Leicester Local Flood Risk Management Strategy March 2015 2 LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 3

Leicester has built up over centuries along the wide flat valley, close to the head of the Foreword river’s catchment area. The ground rises steeply to the East and West and a number of large watercourses flow quickly towards the River Soar The council has invested through heavily populated areas. heavily since severe flooding This topography makes Leicester particularly in the 50s and 60s. vulnerable to flooding following heavy Many brooks and water downpours or prolonged periods of rain. courses were modified with flood walls and concrete The twentieth century saw large scale channels. As a result of this improvements made to the River Soar and work major flooding has since been avoided but tributaries to help prevent flooding. However, the council still takes the increasing risk of flooding climate change is likely to alter weather patterns, very seriously; constantly reviewing the risk with leading to more frequent and more intense rainfall. respect to climate change and Much of the possible major development in the new development. future will be upstream of Leicester and could In recent years, many studies have been potentially increase the flood risk in the city undertaken and a great deal of professional advice through increased surface water runoff. sought which has enabled us to make key decisions A consistent regional approach on surface water to support a flood risk management strategy management and use of sustainable drainage to help manage the growing risk from flooding will be essential. in Leicester and make the city more resilient to Opportunities to ‘make space for water’ should flooding events. We are committed to protecting be exploited by incorporating green open spaces our city using a combination of practical measures, and water compatible developments in areas of as well as providing better information and greatest flood risk. Green spaces or blue corridors support to help local residents and businesses along watercourses can increase biodiversity and protect themselves and their property. make new developments more attractive Sir Peter Soulsby Flooding on Carisbrooke Road and more resilient to flooding City Mayor The main aims of Contents the Leicester Local One of the many great challenges facing the city Foreword ...... 3 Flood Risk Management over the coming years will be Introduction ...... 4 Strategy are to: that of climate change and Legislation and drivers ...... 5 the role it plays in altering Responsibilities ...... 6 • coordinate flood risk management our environment, which LFRMS in local and national context .... 7 on a local scale could increase the flood risk. Existing flood risk strategies for • raise awareness of increasing flood risk I have been working closely with partners to help Leicester City ...... 8 due to climate change create a safe environment in which to live and Types of flooding ...... 9 • provide a clear understanding of flood work. This strategy will help us manage the risk Joint strategy approach ...... 10 risks and act as an evidence base for of flooding and become more resilient. We are Recommendations from the decision making. constantly monitoring the impact the city makes on surface water management ...... 11 A joined up strategy sets out clear plans for the environment as well as looking at how the city Objectives in practice...... 12 risk management and will help to coordinate will be able to react and prepare for natural events. Action plan ...... 13 planning activities to prevent inappropriate Councillor Rory Palmer Glossary ...... 14 development as well as prioritising investment Deputy City Mayor more effectively. New development at Hamilton 4 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 5

Introduction Legislation and drivers Flooding is a natural process that plays an important part in shaping the natural environment. Flood risk regulations However, flooding can cause damage and disruption and, in extreme circumstances loss of life. Flood risk in is increasing due to climate change and, whilst it is not possible to prevent all The flood risk regulations (FRR) came into force flooding, when we understand the risks we can put plans in place to manage them and reduce the in 2009. The FRR were created to bring the impacts flooding may have on communities. European Commission Floods Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC) into domestic law in England and Wales. The FRR also provide a framework to assess and manage flood risk in order to reduce adverse consequences for human health, the environment (including cultural heritage) and economic activity.

Leicester City Council has completed or is working towards the completion of the FRR requirements that: • A preliminary flood risk assessment is published by June 2011 • Flood risk and hazard maps are produced by June 2013 • A flood risk management plan is developed by June 2015

