alignment that was acceptable to landowners. In particular, it was challenging to provide landowners with access to the riverside portion of their gardens. EA also wished to avoid use of manually-operated floodgates wherever possible. The only remaining practicable option was a flood defence wall, running on the river side of the closed footpath and along the river bank edge.

2.2.7 The sheet piled wall would be accompanied by rock armour placed along the river bank extending below water level. All piling and placement of rock armour would be installed from floating pontoons. At the upstream end of MR1, immediately adjacent to 44 Edward Gardens, the flood defence wall would turn slightly north for approximately 6m before tying in to localised land raising between it and the property wall. This option was adopted as the preferred option for the upstream section of MR1 in summer 2015.

Woolston Weir (MR1 downstream)

2.2.8 Downstream of Weir Lane, options were constrained by the need to maintain vehicular access along a narrow track to residential properties (Lock Cottage and Weir Lodge) and to the New Control Structure (Woolston Weir).

2.2.9 The original proposal for the flood defence wall followed one side of the track extending along the edge of the drive to Weir Lodge. This proved not to be feasible because there was not enough width to allow continued access by the crane occasionally used by Peel to clear trash from the Guard Weir.

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2.2.10 Potential solutions also had to take account of Peel Energy’s approved scheme for a hydro-electric power generating scheme (see WBC application ref 2013/21750, granted consent on 26 July 2013). The Peel hydro scheme required construction/ maintenance access to be available between Lock Cottage/ Weir Lodge and the riverbank, using the existing track to access a compound located within open land to the west of Weir Lodge.

2.2.11 EA then considered taking a flood defence along the north side of the New Cut, connecting into higher ground near the New Control Structure by building an earth embankment across the New Cut. This solution was unpopular with the Warrington New Cut Heritage & Ecology Trail Group as it conflicted with their aspirations for the former canal.

2.2.12 Bearing in mind these considerations, EA now proposes taking an embankment from Weir Lane between Lock Cottage and Weir Lodge, along the south side of the New Cut and then connecting into the higher ground near to the New Control Structure. Weir Lodge would be protected by new flood walls along its remaining boundaries, with floodgates operated by the landowner.

2.2.13 Lock Cottage’s threshold is above the 1:100 year flood level (and the 300mm freeboard depth). However, it is proposed to provide a defence along a section of the existing access track by ground raising, the extents being minor (200-500mm).

Bridge Lane Industrial Estate (MR2)

2.2.14 Given the arrangement of existing buildings at the Bridge Lane Industrial Estate close to the river’s edge, there were very few options available for locating the flood defence structure. Although the structure needed to be located between the industrial buildings and the river’s edge, the EA faced a challenge of finding a suitable location which did not compromise the operation or development opportunities of the industrial uses.

2.2.15 Sheet piles were the only practicable option for the majority of the length of the wall due to their narrow land-take, because a seepage cut-off was required at depth and because there were concerns about structural stability with any other design.

2.2.16 At the upstream tie-in there is rather more land available and localised ground raising will be used instead of sheet piles.

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2.3 Amount and Scale

Woolston Weir (MR1 upstream)

2.3.1 MR1 upstream would comprise approximately 190 linear metres of sheet pile wall with the top section projecting to the necessary flood defence height of 10.40m AOD, resulting in an apparent height above ground level varying between 0.12m and 1.27m. Overall sheet pile length is expected to be 6m although the majority of this lies beneath ground level.

2.3.2 The wall would be located on the river side of an existing public footpath which is currently closed due to a landslip in the supporting river bank and a risk of further slips. The footpath would be reinstated to 1.8m wide with a verge 0.5 – 1.5m wide between it and the adjacent residential boundaries.

2.3.3 The rock revetment would cover the full riverside extent of MR1 upstream (190 metres); the width in plan is variable but would be typically 20m, extending below the water line to the base of the river channel, with a typical gradient of 1:3.5.

2.3.4 The rock would be placed in two layers: the lower layer consisting of small boulders with diameter of approx. 180mm with an upper layer of approx. 38mm diameter placed along the pile alignment only.

Woolston Weir (MR1 downstream)

2.3.5 The ground raising on Weir Lane adjacent to Lock Cottage would raise the footpath by approx. 0 - 500mm to the flood defence design level of 10.40mAOD. Levels would be tied in by forming batters which would be soiled and seeded.

