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11b2 Policy Statement - St Annes to Rossall Point FINAL.doc of 7

St Annes to Rossall Point (11b 2)

Recommendations:

Overview:

The long term plan for this frontage is to continue to manage risks to the assets and infrastructure that provide a wide range of social and economic benefits to the region. The recommended plan will be achieved largely though the provision of defence structures along present lines, with some improvements to beach and dune management where required. Although this will result in diminishing beach widths throughout the defended area, any significant impacts upon adjacent areas and upon designated environmental assets are avoided.

Between St Anne’s and Blackpool the plan is to allow dunes to operate as a natural defence and to continue to supply sand towards the Lytham frontage, however, the narrow dunes near Squires Gate will require some form of set back defence behind the dunes to manage risks of breaches. The coastal defences along the entire length of the Blackpool frontage will continue to be managed and from Anchorsholme Park through to Rossall Point, coastal defence management will need to be consistent with management of the Fleetwood and Wyre estuary frontages due to potential flood linkages.

Policy and Approach (from 2010) Justification Location

(Policy Unit) 0-20 years 20-50 years 50-100 years Social Environmental Economic

2.1 St Annes (northern boundary) to Squires Gate

Managed Realignment–

Manage the dunes as the main front line defence, while also determining specific requirements for a secondary defence line set back at the road south of Squires Gate to manage the risk of breaches in the dunes, and implement if viable. Flood risk mapping needs to be improved in this area.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by managing the dune system as the primary defence and maintaining secondary defences to an adequate standard.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by managing the dune system as the primary defence and maintaining secondary defences to an adequate standard.

Visual character of the seafront will be maintained by managing the existing dune system.

The conservation and improvement of the dune system in this area is extremely important to protect properties landward of the dunes.

Dune management is required to restore, improve and maintain the dune system. The dunes at the southern part of this section are a SSSI.

Policy is economically viable due to the value of assets at risk of coastal flooding.

2.2 Squires Gate to Blackpool Tower

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining & / or improving existing defences to an adequate standard and implement beach management.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and continued beach management.

Maintains the integrity of Blackpool as a national / regional resort. The promenade, sea front features and assets in flood risk areas will be maintained.

Manages flood and erosion risk to amenity and heritage assets in Blackpool along with associated infrastructure

The policy is economically viable due to the high value of the assets at risk of coastal flooding.

2.3 Blackpool Tower to Anchorsholme Park

Hold the Line –

Manage erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and implementation of beach management.

Hold the Line –

Manage erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Promenade and sea front features will be maintained.

Manages flood and erosion risk to amenity and heritage assets in Blackpool along with associated infrastructure

The economic viability of the policy may depend on recreation and amenity benefits and transport disruption costs.

2.4 Anchorsholme Park Hold the Line –

Manage flood and erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood and erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and implementation of beach management.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood and erosion risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Hold the Line will manage coastal risks to area of green open space in otherwise urban setting

No habitat creation opportunities.

Managed risk to important buried waste water infrastructure and green space.

Policy provides the shortest and probably cheapest defence alignment. However, the economic viability of the policy may depend on the avoided costs of relocating the pumping station and social / amenity benefits.




2.5 Anchorsholme Park to Jubilee Gardens

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and implementation of beach management measures.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Promenade, sea front features and integrity of Cleveleys will be maintained.


Policy is robustly economically viable due to the high value of the assets at flood risk assets in the linked flood cell extending from Cleveleys to Fleetwood.

2.6 Jubilee Gardens to Five Bar Gate

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving defence structures and upgrading groynes to an adequate standard and implementation of beach management measures.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Promenade and sea front features will be maintained.


Policy is robustly economically viable due to the high value of the assets in the linked flood cell extending from Cleveleys to Fleetwood.

2.7 Five Bar Gate to Rossall Hospital (Rossall School)

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defence structures and upgrading groynes to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing groynes and improving defences to an adequate standard as well as implementing beach management measures.

Hold the LIne –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Manages risks to school and wider flood cell with more than 25,000 homes. Consistent approach to defence required for Cleveleys through to Fleetwood.

Open areas around school could potentially be used as flood storage for water overtopping the defences therefore facilitating a lower defence crest height

Policy is robustly economically viable due to value of assets in linked flood cell extending from Cleveleys to Fleetwood. Maintaining the existing defence line provides the most cost effective approach tying in with the neighbouring frontages.

2.8 Rossall Hospital to Chatsworth Avenue

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. Develop a long term beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and implementation of beach management strategy.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard and through continued beach management.

Communities and assets in Larkholme and wider flood cell will remain adequately defended throughout the period.

Potential impacts on environmental sites to north due to interruption of sediment supply will require beach management.


2.9 Chatsworth Avenue to Rossall Point

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining and upgrading groynes and other defences to an adequate standard. Develop a beach management strategy to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion and encourage dune growth behind the sea wall.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining defences and implementation of beach management to deal with the long term trend in beach erosion and encourage dune growth behind the sea wall.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining defences and through continued beach management.

Local amenity of golf course will be maintained into the long term.

Potential impacts on environmental sites due to interruption of sediment supply will require beach management.