Flood and Water Small stream in Abbey Meadows area Management Act The Flood and Water Management Act (FWMA) What is Leicester’s role Introduction gained Royal Assent in 2010 and makes specific as an LLFA? provision for the recommendations provided • Undertaking a lead responsibility for Flooding is a natural process that plays an important part in shaping the natural environment. by Sir Michael Pitt in his independent review of managing the risk of flooding from However, flooding can cause damage, disruption; and in extreme circumstances loss of life. the flooding experienced across much of England surface water, groundwater and Flood risk in England is increasing due to climate change and, while it is not possible to prevent all and Wales in 2007. ordinary watercourses flooding,understanding the risks means we can put plans in place to manage them and reduce the impact flooding may have on our communities. Under the FWMA, Leicester City Council is • Developing a strategy for local flood designated as the LLFA and has been allocated risk management in Leicester a number of key responsibilities with respect • Maintaining a register of flood Braunstone Brook and playing fields to local flood risk. risk assets

Leicester City Council is a lead local flood • Investigating significant authority (LLFA) and is responsible for producing, flooding incidents maintaining, applying and monitoring a local flood • Promote sustainable risk management strategy (LFRMS). drainage (SuDS) This strategy forms the framework within which • Cooperating with other flood risk we engage local communities in developing local management authorities flood risk management decisions, and explains how (Severn Trent, Environment Agency, we will support them to become better informed Network Rail) about flood risk issues generally.

Evington Road 6 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 7

others, including making decisions on development Responsibilities in their area which ensure that risks are effectively LFRMS in the national context In addition to LLFAs, the other risk management managed. Leicester City Council is working closely It is important to appreciate where an LFRMS • Catchment flood risk management plan (CFRMP) authorities in England and Wales are: with County Council, Blaby District sits in the context of the national flood and • National flood and coastal erosion risk Council, Harborough District Council, coastal erosion risk management (FCERM). management plan (FCERM) Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, and They are different flood risk strategies and • EU water framework directive The Environment Agency Charnwood Borough Council. policies at European, National and local level. • EU floods directive The Environment Agency is responsible for taking a strategic national overview of the management Highway authorities of all sources of flooding and coastal erosion. Highway authorities are responsible for providing The agency also has operational responsibility for and managing highway drainage and roadside managing the risk of flooding frommain rivers, ditches and must ensure that road projects do reservoirs, estuaries, and the sea; as well as being not increase flood risk. Leicester City Council is a coastal erosion risk management authority. the highway authority for Leicester. The city also Leicester City Council works in partnership with the works with the Highways Agency and Leicestershire Environment Agency on flood risk management. County Council on highways. The council has developed their LFRMS in conjunction with the Environment Agency with the Water and sewerage aim of developing an integrated and sustainable companies approach to flood risk management in the city. Water and sewerage companies are responsible Leicestershire county for maintaining public sewers. Severn Trent Water Ltd is the company that serves the and district councils area containing Leicester. The company is not These are key partners in planning local flood responsible for managing flood risk. This is the local risk management and can carry out flood risk authority’s concern. Severn Trent has a duty to management works on minor watercourses, drain their area and is also required to investigate The city council’s new Dock building with landscaping to manage drainage working with lead local flood authorities and flooding from other causes and blockages.

City Mayor Sets the priorities and approves policy for the city regarding flood risk management and How we will Executive planning and development. fit in locally This is a multi-agency forum that coordinates work on risk assessment, contingency Local resilience To fit with national strategy, local organisations forum planning, training and exercises to enhance our preparedness for emergencies. such as the city council will need to: Regional flood Primarily responsible for ensuring there are coherent plans to identify, communicate and coastal and manage the risk from all sources of flooding. RFCCs also have a key role in • work in partnership to make sure plans and committees allocating government grants for flood risk management to efficient, targeted and strategies are consistent with, and developed in (RFCC) risk-based projects. conjunction with related strategies Flooded garden Councillors coordinate regular ward meetings to give residents the opportunity to work • appraise and adopt, as appropriate, the with council departments and other agencies on anything that’s affecting their ward, such • ensure that the costs of measures are clear Ward councillors full range of measures that may be available as flooding. and understood and that the measures to manage risks selected reflect expected climate change People who own land which adjoins a watercourse (also known as riparian owners) Land and home have a responsibility to make sure that the flow of water is not obstructed (for example, • consider the wider carbon costs or benefits of owners • meet legal requirements to assess the impacts by clearing vegetation) and maintaining existing flood defences. adopting different FCERM measures and reduce of strategies the carbon costs of the measures used Developers are responsible for properly considering flood risk so that they do not put Developers • record the measures being implemented occupants of new developments at risk or increase the risk for existing neighbours. • contribute to the achievement of sustainable and provide local information to support development, balancing the needs of society, the Environment Agency in developing the Everyone has a role to play in reporting flooding problems and ensuring that they are Residents themselves prepared for flooding, should it occur. the economy and the urban, rural and national understanding of risk and to meet the natural environment requirements of the flood risk regulations 8 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 9