2.3.6 The New Cut embankment would be constructed with a 3m wide crest and 1:3 side slopes. Finished crest height would be approx. 10.55m AOD, slightly above the FDL of 10.40m AOD, to allow for future settlement. This would also be soiled and seeded.

Bridge Lane Industrial Estate (MR2)

2.3.7 Approximately 400m sheet piled flood defence wall would be located within a narrow strip of land between the Industrial Estate buildings and the river edge.

2.3.8 The wall would be up to 1.10m above ground level with an earth embankment/ramp tying in to higher ground at either end. There would be localised ground raising up to 1.10m above ground level to the east of the Bridge Lane Industrial Estate to infill a low point in the existing River Mersey embankment.

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2.4 Appearance

2.4.1 The general arrangement of the proposed flood defence works is shown on Figures 3, 4, and 5 with cross sections shown on Figure 6 and a photomontage shown on Figure 11.

2.4.2 A detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the scheme is provided at Chapter 8 of the Environmental Statement submitted in support of the planning application. The LVIA concludes that the main adverse effects identified are on the landscape character of a localised area of the river corridor (including the New Cut) and on visual amenity for a small number of residents adjacent to MR1 downstream proposals. Adverse effects are caused by loss of naturalness due to new flood embankments, new flood walls and rock revetment replacing a natural riverbank; and clearance of semi-mature/ mature trees and naturalised vegetation within the New Cut.

2.4.3 The steel sheet pile flood walls would be finished with a timber coping and horizontal closeboard timber cladding on the dry face only. A typical section is shown in Figure 6. The timber cladding/ coping has been designed to minimise the visual impact of the sheet steel piles for residents of adjacent residential properties and footpath users.

2.4.4 There will be limited vegetation clearance within the garden of Weir Lodge to provide sufficient working room.

2.4.5 Overall, tree loss associated with this phase is slightly higher than that associated with the consented outline scheme. The adverse effects of tree losses will be balanced with beneficial effects associated with reinstating the riverside path and re-planting of appropriate species.

2.5 Landscaping

2.5.1 The soft and hard landscape restoration plans for the scheme is illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. The embankment, path verges & batters and any areas disturbed by the works would be soiled and seeded on completion of works with a suitable grass/ wildflower mix.

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3 ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 The following section provides information in respect of access for the construction of the development as well as for maintenance and the provision of access facilities for the public. An appraisal of the proposed development against access related planning policies within the Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) is also provided.

3.2 Access

Public Rights of Way

3.2.1 The following Public Rights of Way will be affected by the scheme and will require temporary closure and diversion during the works:

 329/25a – (Mersey Way) running along the north bank of the River Mersey between Weir Lane and 329/24 (existing temporary closure and diversion in operation due to landslip);  329/25 - (Mersey Way) continuing east along the north bank of the River Mersey from 329/24 to Thelwall Viaduct (existing temporary closure in operation due to landslip);

Informal Paths/ Proposed Public Rights of Way

3.2.2 A small area of open space running from Edward Gardens south to the River Mersey is used as an informal walking route through to the Mersey Way (presently closed to the west but remains open to the east).

Cycling Routes

3.2.3 There are no National Cycle Network routes affected by the scheme. A local cycle route runs south from Weir Lane across the Woolston Guard Weir connecting to the eastern end of Thelwall Lane (adopted highway).

3.3 Accessibility

3.3.1 As previously noted, the MR1 Upstream wall would be located on the river side of an existing public footpath which is currently closed due to a landslip in the

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supporting river bank and a risk of further slips. The footpath would be reinstated to 1.8m wide with a verge 0.5 – 1.5m wide between it and the adjacent residential boundaries. The footpath would connect at its upstream end to a small area of public open space. The path surface would be a compacted gravel and be constructed so as to allow WBC to lay a more formal surface in the future.

3.3.2 Plant and equipment for MR1 downstream would arrive via A57 Manchester Road and Weir Lane. Weir Lane is adopted for the majority of its length but the southern extremity running past Lock Cottage and Weir Lodge is unadopted.

3.3.3 Temporary parking restrictions may be put in place along Weir Lane for the duration of the MR1 works (anticipated 12 months); however EA’s contractor will be required to liaise with residents and facilitate access on a case-by-case basis.