Key assumptions made during development

Beaches along the open coast may narrow and steepen with coastal squeeze due to predicted sea level rise. Hard defences are likely to become increasingly expensive to maintain and the risk of overtopping and flooding will increase. The expected sea level rise combined with higher / larger defences will result in the potential of storms greater than the design standard, becoming significantly more frequent in the long term. Management of this “residual risk” through adaptation of land use, development control and flood warning will be essential. A continued sediment supply to the dune system between St Annes and Squires Gate, and a limited supply of sediment to the frontage between Squires Gate and Rossall Point has been assumed, however, uncertainty regarding future sediment supply to the frontage is addressed in the Action Plan.

Management of the northern section will be closely linked with the management of the north facing adjacent open coast frontage at Fleetwood and the Wyre estuary due to shared flood risk issues. Flood risk mapping used may underestimate risks due to breach along the St Annes to Blackpool frontage.

The economic case supports these as being viable recommendations south of Blackpool Tower and north of Anchorsholme. Between these areas the local justification relies in part on benefits of recreational amenity and local infrastructure value, which need to be examined in more detail at strategy level along with opportunities for co-funding.

The SMP2 policies will be subject to review if sea level rise predictions are changed.

Policy delivery may be compromised by funding prioritisation and therefore opportunities for co-funding need to be investigated.



Predicted Implications of the Policies being Adopted in this Location:

Time period from 2010

Property and population Land use, infrastructure and material assets

Amenity and recreational use

Historic environment Landscape character and visual amenity

Earth heritage, soils and geology

Water Biodiversity, flora and fauna

0-20 years

+ Manages flood and erosion risk to Blackpool, Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

+ Manages risk to infrastructure and material assets from erosion and tidal flooding

+ Manages erosion risk to promenades and piers, recreation areas and the major regionally important tourism and amenity facilities along the Blackpool frontage.

+ Manages risk to golf courses from erosion and tidal flooding

− Lowering and narrowing of amenity beaches

.

•••• No identified significant impacts on designated archaeological assets

− Potential loss or damage to remains of historic sea defences in Policy Unit 2.1. The defences are considered of medium archaeological importance in the North West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment 2009.

•••• No designated landscapes within this scenario area.

+ Geological and geomorphological interest features of Lytham St Annes Geological Conservation Review site (GCR) and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) will be maintained.

− Increasing beach lowering and narrowing exacerbated by sea level rise resulting in the reduced effectiveness of dunes and beaches as a flood defence.

•••• Potential changes to shellfisheries off the coast of Salter’s Bank due to changes in sediment patterns and increased areas for spawning - impact uncertain.

+ Dune management (e.g. by controlling public access from the holiday camp to the beach, implementing measures to encourage dune accretion) between St Annes and Squires Gate should encourage dune vegetation.

20-50 years

As above As above As above As above As above As above

50-100 years

− Increasing residual risk from overtopping/breach of defences during surges and storms, with associated effects on extensive areas of development in the coastal floodplain (e.g. areas to the south of Blackpool Tower & north of Anchorsholme).

As above As above As above As above

− Restriction of the natural geomorphological evolution of Lytham St Annes Geological Conservation Review site (GCR) and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS).

− Increasing beach lowering and narrowing, exacerbated by sea level rise resulting in the reduced effectiveness of the beaches and dunes as a flood defence. Though pro-active management of the beach may help limit losses.

As above − Uncertain, but potential for an adverse effect on the integrity of the Ribble & Alt Estuaries SPA & Ramsar site (and Ribble Estuary SSSI) and Morecambe Bay SPA, Ramsar & SAC by potentially restricting sediment supply

Impact colour key + Positive •••• Neutral − Negative



ACTION PLAN

Action Action Ref

Action Description,

(to be approved)

Potential source for funding (subject to approval)

Lead authority and key partners

To start by (subject to funding)

Outcome

1. Studies for policy area 1.1 In combination with adjacent frontages at Lytham St Annes, undertake a strategy study to review the Blackpool Shoreline Strategy and develop a strategy for Fylde BC coast (Warton Bank to Anchorsholme) in order to determine the best approaches for delivering the policies and develop a programme of works. Include an updated assessment of amenity value of the promenades and coastal defences and strategic assessment of risks to transport infrastructure including the highway and tram line and assessment of erosion risks to buried infrastructure. Include a habitats regulation assessment to consider risks to international sites and any mitigation or compensatory habitat requirements.

EA BC, FBC, NE

2010 Detailed understanding and programme of works. Assessment of the implications for protected sites agreed with stakeholders.

1.2 In combination with other frontages for the Cleveleys to Fleetwood Flood cell, update the existing flood risk management strategy for the Wyre Urban Core Flood Management Strategy. Include a habitats regulation assessment to consider risks to international sites and any mitigation or compensatory habitat requirements.

EA WBC, NE, BC

2010 Detailed understanding and programme of works. Assessment of the implications for protected sites agreed with stakeholders.

1.3 Undertake beach management studies for the whole frontage, including analysis of historical beach movements and investigation of options for long term beach management to mitigate beach erosion and improve the dune systems (Rossall Point to Fairhaven Lake) to develop beach management proposals.

EA BC/WBC/ FBC

2013 Improved understanding of beach movements along the coastline with recommendations to improve the natural defence and amenity of the beach.

1.4 Complete the Cell11 wide studies of Joint Probability of waves and water levels and tidal and sediment movements, to inform coastal strategies and beach management approaches across the whole SMP.