Existing flood risk strategies for Leicester Types of flooding Catchment flood management plan (CFMP) River flooding (fluvial) happens when the water overtops the river bank The CFMP (Environment Agency, 2010) pinpoints areas with a grade of low, moderate or and floods nearby areas. River flooding can occur from main rivers (such as high flood risk. It also gives examples where flood risk is being managed effectively and recommends the River Soar, Saffron Brook, Willow Brook and Braunstone Brook) or from options to manage areas where there is a need to take further action to keep pace with climate change. ordinary watercourses (these tend to be smaller rivers and streams such as Gilroes Brook, Hol Brook and Ethel Brook). Rivers can flood naturally or as a result of blockages and debris build up.

The CFMP aims to: • Provide an accurate and community focused flood warning service Surface water flooding occurs when the amount of rain falling on an area is too great for the drains or the ground to cope with. Surface water flooding • Investigate upstream storage for ‘at risk’ urban centres including the six small can be difficult to predict and can cause flash flooding. There is a history of watercourses running through Leicester surface water flooding in parts of Leicester and there are areas where greater • Support production and implementation of an integrated drainage strategy for potential for surface water flooding has been identified. urban areas (EA, STW and LCC) • Explore opportunities for creating green corridors along watercourses through urban centres Flooding from sewers is caused when pipes fill up and cannot take any • Investigate flood resilience for infrastructure such as roads (for example the more water. This can happen when the pipes are too small or have not been A50 and A47, and several ‘B’ roads around Leicester) designed to carry sewage and lots of rain water or when there is a blockage in a pipe. Sewer flooding has occurred in Leicester and is reported to and acted on by Severn Trent Water Ltd.

Preliminary flood Surface water Groundwater flooding occurs as a result of water rising up through the risk assessment management plan ground from underground stores such as aquifers or natural springs. This type (PFRA) (SWMP) of flooding tends to occur after a very long period of sustained high rainfall and can affect low lying areas. In Leicester this includes areas on the flood The city council published the Leicester PFRA in Part one of the SWMP for Leicester plain of the River Soar where it passes through. 2011. The PFRA identifies the Leicester principal was published in 2012 and identified city urban area as a nationally significant flood risk wide flood risk from surface water flooding area. The main sources of risk identified were and ordinary watercourse flooding. The SWMP from main rivers and surface water. produced flood extent and hazard maps in accordance with the flood risk regulations (FRR). Flooding from and reservoirs is caused by overtopping and breaks in banks, weirs, sluices and locks. Canal flooding has occurred Part two of the SWMP consisted of a level in Leicester and has been recorded by the Canal and Rivers Trust (formerly two strategic flood risk assessment (SFRA) of ). the city using information provided by partner organisations and developed during part one. The SFRA is essential in linking flood risk to development and planning in Leicester. Flooding from the sea occurs as a result of very high tides, storm surges or Part three of the SWMP is underway and high waves flooding low lying areas along the coast in estuaries. Leicester is will involve more detailed assessments of too far inland to suffer from this type of flooding. flooding in several high priority flooding hotspots in the city for which management options will be developed. 10 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 11

The joint Recommendations from the strategy approach surface water management plan Much of the local flood risk knowledge and technical expertise lies not only within the city council but with partner organisations including the Environment Agency. The city council and the Environment Agency have identified flood risks to Leicester that are complicated and interlinked.

It is crucial that Leicester works alongside the Environment Agency to ensure effective and consistent management of local flood risk. It is important to take an holistic approach to flood risk management across the city that will include flooding from main rivers, surface water and ordinary watercourses.