3.3.4 It is anticipated that access to Lock Cottage, Weir Lodge, the New Control Structure and the Guard Weir will be maintained at all times with only temporary narrowing of the access to allow the minor ground raising to be phased. EA’s contractor will be required to maintain close liaison with affected landowners in order that disruption be kept to a minimum.

3.3.5 Any surfaces of PRoWs damaged by the works will be reinstated at completion with a surface similar to existing.

3.3.6 With regards to MR2, access to the working area for all HGVs, plant, materials and staff will be via Bridge Lane off the A57 Manchester Road. Bridge Lane is an unadopted highway and passes over the New Cut via an unadopted bridge. Bridge Lane is in frequent use by HGVs and cars accessing the many businesses within the Industrial Estate.

3.4 Access Planning Policies

3.4.1 Warrington Local Plan Core Strategy (2014) contains policies which are relevant to access considerations.

3.4.2 Policy QE3 ‘Green Infrastructure’ of the Core Strategy explains that, amongst other things, the assessment of applications will be focussed upon “protecting and improving access to and connectivity between existing and planned provision to develop a continuous right of way and greenway network and integrated ecological system.”

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3.4.3 The proposed landscaping enhancement works provide measures to improve the visual interest and nature conservation value of the site, contributing towards the achievement of Policy QE3 of the Core Strategy.

3.4.4 The measures employed with regards to access during the construction phase noted above, seek to maintain accessibility wherever it can be safely achieved. Accessibility following the completion of construction works would be improved by the proposals.

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4 CONSULTATION

4.1 Consultation

4.1.1 Throughout the development of this phase of the scheme, EA has maintained a dialogue with WBC and other interested parties. Meetings and discussions have also been held with:

 Peel Ports  Peel Energy  Peel Environmental  Highways England  Natural England  Weir Lodge Homeowners  Bridge Lane Industrial Estate tenants and landowners: o Lynch Plant Hire o GRP Plastics o Kate Simmons Dance School o Storage Management o All-Mix Concrete o SCS Technologies (Centre 21 Site Manager); and o M A Investments

4.1.2 Issues raised by consultees during consultations between June to January 2016 with the EA response are listed below:

Consultee Comments and EA response

Peel Ports and Peel requested a coordinated approach to the design of Woolston Peel Energy Weir flood defences with its consented hydroelectric scheme and Peel’s operational requirements for maintaining its assets. Peel identified a requirement for a 500T crane to access the area for maintenance of the Guard Weir.

The above was resolved by maintaining contact with Peel throughout the decision process and revising the scheme layout to be diverted along the south side of the New Cut.

Peel Issues were raised in relation to the construction access using Peel’s access track, the location of the compound, the coordination

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Environmental of vehicle movements with Mahers waste management operations, access to the landing stage and the effect on Peel Bailey bridge.

The above issues were resolved by the EA agreeing for the appointed contractor’s method statement, which will include a Transport Management Plan which will detail how the access track will be maintained throughout the construction phase. Discussions continue with Peel regarding access arrangements.

Highways Issues were raised relating to the construction of the floating England pontoon near to the Thelwall viaduct.

This was resolved by the EA agreeing to produce a Technical Note which will include details of barge movements and how the Thelwall viaduct and the structural integrity of both sides of the river bank will be maintained unaffected by the proposed development.

Natural England Consultation with NE regarding potential effects on Woolston Eyes SSSI.

NE confirmed that the proposed works appeared to be low risk. EA concluded that no further assessment would be required.

Weir Lodge EA has undertaken extensive consultation with the owners of Weir homeowners Lodge. EA has responded positively to the majority of requests and have modified scheme proposals to ensure that they will be protected by the flood defences and caused minimal inconvenience during the construction works.

The homeowner requested that the proposed stepped access to the septic tank be omitted and that the trees be retained to the rear of the property to act as a sound barrier.

Stepped access no longer required due to change in alignment. Vegetation north of Weir Lodge cannot be retained; existing palisade fencing will be retained/ replaced.

The homeowner also queried whether a flood gate across the driveway at Weir Lodge would be possible. EA’s new alignment includes 2no. floodgates, one for vehicular access, another as a personnel gate. Operation of both to be responsibility of landowner.

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EA continues to maintain discussions with the owners of Weir Lodge regarding access, detail design and reinstatement.