EA BC, NWNWCG

2010 Improved understanding of coastal process and water levels to assist in design and management of coastal defences.

2. Studies for Policy Units: PU 2.1 2.1

Depending on outcome of strategy, consider in more detail the risks from dune breach and the viability of a set back secondary flood wall. Develop a project appraisal report and implement if viable. EA BC FBC 2013 – 2016 Project Appraisal Report approved, if appropriate.

PU 2.1 2.2 Using information from the Blackpool and Fylde Strategy and the beach management studies, update and implement the dune management plan to improve and sustain the dunes as a coastal defence.

EA FBC/BC 2015 – 2018 Improvements in condition of dunes.

PU 2.1 2.4 Implement Starr Hill Sand Dunes Environmental Works recommended in the updated dune management plan. EA BC/FBC 2012 Implement the Environmental Works to protect

and enhance the dune system as a coast defence and amenity site.

PU 2.1 2.3 Assess the timing and justification for capital works to reprofile the South Shore Seebee revetment to extend the life of the defences.

EA BC 2020 Project Appraisal Report approved for works to manage coastal risks.

PU 2.4 2.7 Design and implement a scheme at Anchorsholme to replace and improve coastal defences. EA BC 2010 Project Appraisal Report approved for works to

manage coastal risks.

PU 2.5 2.8 Complete Wyre Beach Management Feasibility Study to inform long term strategy on beach recycling EA WBC 2013 Study results taken into account in long term beach

management under strategies, see items 1.1 to 1.3

PU 2.5 2.12 Complete Cleveleys Improvement Works Phase 4 to replace life expired defences. EA WBC 2010 Defence works completed.

PU 2.8 Develop project appraisal for approval of scheme to improve defences between Rossall Hospital and Chatsworth Avenue Coastal Defence Improvements Feasibility Study and Improvement Works.

EA WBC, EA 2012 Project Appraisal Report approved by EA.

3. Strategy 3.1 Adopt and implement coastal strategies developed in Action Plan items 1.1 to 1.3 EA BC, WBC,

FBC, EA 2012 Strategy approved by EA and adopted by BC,

WBC, FBC


Action Action Ref

Action Description,

(to be approved)

Potential source for funding (subject to approval)



Outcome

4. Scheme Work 4.1 To be defined by strategy. EA WBC/ BC/

FBC ongoing Actions identified in Long Term Plan.

5. Monitoring (Data Collection)

5.1 Undertake beaches, dunes and coastal defence monitoring in conjunction with Cell 11 Regional Monitoring Strategy to inform strategy and future SMP reviews.

EA EA/BC/FBC/WBC

ongoing

5.2 Environmental monitoring of designated conservation sites to provide baseline data for future habitat regulations assessments.

NE NE ongoing

Data available through CERMS provides improved evidence base for future decision making.

6. Asset Management 6.1 Maintenance of defences and beach and dune management including management of public access. EA, BC, WBC, FBC

WBC/ BC/ FBC

ongoing Maintenance undertaken to required standards.

7. Communication 7.1 Undertake consultation with key stakeholders and general public during strategy development. EA BC, WBC, FBC

2010 Public participation.

7.2 Monitoring and management of Action Plans to ensure SMP policies are put into practice. n/a NWNWCG ongoing NWNWCG reports on progress.

8. Interface with Planning and Land Management

8.1 Advise local Planning Authority about SMP policies and flood and erosion risks so they can be accounted for in the next revisions of land use plans in order to help manage residual risks from flooding and erosion.

n/a WBC/ BC/ FBC

ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in land use plans.

8.2 Advise local Planning Authority about SMP policies and flood and erosion risks so they can take due account in planning decisions and aim to reduce the need to manage flood risk in future.

n/a WBC/ BC/ FBC

ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in planning decisions.

9. Emergency Response 9.1 Development, monitoring and review of emergency response plans to prepare for over design standard events. n/a WBC/ BC/ FBC

ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in emergency plans.

10. Adaptation/Resilience 10.1 Develop resilience adaptation approaches to help manage the risks associated with over design standard events EA / Defra WBC/ BC/ FBC

2015 Management of risk.

10.2 Consider adaptation approaches to allow space for dunes improvements at Rossall Point as mitigation / compensation for coastal narrowing in the longer term.

n/a WBC 2015 Management of risk.

11. Flood Forecasting and Warning

11.1 Continue to improve flood risk maps and inundation risk modelling to improve flood warning service and raise awareness of flood risk, particularly in areas where there are dunes and promenades and areas benefiting from these defences are not currently shown.

EA EA ongoing Management of risk.

12. Habitat Creation and environmental mitigation

12.1 Monitor progress with dune restoration and improvement at Starr Hills sand dunes and Rossall Point and link to dune habitat strand of RHCP.

n/a NE, FBC, WBC, BC

ongoing Improved evidence base for decision making.

12.2 Investigate and quantify BAP habitat losses and creation potential to feed into the RHCP. Subsequently identify and secure intertidal and dune habitat through the RHCP, where necessary to compensate for any habitat losses in each epoch.

WBC, EA NE, FBC, WBC, BC

ongoing Compensatory habitat provided to compensate for losses where required

12.3 Seek opportunities for habitat enhancements during strategy development as part of flood/erosion risk management works e.g. removing seabuck and creeping willow from the dunes and controlling sand stockpiling within the designated conservation sites, as and where appropriate.

EA WBC, FBC BC

EA Improved condition of dunes.

NB. Activities from SMP will be carried forward into medium term plans and carried out on a priority basis, subject to funding and approval n/a = activity is part of authorities general duties, not funded through flood and erosion risk management routes.