The integrated strategy will inform the flood risk management plan for Leicester, which is required to be delivered in June 2015 under the FRR.

Recent partnership event in a local area at risk of flooding

Wetlands at Abbey Meadows Joint EA/LCC Leicester FRMP June 2015 (Flood Risk Regulations 2009) Ref Objective

Communicate with partners - Build good communication links with neighbouring authorities, Environment Agency Leicester City Council S01 flood risk management authorities as well as internal and external partners.

Local Flood Risk Communicate with the public - set realistic expectations and outcomes with regard to managing Catchment Flood Management Strategy S02 Management Plan local flood risk. Engage with local communities. Integrated Flood Risk (FWMA 2010) Management Strategy

River Soar Conveyance S03 Social - Reducing risk to life, and disruption and stress caused by flooding incidents. Surface Water Hotspots Improvements Watercourse Gauging

Main River Flood Risk Highway Gullies – S04 Economic - lessen chances of prevent financial loss as a result of flooding. replacement and Management maintenance Consistent Engineering Approach Sustainable Urban Flood Forecasting Environmental - support the implementation of the water framework directive by naturalising Drainage Systems (SuDS) channels and de-culverting water courses. Increasing biodiversity of open spaces linked to S05 Community Engagement natural water courses and areas contributing to the management of flood risk. Improve water Leicestershire County Ordinary Watercourse Council Severn Trent Water & Groundwater quality and improve the quality of public open space wherever the opportunity arises. Canal & River Trust 12 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 13

LFRMS objectives - In practice The action plan The table below shows the measures that will be put in place to achieve the strategic objectives and As part of the LFRMS an action plan is emerging. The plan is split into short term, medium term and long guiding principles set out in the national strategy. term actions. All actions are achievable and can be implemented by Leicester City Council in collaboration with our partners. Funding could come from any combination of our own resources, partnership funding or developers. Some amounts are still to be agreed or cannot be confirmed so far ahead of time. Objective Actions In collaboration with the EA, we have already secured £7.83m from Defra for the River Soar conveyance • Delivery of flood defence / alleviation schemes project. The following are examples of the projects the authority proposes to deliver. (eg. Working with the EA on the River Soar) • Manage flood risk by designing drainage systems Reduce the number Flooding source Short term actions Medium term actions Long term actions that can safely accommodate rainfall and flooding (within 1-2 years) (within 2-5 years) (5 or more years) of properties at risk that exceeds their drainage capacity (design for from flooding exceedance) Joint river, • Rainfall and river • Joint integrated strategy • Joint flood defence schemes watercourse gauging project – data modelling project surface water and main river • Ensure sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and surface from actual events to with EA. network – Willowbrook and water run-off schemes show flood path on drawings water run-off verify models and risks. tributaries, Braunstone Brook, Saffron Brook and Melton Brook.