Bridge Lane Concerns were raised in relation to the sheet pile alignment limiting Industrial Estate the future expansion of the useable site area. tenants and EA instructed the scheme designer to consider how close to the landowners river the proposed sheet pile flood defence could be constructed to provide increased space for future site expansion by removing some of the existing material ‘bunded’ along the edge of the site to accommodate the sheet piled flood defence whilst not compromising the stability of the river bank.

A revised alignment of the sheet pile was designed which was agreed as acceptable by landowners.

Individuals at 3rd Concerns were raised in relation to: December  Heavy traffic and machinery on Weir Lane consultation

event  Noise and safety

 Property value

 Traffic/ parking

 The reinstatement of public footpaths

 Increase in traffic during construction phase at junction of Weir Lane and Manchester Lane near the war memorial will worsen the localised flooding by causing flood water to enter The Hawthornes property due to wave action

 Vehicles parked along Weir Lane, opposite Clares Farm Close, St. Peters Church and behind Timberscombe Gardens cause narrowing of the already narrow road. This will make it difficult for construction vehicles to pass

 Are there any assurances from Peel Energy that they will not commence work during the flood defence works construction period such that construction activities do not conflict

 The latest flood defence plans will remove forever any possibility

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of re-opening that stretch of the New Cut Canal

 Impact of global warming on height of retaining wall

 Wooden cladding may rot and look unsightly

The EA have dealt with the above concerns by commissioning a number of environmental assessments, the findings of which are set out within the ES submitted in support of the planning application.

Traffic and transportation: the proposal may cause some disruption to road users. This will be managed by preparation of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). The CTMP will be agreed with Warrington Borough Council and in close consultation with affected third parties (including residents) and will set out the measures that will be put in place to manage traffic associated with construction activities. This could include local restrictions on road parking/ stopping. Safety is a prime consideration of a CTMP.

Noise: mitigation measures will be required for residents living in Edward Gardens, Weir Lane, Timberscombe Gardens and Lincoln Close, including implementation of ‘Best Practicable Means’ to minimise construction impacts. An effective public liaison system will be set up. This will include giving local residents: advance notice of any noisy operations; and any construction likely to take place at weekends. Newsletters will be produced and a rapid response process will be put in place to deal swiftly and effectively with any noise complaints.

Construction of hydro scheme: This has been discussed with Peel Energy who confirmed that the scheme is unlikely to come forward at the same time as EA’s flood defence scheme. However, if this were to occur, arrangements would be made to minimise disruption to local residents.

Potential New Cut re-opening: the cultural heritage assessment concludes that the risk to cultural heritage at MR1 is low. The proposed route avoids the canal lock. As the flood defence will now run along the southern bank of the canal, it would not prejudice potential re-opening.

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Global warming: the scheme has been designed to provide protection from flooding up to a 1:100 year flood event. This includes for the impacts of climate change.

Wooden cladding: the cladding will be constructed of oak or a similarly resilient wood with a design life of 25-30 years. EA will regularly inspect the flood defences and carry out repairs as and when required.

Warrington EA has maintained a continuing dialogue with WBC since the Borough Council inception of the Warrington flood defence project; this dialogue will continue throughout the delivery of the scheme.

Of particular relevance to Phase 3B are discussions with

 WBC Public Rights of Way Officer, following which EA undertook to provide a suitable base surface and width to the footpath rear of Edward Gardens so that WBC could apply a final surface at a future date;  WBC Highways Officers in connection with access arrangements along Weir Lane. These culminated in a meeting on 3 February 2016 and a site meeting on 11 February 2016. Autotracks were carried out for HGVs travelling along Weir Lane which show that access is possible. Highways Officer agreed that in principle access would be acceptable, subject to suitable controls being in place; and  WBC Highways Officers in connection with access arrangements to Thelwall Viaduct launching point. EA confirmed that it was in continuing discussions with EA and understood the constraints that would be captured in the Works Information to the contractor. This would include preparation of a Traffic Management Plan.

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5 CONCLUSION

5.1 This Design and Access Statement demonstrates that careful attention has been given to the design of the flood defence proposals to accommodate existing uses on the site while providing an enhanced feature for use by the local community and contributing towards the local landscape character.

5.2 Care has also been taken to ensure that access for EA maintenance purposes has been integral to the design of the scheme. Existing pedestrian access around the site has been accommodated. The safety of members of the public has been fully considered at every stage of the project design.

5.3 These design and access considerations have been realised in the finished design whilst also providing an improved standard of flood protection for properties.

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