Case ref: MLA/2021/00353/2
Licence ref: L/2022/00100/2

Case summary

Main content

Project description

Project title

Project background

The Scheme runs to the south of Preston City Centre, along a 4.5km stretch of the Ribble, extending upstream from Liverpool Road Bridge to Walton-Le-Dale. It also includes a 4km stretch of the Darwen from the confluence with the Ribble up to Higher Walton.

The main objective is to reduce the high level of flood risk to 4,778 properties (which includes 517 businesses) in Preston & South Ribble. The existing SoP is approximately 2.5% (1 in 40 year) AEP, but lower than 5% AEP on some sections of the Darwen, with no existing defences in Higher Walton. The Scheme aims to achieve a 1 in 75 year standard, factoring-in the predicted 2080 Climate Change levels.

The proposed works include raising the existing linear defences along both rivers, and the construction of new defences, where none currently exist, such as Higher Walton.

The Scheme is divided into five phases of work:
● Phase 1 –Broadgate and Riversway
● Phase 2 – Lower Penwortham
● Phase 3 – Frenchwood and Walton-Le-Dale (along the Ribble)
● Phase 4 – Walton-Le-Dale (along the Darwen)
● Phase 5 – Higher Walton.

Construction of Phases 1 and 2 is due to commence in the final quarter of 2021, with the subsequent phases starting in 2023 once the first two phases are complete.

Linear flood defences in the form of walls and embankments are required at each of the five phases in order to provide a consistent level of protection.

Please note that this Marine Licence application is for Phases 1& 2 only and relates to the replacement of stone revetments along both river banks which are in a poor condition.

Programme of works

The proposed works for each phase are as follows:

Phase 1, Broadgate & Riversway – runs along the right bank of the Ribble between the A59 Liverpool Road Bridge and the West Coast Mainline Railway. The work consists of replacing the existing flood wall with a new concrete wall with the addition of glass panels on top where wall heights have increased significantly, such as upstream of Old Penwortham Bridge. The existing stone revetment along certain lengths of the riverbank is in a poor condition so this will be replaced with a new concrete structure. This aspect of the scheme is the focus of the Marine Licence application as the works are below Mean High Water Springs.

Phase 2, Lower Penwortham – runs along the left bank of the Ribble from the WCML to Penwortham Old Bridge, and then runs inland along the old railway embankment up to Golden Way. As with Phase 1, the proposed scheme utilises existing structures where possible by raising existing walls and embankments along the riverside, and tying in with the old railway embankment. Where defence heights have increased significantly along Riverside Road, glass panels have been specified to maintain riverside views. A short section, c70m, of the riverbank will be replaced with a concrete revetment in order to prevent erosion of the bank and the risk of undermining the flood wall. The construction detail is the same as Phase 1.

The proposed works are illustrated on the attached plan.

Other information

Applicant details

Mr Connor McIlwrath / 07766443608 / connor.mcilwrath@environment-agency.gov.uk
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (WARRINGTON) / RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH HOUSE WASH LANE WARRINGTON / WA4 1HT

Date application submitted

Date application validated

Date initial decision made

Date decision made for latest variation

Status