Welcome to our Meanwood Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme Bulletin
You are receiving this message because you opted to be contacted about the scheme via email when filling in our online survey, or directly requested to be kept up to date. If you do not wish to receive these updates going forward, you can manage your subscription preferences at the bottom of this email.
Our survey on potential options for flood alleviation measures along Meanwood Beck is now complete. We have had a high response rate to this survey - thank you to everyone who completed this survey and provided feedback, it will all be taken into consideration for our next phase.
We have summarised the key themes from your responses below, with some information on how this will be considered within our work as we progress.
Theme 1: Preserving the Natural Environment
You said:
“Meanwood Park and the Valley Trail have high value natural habitat and visual appeal …my preferred options are those that are most harmonious with the natural environment."
This was raised within 45% of responses to the survey. Our work will include an assessment of ecological impact and visual impact and these will be a key criteria within the selection of the option(s) to be taken forward.
You said:
“Brown trout and crayfish are well established in the beck. The new structures should not create a barrier to fish migration at low flow."
We will ensure that fish and invertebrate passage is maintained within the work sites. The storage areas will allow normal flows to pass unobstructed.
Theme 2: Feedback on our suggested options
You said:
“Highbury Cricket ground appears to be a good option. This is underutilised open space and could be opened for community use.”
We will consider this area further and develop the design for this. This area is well located close to the urban area and upstream of most properties at flood risk.
We are engaging with the landowner here and with other teams within Leeds City Council to gain a better understanding of the area.
You said:
“The Woodhouse Cricket Club is a significant local amenity. Using this as flood storage may impact on the use of this as a cricket ground.”
We will take the impact on the cricket ground into account when reviewing and comparing options.
You said:
“Is there potential for the storage areas to have the opposite of the intended effect and increase flood risk to some homes?”
As part of the design of the scheme we will ensure that any storage areas do not increase flood risk from any source to neighbouring properties.
You said:
“Would the debris that collects behind the dams be cleared regularly?”
We will include maintenance plans within design of the scheme to regularly inspect any new structures and remove blockages. LCC currently carry out regular walkthroughs of the beck to remove significant build ups of debris.
Theme 3: The Climate Emergency
You said:
“Will Leeds City Council consider the impact of climate change on flood risk?"
We will include an assessment of increasing flows due to climate change in line with the latest Environment Agency guidance. We will also calculate the carbon cost associated with any work during the design phase and identify any opportunities to reduce this during the design.
Theme 4: Other Options Suggestions
Flood storage within Meanwood Park
Meanwood Park already provides significant storage of flood water due to the terrain here. Any work to enhance this storage would have a significant impact on the character of the park.
Storage at Seven Arches Dam
Major works here would impact on the existing structures as well as on the surrounding woodland. Access to this area is also limited.
Next Steps
The options outlined in our survey make up the long list of potential solutions, next, we need to assess each of them further to understand their benefits and determine if they are viable. The comments from the survey will inform this assessment, alongside assessments of the flood risk benefits, environmental impacts and opportunities and the cost to construct the options. From there, we can create a shortlist of the most viable options to the next stage of development.
We will continue to engage with local residents and businesses throughout the development of this project. We plan to send a further newsletter in early 2022 with an update on the option selection and the development of the scheme design.
Additional Information
To find out if you are at of flooding and for information on preparing for flooding visit www.gov.uk/flood
These web pages host a wide range of information and advice on checking your risk of flooding, developing a flood plan and what type of action you can take to protect yourself and your property from flooding.
You're up to date
Thank you for taking the time to stay up to date with the Meanwood Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us using the contact details below (Monday - Friday excluding bank holidays, 9am - 5pm).
Tel: 0113 378 7304
Email: FRM@leeds.gov.uk
|