EA = Environment Agency; FBC = Fylde Borough Council; LO – land owners; NE = Natural England; NWNWCG = North West and North Wales Coastal Group; RHCP = Regional Habitat creation Programme; SC = Sefton Council, WBC = Wyre Borough Council

11c1 Policy Statement - Fleetwood and Wyre Estuary.doc Page 1 of 6

Fleetwood and the Wyre Estuary (11c 1)

Recommendations:

Overview:

The vast areas of flood risk and development lying within areas surrounding the Wyre Estuary justify a long term plan to continue to provide protection throughout its outer reaches, although this will constrain natural development of the outer estuary. In the upper reaches of the estuary however the long term vision is to allow a more naturally functioning system and realignment opportunities will be pursued. These approaches will locally satisfy both social objectives for protection of land and property, and environmental objectives through providing additional intertidal habitats.

At the mouth of the estuary, the long term plan is for the management of flood risks to the northern coast of Fleetwood and the large linked flood risk area which extends into the estuary. Natural dune accretion along the present outer line of the promenade may be sufficient to achieve this plan, and is a preferred approach because of the lower costs and greater environmental benefits. Should this trend reverse, a long term option might be to hold a secondary line at the road, allowing dunes to roll back but provide primary protection.



1.1 Rossall Point to Marine Lake (east)

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. If there is erosion in long term, then a secondary structure could be built inland and original defences be removed to allow dunes to roll back.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard. If erosion in long term, then a secondary structure could be built inland and original defences to be removed to allow dunes to roll back.

Manages flood risk to Fleetwood and wider flood cell.

Maintains social and amenity values of golf course and promenades.

The coast is currently accreting and is therefore beneficial for the designated conservation sites. However in the event that this trend reverses, then a retreated defence line will be considered to facilitate dune roll back to reduce flood risk and maintain habitat provided by the dune system. This might result in the gradual infilling of the marine lake with blown sand and dune encroachment.

The hold the line policy is robustly economically viable and is linked to the wider flood cell extending from Fleetwood through to Cleveleys.

Maintains the most sustainable defence alignment for adjacent frontages.

The coast is currently accreting therefore reducing the cost of holding the line.

1.2 Marine Lake to Fleetwood Pier

Hold the Line –

By maintaining current defences and through beach / dune management: improving groynes and encouraging natural vegetation growth to stabilise beaches. Beach management measures should not adversely affect the dune system, but should actively manage the dune system as a natural line of defence.

Hold the Line –

By maintaining / raising defence structures and through beach / dune management. Beach management measures should not adversely affect the dune system, but should actively manage the dune system as a natural line of defence.

Hold the Line –

By maintaining / upgrading defence structures and through beach / dune management. Beach management measures should not adversely affect the dune system, but should actively manage the dune system as a natural line of defence.

Manages flood risk to Fleetwood and wider flood cell.



The coast is currently accreting therefore reducing the cost of holding the line.

1.3 Fleetwood Pier to Fleetwood Ferry

Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Managed flood risk to Fleetwood.

The coast is currently accreting and is therefore beneficial for the designated conservation sites. However in the event that this trend reverses, then a retreated defence line will be considered to facilitate dune roll back to reduce flood risk and maintain habitat provided by the dune system. This might result in the gradual infilling of the marine lake with blown sand and dune encroachment.



1.4 Fleetwood to Stanah Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an

Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Managed flood risk to communities and amenities in Fleetwood.

Managed flood and erosion risk to landfill and the nature reserve.

The hold the line policy is robustly economically viable and is linked to the wider flood cell extending from


adequate standard. adequate standard. adequate standard. Fleetwood through to Cleveleys.



1.5 Stanah to Cartford Bridge (south bank) and Cartford Bridge to Shard Bridge (north bank)

Hold the Line–

Maintain defences while actively investigating opportunities to withdraw maintenance of defences where practicable and retreat to high land while encouraging development of BAP habitat. .

Managed Realignment –

Depending on investigations, where practicable, to withdraw from maintenance and retreat back to high land and encourage development of BAP habitat,

Managed Realignment –

Where practicable, to withdraw from maintenance and retreat back to high land and encourage development of BAP habitat

Insufficient justification to continue maintaining defences. Hold the line policy in short term to allow time to adapt. However, privately funded defence maintenance may be allowed subject to consent.

Withdrawing from front line defence will result in a more naturally functioning coastline and be beneficial to the adjacent internationally designated conservation sites. Managed realignment provides potential for development of BAP habitat.

There is insufficient economic justification to Hold The Line in the future due to lack of assets at risk. Managed realignment will allow for adaptation to change.

(See Note 1 below).

1.6 Shard Road (A588) to Golf Course

Hold the Line –

Where defences are present to manage flood risk by maintaining defences to an adequate standard but review potential Managed Realignment where defences are not economically viable.

Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Manages risk to communities such as Hambleton.

Only limited lengths of embankment are required to hold the Line and these are interspersed with natural frontage.

The economic viability of the policy may depend on community benefits and other damages that may be incurred due to flooding of a very wide area under NAI.

(See Note 1 below).

1.7 Knott End Golf course No Active Intervention –

Allow shoreline to continue to evolve under natural processes. Basic maintenance of private localised defences may be acceptable subject to consent.

No Active Intervention –

Allow shoreline to continue to evolve under natural processes.