£3£30k0k £120k To be confirmed • Implement a communications strategy to Ordinary • Ordinary watercourses • Holbrook and Gilroes • Ethel Brook and Portwey Brook •  •  • engage with the local communities watercoursesOrdinary schemeOrdinary feasibility watercourses BrookHolbrook scheme and Gilroes schemeEthel Brook funding and bidsPortwey and delivery.Brook watercourses scheme feasibility Brook scheme scheme funding bids and delivery. • Build up flood risk awareness within the local works for Holbrook funding bids and delivery. andworks Gilroes for Holbrook Brook. funding bids and delivery. • Modelling of flood risk communities and provide details of what and Gilroes Brook. • Scheme feasibility • forModelling other minor of flood watercourses. risk • studiesScheme for feasibility Ethel Brook for other minor watercourses. individuals can do to deal with flooding studies for Ethel Brook Help residents, and Portwey Brook. • Assist communities in establishing their own and Portwey Brook. property and business flood action plans; encourage the public to better £74k To be confirmed To be confirmed owners in the area £74k To be confirmed defend their properties become more resilient Surface water • Complete surface • Northfields scheme • Flood alleviation measures • Highlighting the benefits of early action run-off water hotspot delivery delivery programme to flood events scheme feasibility for e.g. reduced insurance premiums, available grants Northfields and submit • Detailed modelling Northfields and submit of remaining surface and peace of mind funding bid. of remaining surface water hot spots, • Set up an information portal for persons • Liaison with Leicester options development affected by flood risk providing better and more Royal Infirmary (LRI) and scheme feasibility over their flood risk appraisals. comprehensive information managementmanagement measures. £30k To be confirmed To be confirmed £30k To be confirmed To be confirmed Reduce the area of • Better maintained drains and gullies based on River Soar • River Soar conveyance • River Soar corridor defences River Soar • project River Soar conveyance • River Soar corridor defences flood risk data project highway under water (Defra funded) To be confirmed for a given storm event • Design for blue corridors (Defra funded) To be confirmed and minimise traffic (temporary store of floodwaters) All forms, Ongoing programmes: includingAll forms, Ongoing programmes: disruption from flooding • Alter kerb alignment to manage flow overland including groundwater. • Highway drainage maintenance, road gully replacements, highway improvements, groundwater. watercourse and ditch maintenance. watercourse and ditch maintenance. £400k Increase the area of • Change land management practices • Community engagement, business resilience. green space in the area • Asset inventory management, investigations and consenting. • Wetland creation and biodiversity improvements • Asset inventory management, investigations and consenting. Total £200k contributing to mitigating • Emergency management preparedness. } • SuDs schemes the flooding risk • De-culverting of watercourses, wetland creation and bio-diversity improvements • De-culverting of watercourses, wetland creation and bio-diversity improvements To be confirmed

• Help to inform the local community of the All forms • Promote sustainable • Alignment of planning • Flood risk management strategy Reduce the number causes of pollution and measure that can be taken (Spatial planning) drainage (SuDS) policies with LFRMS and embedded within planning and control of surface water economic development activity of pollution incidents • Issue formal developer control of surface water economic development activity to prevent it occurring • Issue formal developer run-off. affecting watercourses guidance for SuDS  • Collect information on reported pollutionincidents schemes. • Implement SuDS in the city • Manage rainfall run off by source control legislation. £36k £40k 14 LEICESTER LOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Glossary

Term Definition An underground layer of water-bearing rock. Aquifer It is permeable, meaning that liquids and gases can pass through them. Blue corridor Route for flood waters CFMP Catchment flood management plan Allowing for the uninterrupted transport Conveyance of water Department for Environment, Food and DEFRA Rural Affairs EA Environment Agency Process where materials are broken down by Erosion earth processes Mouth of a river where it discharges into Estuary the sea FCERM Flood and coastal erosion risk management Flooding caused by river system exceeding Fluvial flooding its bank full level Flood alleviation To reduce the risk of flooding Barrier to limit the extent/ occurrence of a flood Flood defence event Take measures to reduce the impact of a flood Flood resilience event and guarding against flooding FRMP Flood risk management plan FWMA Flood and Water Management Act FRR Flood risk regulations Strip of land that provides habitats and Green corridors movement of wildlife LCC Leicester City Council LFRMS Local flood risk management strategy LLFA Lead local flood authority A watercourse shown on the main river map, for Main river which the EA has responsibility Ordinary A watercourse that is not a main river and is the watercourse responsibility of the lead local flood authority Permeable/ Allowing water to pass impermeable through/not pass through PFRA Preliminary flood risk assessment Pluvial flooding Flooding from rainfall or other precipitations Reservoir A body of water that is used as storage People who own land which adjoins Riparian owners a watercourse SAB Sustainable drainage system approval body SEA Strategic environmental assessment SFRA Strategic flood risk assessment STW Severn Trent Water SuDS Sustainable drainage system SWMP Surface water management plan The infrastructure (receiving drains, manholes, Sewerage pumping stations, storm overflows etc.) that carry sewage (the waste carried by water) Statutory Organisations that by law must be consulted consultees on LFRMS Area of land that can hold water temporarily Wetland or permanently

Wildlife on the River Soar Flood risk management Leicester City Council 90 Leycroft Road Leicester LE4 1BZ Web: Leicester.gov.uk/flooding email: [email protected]

New bridge to improve access to the Dock development