Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for the Leeds (River Aire) Flood Alleviation Scheme – Leeds Station to Knostrop Weir

This is a pre-application presentation and no formal decision on the development will be taken, however it is an opportunity for Panel Members to ask questions, raise issues, seek clarification and comment on the proposals at this stage. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

(report attached)

  Further to minute 59 of the City Plans Panel meeting held on 17^th January 2013, where Panel approved in principle applications which would implement the first phase of the city’s Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS), Members considered pre-application proposals for the FAS from Leeds Station to Knostrop Weir.  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer and received a presentation on the proposals by the applicant’s consultants

  Members were informed of the extent of the protection which would be from the railway station in the city centre to Thwaites Mill and at Woodlesford and Holbeck

  The scheme would combine walls, riverside walls, landscaping and modifications to existing buildings to make them watertight, with the proposals being guided by the Design Vision and Guide

  There would be approximately 2km of linear defences, with 1200m being in the city centre.  The majority of the defences were below 1.2m in height and this was seen as a key benefit

  At Holbeck, the intention was to retain the open aspect of the area and provide a wall where there were currently railings

  At the Asda site, there would be approximately 600mm high walls  and a small city park would be incorporated opposite the city arches

  Navigation Walk was a sensitive area and 1.1m high walls were being considered at this location; these being a glazed flood wall, something which was being increasingly used to provide a defence whilst maintaining connectivity to the waterfront

  At Roberts Wharf, local ground levels would be raised whilst ensuring this was DDA compliant

  At Knostrop Cut, there would be the removal of a 600m length of Knostrop Cut to merge the canal and river.  By doing this, the extent and height of the linear defences needed would be reduced.  A section of the Transpennine Trail would need to be realigned but this would provide an opportunity to create a biodiverse area on the left bank

  At Woodlesford, a 1 – 1.3m high grassed embankment was proposed

  In terms of materials and finishes the approach was to design a flood wall specifically for its location so a range of materials such as sandstone paving, resin-bonded gravel and tegular block paving was proposed.  Where brick was used this would reflect the colour of existing brickwork and would be enhanced by glazing and glass inserts.  Wherever possible existing materials would be retained and reused.  The change of character beyond Rose Wharf to a more rural setting would also be reflected in the materials selected with resin-bonded natural stone and earth banks being envisaged

  Members commented on the following matters:

·  whether the works at Woodlesford would complement the works needed for HS2

·  that whilst less intrusive defences were welcomed, there was concern that some of these were too low and that river safety had to be considered

·  concern about the removal of part of Knostrop Cut and whether this would have an impact on the navigability of the river

·  that water turbines should be provided rather than Archimedes’ screw

The following responses were provided:

·  that proposals for HS2 had only recently been put forward and would take some time to be delivered; that the defences at Woodlesford were the first to be provided and that HS2 would need to respect what was in place

·  that safety had been considered and low guard rails would also be provided

·  that navigation of the river would not be affected by the removal of part of Knostrop Cut as capacity was not being built but conveyance was, i.e. how quickly water reached the city

·  that Archimedes’ screw was proposed as it was the most economic solution

The Chair stated that a site visit by boat should be arranged when

the applications were ready for determination, in order to properly understand and appreciate the proposals

Members welcomed the scheme, particularly the use of a range of

materials which respected and enhanced the riverside, although the need for good finishes to achieved was stressed

  RESOLVED -  To note the report, the presentation and the comments now made

  During consideration of this matter, Councillors Leadley and Hardy left the meeting