No Active Intervention –

Allow shoreline to continue to evolve under natural processes.

No formal defences currently present, but localised private defences could be managed, subject to consent, if required.

No Active Intervention will result in a naturally functioning sustainable coastline, likely to be beneficial to the designated conservation sites.

A Hold the Line policy can not be justified for funding on a national economic funding basis.

1.8 Golf course to Knott End on Sea

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by improving and maintaining existing defences to an adequate standard.

Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Manages risk to communities and amenities in Knott End on Sea and the wider flood cell

No significant loss of intertidal habitat predicted within internationally designated sites as a result of coastal squeeze.

Hold the Line policy is justified by the high value of assets at risk in the large flood cell that links to the open coast.


Beach accretion is likely to continue in the future along the Fleetwood frontage. However, the recommended policy is adaptive and monitoring of changes in sedimentary processes will allow uncertainty in the timing of future policy refinement to be informed.

In the past the behaviour of low water channels has been a major control on the sedimentary infilling of the Wyre estuary. It has been assumed that the position of these channels will continue to influence patterns of accretion and erosion in the future. The exact position of the channels is difficult to predict but can be influenced by training works within the estuary. The future maintenance strategies for these training works are therefore critical in determining the overall response of the estuary..

Predicted changes in rainfall patterns with future climate change may increase river flows which may in turn affect river channel meandering and siltation rates. The supply of sediment to the estuary will continue and will allow the estuary to accrete vertically in line with sea level rise. In the long term there is some uncertainty over the balance between sediment supply and sea level rise. It has been assumed that supply will continue to allow vertical accretion within the estuary although the horizontal expansion of marsh habitats may have decreased or even ceased. If sediment supplies where not to keep pace with sea level rise then estuary rollover could occur. This would be expected to lead to coastal squeeze.

Detailed investigations exploring changes in tidal propagation will support robust decisions on appropriate timing and locations for policy changes. A detailed economic analysis at the flood risk management strategy stage will support these decisions where the valuation of assets is relevant.

Management of this section will be closely linked with the management of the adjacent open coast frontages due to shared flood risk issues.

The long term flood risk management policy for this estuary, as with others in the North West may change if proposals for tidal power barrages are progressed.

The SMP policies will be subject to review if sea level rise predictions are changed.

Note 1: Policy delivery in the noted frontages may be compromised by funding prioritisation due to the low Benefit Cost Ratio and therefore opportunities for co-funding / private funding need to be investigated.








Earth heritage soils, and geology


0-20 years

+ Manages flood and erosion risk to properties.

+ Manages risk to infrastructure and material assets (e.g. A587 and A585 coastal roads) and docks.

•••• Losses and gains for agricultural land.

− Potential erosion of Knott End Golf Course and Wyre Country Park

+ Manages flood risk to tourist and recreation assets.

•••• No known impacts on the historic environment.

•••• No designated landscapes within the scenario area.

+ Continued stabilisation of beach levels, embryonic dune growth and beach conditions.

+ Manages risk to landfill sites and waste water treatment works, and thus no release of contaminants into the estuary.

•••• Open coast area accreting at present so dune growth could result in changes to habitats.

+ Short term gains in intertidal habitats in estuary under ongoing accretion.

20-50 years

As above plus:

+ Manages flood risk to Fleetwood and Thornton.

− Increased flood and erosion risk to some isolated properties, depending on realignment alignment.

As above plus:

− Increased incidence of flooding of local access lanes as existing defences deteriorate in the upper estuary, depending on managed realignment options.

+ Manages risk to Victrex Technology Centre and other developments at the Hill House Site.

As above plus:

− Potential loss or need for relocation of Wyre Way in some sections where managed realignment or no active intervention.

− Increased erosion of Knott End Golf Course and Wyre Country Park

As above As above •••• Potential change from a stable beach condition to erosion, due to increased exposure resulting from sea level rise, reduced feed of sediment from beaches to the south, reduced influence of Rossall Scar and beach lowering. Impacts uncertain at this stage

•••• Potential changes to shellfisheries off the mouth of the Wyre Estuary due to changes in sediment patterns and increased areas for spawning - impact uncertain at this stage.

− No active intervention has the potential to result in saline intrusion into a groundwater body adjacent to Knott End Golf Course, with associated failure of WFD objective 4, “no changes that will cause failure to meet groundwater status or result in deterioration of groundwater status”.

As above plus:

+ Managed migration and thus gains of intertidal habitats inland in areas of Managed realignment, adjacent to international and national conservation sites.

50-100 years

As above As above As above plus:

− Beach lowering and erosion may occur along the Fleetwood frontage as sea levels rise and beach sediment is reduced with associated effects on amenity use of beaches (Impacts uncertain at this stage).

As above As above As above As above As above plus:

− Potential for an adverse effect on international site due to loss of intertidal habitat from coastal squeeze within Morecambe Bay SPA, Ramsar & SAC and Wyre Estuary SSSI. Habitat Regulations Assessment required at strategy level.

Impact colour key

+ Positive •••• Neutral − Negative



ACTION PLAN

Action Action Ref

Action Description,

(to be approved)

Potential source of funding (subject to approval)



Outcome

1.1 Undertake a strategic adaptation study to assess and consult on the implications of withdrawing from areas of defences in the upper Wyre estuary, including land drainage aspects and flood risks and access routes and rights of way and potential for BAP habitat creation to confirm the approach to SMP policy delivery.

