Good news – planning consent was granted for the flood defences yesterday. Another step closer. The flood defence scheme was granted planning permission by Allerdale Borough Council at a meeting on Tuesday 10th April, meaning the Environment Agency has been given consent to construct a series of walls, embankments and flood gates along the River Cocker and River Derwent that will increase flood protection to around 360 local homes and 55 businesses. Funding for the scheme has almost been secured, with a pledge from central government to provide £3.3million. Cumbria County Council and Allerdale Borough Council have also offered to make significant contributions, with the Cockermouth Flood Action Group, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade, local businesses and the local community working hard to secure the remaining funds that will be required. Once built, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in Cockermouth to a 1% chance in
Cockermouth Maintenance Management Plan Published
The Environment Agency has published the maintenance management plan for Cockermouth, it can be downloaded by clicking on the link. Two potential areas of gravel removal on the Derwent and Cocker upstream of the town were identified. The target area for gravel removal for the main Cockermouth channel are outlined on page 7 of the report. The gravel control and management scheme is designed to have the following characteristics : Be effective at reducing sediment input at the key area (which is the in-town stretch of the Derwent and Cocker through Cockermouth. minimise environmental impact maximise sustainability Be operational effective (have manageable access routes and be safe to operate). The strategy is treated as a live document and is correct to its evidence base at the date of issue. If forthcoming evidence emerges that can materially impact operational activities, this will be considered and the strategy updated accordingly.
Flood defences on Rubby Banks Road
On August 29 2011 on our website an article entitled ‘Latest Flood Defence Proposals’ was posted. The article states that the preferred option for flood defences on Rubby Banks Road is a raising barrier, this is no longer the case. The article title has been changed to ‘Flood Defence Proposals’. There are three options regarding the flood defence on Rubby Banks Road, which are a solid wall, a wall with glass panels and the rising barrier. The Environment Agency are currently researching the relative cost, maintenance requirements and reliability of the options under consideration. Once we have the updated plans we will upload them onto the site.
Environment Agency to Visit Rubby Banks
Yesterday the Environment Agency informed us that they would be visiting Rubby Banks: The drop-in session will be held at the edge of the River Cocker at Riverside Car Park in the centre of the town (opposite Rubby Banks Road) on 7 September from 3pm – 7pm. It is the first of a series of drop-in sessions being held in different areas of the town, for the local community to comment on detailed designs for the flood risk management scheme.
