PLANNING bosses have given the go-ahead for a major flood risk management scheme, providing one in 100 year protection from the Mersey to a wide area of Warrington.
Members of the borough’s development management committee approved the £23.7 million scheme – of which the council is likely to contribute £3.4 million.
The Environment Agency, who applied for permission for the project, say it will provide protection to more than 2,000 homes and businesses at Howley, Latchford, Padgate, Bruche and Woolston.
The most “public facing” aspect of the scheme is probably a new and re-located entrance to Victoria Park.
But there will also be work inside the park, modifications to Knutsford Road, relocation of bus stops and pedestrian crossings, the closure of Weir Lane and demolition and rebuilding of an extension to a garage building in Knutsford Road.
Objections were received from 11 residents, some on the grounds that the work will result in “ugly concrete walls” and others pointing out that there has been no flooding for 100 years.
Some expressed anger over the loss of gardens, trees and loss of access to the riverbank. Others complain the scheme does not include measures to protect specific areas.
The Environment Agency say any trees lost will be replaced by new ones, although not necessarily in the same places. They warn that flood risks are likely to increase due to the impact of climate change.
The work will be carried out in three phases.
First phase will be the south bank of the Mersey from Kingsway Bridge to the Bridge Foot roundabout, including works at Brook Place, off Knutsford Road, Black Bear Park, Victoria Park and Weir Lane.
Phase Two will deal with the north bank of the river over the same stretch, including Howley Lane, the Warrington Rowing Club headquarters, Howley Suspension Bridge, Farrell Street, Wharf Street and Vernon Street.
The third phase will involve both banks of the Mersey from Kingway Bridge upstream to Woolston, including Padgate and Spittle brooks.
Pictured: the proposed new entrance to Victoria Park.
3 Comments
OK the scheme has now got planning approval. Does that mean that WBC, much against the wishes of its residents, has earmarked the funds to allow the scheme to be developed? Another spend of money that WBC does not have!
The proposed entrance must be one of the most grossly ugly, non-functional designs I have seen! As well as being visibly a bland concrete monstrosity no thought whatsoever seems to have been applied to attempt to make it functional or user friendly. Sharp square concrete blocks in areas used frequently by children, old people and boisterous young people are accidents (and insurance claims) waiting to happen. The inclusion of benches and attempt to make it look like a potential social area is ridiculous – with a view of concrete to the rear, passing traffic to the front and excessive traffic fumes – it’s hardly likely to become a popular relaxation area!
“A 1 in 100 year event”….. so what if it happens in three weeks time?