EA EA, WBC, NE, LO

2013 – 2016 Management of coastal risks and informs RHCP.

1.2 Complete ongoing studies to develop a beach management plan for the Fleetwood frontage, with appropriate links to the Wyre Estuary and the open coast through to Cleveleys (due to be completed in 2013).

EA WBC, EA, NE 2010 Management of coastal risks.

1. Studies for Policy Area

1.3 Undertake studies to update the Wyre Headland flood and coastal risk management strategy for the large flood risk cell extending from Fleetwood through to Cleveleys (Policy Units 11b 2.6 to 11c 1.4) to confirm approach to policy delivery and develop a programme of work.

EA WBC, EA, NE 2010 Management of coastal risks.

2. Studies for Policy Units:

PU 1.6

2.1 Consider potential for managed realignment for habitat creation where continuation of localised defences are not viable.

EA EA, WBC, LO 2015 Management of coastal risks and informs RHCP.

3. Strategy 3.1 Strategic approach should be managed by close links between the Wyre Urban Core Flood Management Strategy for the Fleetwood to Cleveleys flood cell and the Wyre estuary strategy for the remainder of the estuary.

n/a EA, WBC, NE 2011 – 2014 Develop close partnership working between Wyre BC and EA.

4. Scheme Work 4.1 To be defined by Wyre Headland and Wyre estuary strategies EA EA, WBC, LO ongoing Actions identified on Long Term Plan.

5.1 Undertake beach, estuary and defence asset monitoring in conjunction with Cell 11 Regional Monitoring Strategy to inform strategy and future SMP reviews

EA WBC, BC, EA, LO

ongoing

5.2 Continued monitoring of the condition of designated conservation sites to provide baseline data for future Habitat Regulations Assessments

NE NE ongoing

5.3 Monitor beach levels and sediment transport at Fleetwood to enable an effective beach management plan to be developed

EA WBC, EA, Port Authority.

ongoing

5.4 Monitor morphological change in the estuary to inform management at both the policy unit and estuarine level.

EA EA, WBC ongoing


5.5 Monitoring of the effects of saline intrusion to the groundwater protection zone and consideration in North West River Basin Management Plan Review

n/a EA ongoing


6. Asset Management 6.1 Maintenance of defences and beach and dune management including management of public access EA, WBC, LO EA, WBC, LO ongoing Maintenance undertaken to required standards.

7. Communication 7.1 Undertake consultation with key stakeholders and general public during strategy development n/a EA ongoing Public participation..

7.2 Monitoring and management of Action Plans to ensure SMP policies are put into practice n/a NWNWCG ongoing NWNWCG reports on progress.


8.1 Advise local Planning Authority about SMP policies and flood and erosion risks so they can be accounted for in the next revisions of land use plans in order to help manage residual risks from flooding and erosion.

n/a WBC ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in land use plans.


n/a WBC ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in planning decisions.


ACTION PLAN

Action Action Ref

Action Description,

(to be approved)

Potential source of funding (subject to approval)



Outcome

9. Emergency Response 9.1 Development, monitoring and review of emergency response plans to prepare for over design standard events.

n/a WBC ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in emergency plans.

10. Adaptation/Resilience 10.1 Consider options for local resilience to deal with residual risks from flooding by greater than design-standard events in the urban core area and also isolated properties at increasing risk

EA EA, WBC ongoing Management of coastal risks.

10.2 Monitor proposals for tidal power embayment’s and barrages and build into next review of Shoreline Management Plan

N/A WBC 2015 Management of coastal risks.


11.1 Continue with improvements to flood risk maps and inundation modelling to provide improved flood warning service.

EA EA ongoing Updated flood maps and improved flood warning service to increased numbers of properties affected.


12.1 Undertake Habitats Regulations Assessment for both the estuary strategy and WUCFMS to provide more detailed assessment of potential impacts on the international conservation sites, including development of plans (e.g. habitat delivery plan) for any required environmental mitigation or compensation. Seek opportunities for habitat enhancement during strategy development.

EA EA 2013 – 2016 Meet legal requirements.

NB Activities from SMP will be carried forward into medium term plans and carried out on a priority basis, subject to funding and approval. n/a = activity is part of authorities general duties, not funded through flood and erosion risk management routes.

EA = Environment Agency; LO = Land Owners; NE = Natural England; NWNWCG = North West and North Wales Coastal Group; RHCP = Regional Habitat Creation Programme; WBC = Wyre Borough Council

11c2 Policy Statement - Knott End to Glasson Dock.doc Page 1 of 6

Knott End to Glasson Dock (11c 2)

Recommendations:

Overview:

The long term plan is to continue managing flood and erosion risks to property and infrastructure, although there is opportunity to recreate saltmarsh along much of this frontage by undertaking managed realignment. Around Bank End to the Lune there are a range of significant realignment opportunities which need to be fully evaluated, including any implications on agricultural output, flows into/out of the Lune estuary and implications to ground water. Through managed realignment risks to the majority of social assets will be managed, whilst achieving a greater number of the natural objectives, however in doing so, areas of agricultural land and isolated properties may be reduced in quality or lost.



2.1 Knott End on Sea Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Managed flood risk to communities and amenities in Knott End on Sea and the wider flood cell.

The coast is currently accreting in front of the defences and is therefore beneficial for the designated conservation sites. However, in the event that this trend reverses, holding the line may cause coastal squeeze of the intertidal habitats within the international conservation site in the long-term.

