Planners set to approve more flood defences

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are to be asked to approve the initial parts of the third and final phase of the multi-million £ Mersey flood defence scheme.
Outline proposals for the work in the Cinnamon Brow area were approved in April 2012 and bow the borough council’s development management committee are being asked to approve the detailed plans.
Phase 1 of the work – along Knutsford Road, between Black Bear Park and Bridge Foot – has already been completed and Phase 2, between the Scottish Power sub-station and Wharf Street industrial estate is currently under construction.
Phase 3a comprises flood defence walls, embankments and the realignment of Spittle Brook and also involves land at Poulton Park Golf Club, land to the north and east of Solway Close and land to the north of Enfield Park Road.
A report to be considered by the committee next week says the new flood walls and embankments will provide protection against a one in 100-year flood.
A section of Spittle Brook will be realigned to cut off a sharp corner and will lower the ground on both sides to create additional flood storage.
Flood embankments are proposed where there is sufficient space available, such as at Cinnamon Brow to the best of Cockshot Brook, through Poulton Park Golf Course and along the right bank of Spittle Brook to the east of residential gardens in Solway Close and between the realigned brook and Enfield Park Road.
Flood walls are proposed where there is limited space or where there are ground condition issues.
The report says that opportunities for enhancement of the public realm and, or, natural habitat will be incorporated in the scheme where feasible.
The work will result in some “dramatic visual change” but residents have been consulted and the main impact on living conditions is likely to be that of construction, including temporary access for construction traffic and compounds.
Short term impacts such as visual intrusion, tree loss and disruption are outweighed by the overriding public benefit of improved long term flood defences.
Officers are recommending the scheme be approved.
Phase 3b will be considered at a later date.