Policy is economically viable due to value of assets protected in the flood cell, which links Policy Units 1.8, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3

2.2 Knott End to Fluke Hall

Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Hold the Line –


Managed flood risk to communities and amenities in Knott End on Sea and the wider flood cell.

The coast is currently accreting in front of the defences and is therefore beneficial for the designated conservation sites. However, in the event that this trend reverses, holding the line may cause coastal squeeze of the intertidal habitats within the international conservation site in the long-term.


2.3 Fluke Hall to Cocker Bridge

Hold the Line –

Investigations into potential Managed Realignment locations and extents should be carried out including options to improve previous line of defence as secondary defence, impacts on the Lune Estuary channel and agricultural impacts. Implement Managed Realignment earlier if practicable.

Hold the Line OR Managed Realignment –

Depending on further studies, when first line of defence reaches end of residual life, seek opportunities to realign defence to previous line of defence where practicable and / or allow standard of protection of front line defences to decline.

Hold the Line –

Manage flood risk by maintaining defences to an adequate standard.

Establishing a wider saltmarsh area will deliver a more sustainable flood defence, managing risks to people and property in the wider flood cell.

Setting back the defence line (e.g. to the A588) may increase extent of intertidal habitat allowing saltmarsh to roll back as sea levels rise. Potential for new intertidal habitat to help offset coastal squeeze losses elsewhere.


Set back defence or secondary defence line could be more cost effective than improving current primary defences

2.4 Cocker Bridge to Glasson Dock

Hold the Line –

By maintaining existing defences while undertaking studies to investigate opportunities for managed realignment and implement where practicable. Further investigations should include assessing impacts on the Lune Estuary and agricultural impacts. Subject to investigations within this

Hold the Line OR Managed Realignment–

Depending on further studies, either maintain existing defences OR seek opportunities for managed realignment to create more sustainable and economically and environmentally viable defence alignments in terms of both erosion and flooding.

Hold the Line OR Managed Realignment–

Depending on further studies, either maintain existing defences OR seek opportunities for managed realignment to create more sustainable and economically and environmentally viable defence alignments in terms of both

Isolated properties and land owners and visitors to Cockersands Abbey could be affected by Managed Realignment, which justifies holding the line while further investigations and consultation is undertaken in the short term.

In the long term, holding the existing defences could have adverse impacts on Internationally important sites. Managed Realignment could allow saltmarsh to roll back as sea levels rise and help avoid coastal squeeze losses. Cockersands Abbey Scheduled

Policy is economically viable due to value of assets protected in the flood cell, which links to Policy Unit 3.1.

Set back defence could be a smaller structure on a shorter alignment requiring less maintenance


period, implement managed realignment policy where practicable.

erosion and flooding. Monument could be protected from erosion by local defences.

and be more cost effective than current defences.


The behaviour of the Wyre, Lune and Cocker low water channels will influence patterns of accretion and erosion along this shoreline.

Uncertainties regarding the timing and location of works to undertake works to realign the shoreline will be supported by detailed investigations taken forward as part of the Action Plan. These will need to consider the affect on heritage assets and their economic value as well as affects of saline inundation of the groundwater protection zone. The SMP policies will be subject to review if sea level rise predictions are changed.


Knott End to Plover Scar (11c 2)






Earth heritage, soils and geology


0-20 years

+ Managed risk to commercial, economic and residential properties.

+ Managed risk to infrastructure, material assets and agricultural land.

+ Managed risk to tourist and recreational assets (e.g. Lancashire Coastal Way) and associated access.

•••• Continued management of erosion risk to Cockersand Abbey Scheduled Monument (SM).

•••• No designated landscapes within this scenario area.

•••• No known impacts on earth heritage, soils or geology.

•••• Potential changes to shellfisheries off the mouth of the coast from Plover Scar to Fluke Hall, and then continuing off-shore from Fluke Hall to Knott End due to changes in sediment patterns and increased areas for spawning - impact uncertain at this stage.

+ Gains of intertidal habitat due to ongoing accretion within and outside of designated conservation sites.

+ Managed flood risk to neutral grassland (e.g. at Cockerham Marsh SSSI and the existing colony of natterjack toads) and freshwater grazing marsh.

20-50 years

− Potential loss of isolated properties (up to 15 properties) and isolated coastal holiday/caravan parks (e.g. at Bank End) through managed realignment, however this is dependant on realignment extent and if policy is implemented.

As above, plus

•••• loss of agricultural land between Fluke Hall and Glasson Dock through managed realignment will be controlled.

− Potential loss of parts of the Lancashire Coastal Way through managed realignment

As above, plus

+ Possible creation of marsh around the abbey remains may improve the setting of this Scheduled Monument.

As above As above As above plus

− Managed realignment has the potential to result in saline intrusion into a groundwater body with associated failure of WFD objective 4 “no changes that will cause a failure to meet good groundwater status or a deterioration of groundwater status”.

+ Inland migration of intertidal habitats in areas of possible managed realignment adjacent to designated conservation sites.

− Potential loss of neutral grassland and impacts on natterjack toads in realigned areas through increased salinity and flooding.

50-100 years

As above As above As above, plus

− Also, narrowing and steepening of Pilling Sands Beach (Preesall), which may reduce its overall amenity value.

As above As above As above As above As above plus:

− Potential loss of earlier gains in intertidal habitat (if the accretion trend reverses) with associated adverse impacts on the Morecambe Bay SPA, Ramsar & SAC

Habitat regulations Assessment required at strategy and scheme level.

Impact colour key + Positive •••• Neutral − Negative


Knott End to Plover Scar (11c 2)

ACTION PLAN

Action Action Ref

Action Description, Location and Objective

(to be approved)

Potential source of funding

(subject to approval)



Outcome

1. Studies for Policy Area 1.1 Develop coastal flood risk management strategy taking into account coastal process and flood risk linkages between open coast and Wyre estuary.

EA WBC, EA, LCC 2011 – 2014 Management of coastal risks.

Undertake a more detailed assessment of potential losses and gains of coastal habitats within internationally designated sites due to Holding the Line in long term in order to inform future Habitats Regulations Assessment.

EA EA 2013 – 2016 Informs SMP3 review and RHCP.

2. Studies for Policy Units:

PU 2.1 2.1 Assess viability for works to improve Knott End Revetment EA WBC, EA 2011 Actions identified on Long Term Plan.

PU 2.3 2.2 Undertake studies and consultation including with the Parish Council and landowners to investigate opportunities into potential Managed Realignment locations and extents to inform strategy. Further investigations should include assessing impacts on the Lune estuary channel and agricultural land loss, as well as consideration of protected species. Review the present standard of defence as it has settled since construction.

EA EA 2011 – 2016 Informs SMP3 review, Long Term Plan and RHCP.

PU 2.4 2.3 Undertake studies and consultation including with the Parish Council and landowners to investigate opportunities into potential Managed Realignment locations, extents and timings to inform strategy. Further investigations should include assessing impacts on the Lune estuary channel, agricultural land loss, impacts on the ground water aquifer and the consequences for WFD compliance. The studies should also consider the implications of the possible radioactive contamination of the shoreline highlighted during consultation, contamination and risks due to the oil pipeline and required management for protected species.

EA EA 2013 – 2016 Informs SMP3 review, Long Term Plan and RHCP.

3. Strategy 3.1 Adopt a strategic approach to delivering SMP2 policies across the Policy Area, accounting for the above actions & accommodate the wider implications to flood risk and the designated sites.

n/a EA 2015 Management of coastal risks.

4. Scheme Work 4.1 To be defined by strategy and actions above EA, LO WBC, EA, LO ongoing Actions identified on Long Term Plan.

5.1 Undertake beach and coastal defence asset monitoring in conjunction with Cell 11 Regional Monitoring Strategy to inform strategy and future SMP reviews. Include Long term monitoring of intertidal habitat required to assess the impacts of coastal squeeze into the long term epoch.

EA WBC, EA ongoing

5.2 Environmental monitoring of designated conservation sites to provide baseline data for future Habitat regulations Assessments

NE NE ongoing


5.3 Monitor the effects of saline inundation at the groundwater protection zone to inform the North West River Basin Management Plan review

EA EA ongoing


6. Asset Management 6.1 Maintenance of defences and beach and dune management including management of public access EA, WBC, LCC EA, WBC, LCC ongoing Maintenance undertaken to required standards.

7. Communication 7.1 Undertake regular meetings with the Cockersands Forum and consult with key stakeholders and general public during strategy development. Develop and deliver communications plan.

EA EA, LCC ongoing Public participation.

7.2 Monitoring and management of Action Plans to ensure SMP policies are put into practice n/a NWNWCG ongoing NWNWCG reports on progress.


8.1 Advise local Planning Authority about SMP policies and flood and erosion risks so they can be accounted for in the next revisions of land use plans in order to help manage residual risks from

n/a WBC ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in land use plans.


ACTION PLAN

Action Action Ref

Action Description, Location and Objective

(to be approved)

Potential source of funding

(subject to approval)



Outcome

flooding and erosion.


n/a WBC ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in planning decisions.

9. Emergency Response 9.1 Development, monitoring and review of emergency response plans to prepare for over design standard events.

n/a EA ongoing Coastal flood risks considered in emergency plans.

10. Adaptation/Resilience 10.1 See items 3.1, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1 & 11.1 n/a EA ongoing


11.1 Continue with improvements to flood risk maps and inundation modelling to provide improved flood warning service.

EA EA ongoing Management of coastal risks.


12.1 Undertake a detailed Habitat Regulations Assessment at strategy and/or scheme level in consultation with Natural England, to include consideration of losses and gains of designated habitat within and adjacent to international conservation sites. Non-designated habitats lost as a result of the SMP such as freshwater grazing marsh and neutral grassland should be replaced, with sites identified through the Regional Habitat Creation Programme.

EA EA ongoing Meet legal requirements.

12.2 Seek opportunities for environmental enhancement as part of flood risk management works at strategy or scheme level e.g. controlling juncus within Cockerham Marsh SSSI through cutting or cattle grazing.

EA EA ongoing Environmental enhancement.

NB Activities from SMP will be carried forward into medium term plans and carried out on a priority basis, subject to funding and approval. n/a = activity is part of authorities general duties, not funded through flood and erosion risk management routes.

EA = Environment Agency; LO = Land Owners; NE = Natural England; NWNWCG = North West and North Wales Coastal Group; RHCP = Regional Habitat Creation Programme; WBC = Wyre Borough Council

st annes to rossall point (11b 2)...11b2 policy statement - st annes to rossall point final.doc page...

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