2012.12.16 eller beck design and access statementpacsplanning.yorkshiredales.org.uk/embsay with...

Environment Agency

Skipton Flood Alleviation SchemeEller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir

Design and Access Statement, December 2013

This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client.

It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party. Job number 229893

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd Admiral House Rose Wharf 78 East Street Leeds LS9 8EE United Kingdom www.arup.com

Environment Agency Skipton Flood Alleviation SchemeDesign and Access Statement: Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir

| Issue | 16 December 2013 J:\126000\126053-00\0 ARUP\0-15 ENVIRONMENT\0-15-8 REPORTS\PLANNING DOCUMENTS\FINAL PLANNING MATERIAL\ELLER BECK\DAS\2012.12.16_ELLER BECK_DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT.DOCX

Contents Page

1 Introduction and the Site 1

1.1 Design and Access Statement 1 1.2 The Site and Surroundings 1 1.3 The Rationale for the Flood Alleviation Scheme works at Skipton 2

2 Understanding the Development Proposals 5

2.1 Amount and Layout 5

3 Ensuring an Appropriate Design 11

3.1 Overview 11 3.2 Function 11 3.3 Design Iteration 11 3.4 Landscape and appearance 12 3.5 Ecological Protection and Mitigation 14

4 Access 15

4.1 Current Access Arrangement 15 4.2 Construction Phase 15 4.3 Operational Access 15



5 Conclusion 16



Page 1

1 Introduction and the Site

1.1 Design and Access Statement This Design and Access Statement has been prepared on behalf of the Environment Agency in support of a planning application for a Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck, North of Skipton.

The construction of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir forms a component part of the wider Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Consisting of three separate planning application elements, the proposal seeks to protect Skipton Town from flooding by constructing a Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck upstream of the A65. The two remaining parts of the Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme comprise:

Construction of a Flood Storage Reservoir on Waller Hill Beck to the east of Skipton; and

Installation of flood walls at various locations within Skipton Town Centre, including Ginnel Mews on Waller Hill Beck and a site at Morrisons supermarket, Devonshire Place and Spindle Mills on Eller Beck.

Figure 1 shows the full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme and Figure 2 shows the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir element of the scheme in detail.

1.2 The Site and Surroundings The proposed development site is located in Skipton, an historic market town situated in the upper Aire Valley on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town is regarded as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the majority of the town centre, including the market square, is designated as a conservation area. The watercourses, which include Eller Beck and the Leeds-Liverpool canal, are critical to the character of the town. The town is surrounded by steep hills apart from to the south, which opens out into the Aire Valley.

According to the United Kingdom Census 2011, the town had a population of 14,623 people1 and the town and its hinterland is home to 1,180 small, medium and large businesses. Currently, there are 378 residential and 165 non-residential properties at risk of flooding during a 1 in 100 year event.

The site of the dam and storage reservoir is located to the north of Skipton, approximately 150m north of the A65. The embankment is constrained to the south by the A65 road embankment, through which Eller Beck is conveyed through two culverts. The Skipton Golf Club and Golf Course is located immediately to the west of the dam location. To the north-east, the embankment is constrained by a railway line and an area of grazing land exists beyond this. The nearest road to the North is a small rural road called Brackenley Lane. The majority of the site is grazing land and the Skipton Golf Course.

1 Census 2011



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The closest residential receptors are off Cross Bank, on the opposite side of the A65, approximately 400 metres away from the dam location.

In summary, the flood storage reservoir at Eller Beck shall comprise the following elements:

An earth embankment dam with grassed 1v:4h side slopes Reinforced concrete spillway channel. This shall have a

labyrinth weir at the upstream extent and a stilling basin at the downstream extent

Reinforced concrete inlet structure, which houses steel trash screens and a penstock

Reinforced concrete culvert which passes through the embankment and conveys the flow of Eller Beck

Minor realignment of Eller Beck New road junction at the A65 to facilitate vehicle access to the

dam Installation of telemetry equipment downstream of the dam Landscaping, including safeguarded land for future use by the

golf course

Prior to the commencement of construction, site clearance works shall be required. This includes the felling of trees and the temporary relocation of golf course infrastructure.

1.3 The Rationale for the Flood Alleviation Scheme works at Skipton

As outlined above, the town of Skipton has experienced a number of flood events in recent history, with significant events in 1908, 1979, 1982 and 2000.

The Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme is required because currently Skipton Town Centre is at risk of flooding.

In recent years the Environment Agency’s efforts on the ground have focussed on minimising the risk through active maintenance of the beck channels and culvert clearance operations.

The proposed works at Eller Beck are therefore required to support the wider Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme.



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Figure 1: Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme



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Figure 2: Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir



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2 Understanding the Development Proposals

2.1 Amount and Layout

2.1.1 Overview The proposed works are contained within a 15.62ha site. The layout of the proposed site is shown in Figure 3.

The Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme requires the construction of a flood storage reservoir on Eller Beck. Flood flows above 17m³/s shall be throttled by a flow control structure at Eller Beck and flood waters shall be stored behind an earth embankment dam. Under normal conditions the control structure shall not restrict the flow of Eller Beck. The embankment shall contribute to the 1 in 100 year standard of protection in Skipton, in conjunction with the other components of the scheme.

The details of the proposed works are as follows:

2.1.2 Embankment Dam and Spillway The embankment dam stretches across the width of the valley at the southern extent of the golf course. The left abutment ties in to an area of land currently used as grazing by the land tenant. It is adjacent to a train line. The right abutment ties in to an area

currently used as a practice range of the golf course. It is adjacent to the A65 road embankment.

At the bottom of the valley the embankment shall be approximately 14m high. The embankment crest has been set by providing an allowance for wave run-up above the peak water level generated by a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). An allowance for post-construction settlement shall be added to the embankment height.

Key information of the dam is provided in the table below:

Crest level (mAOD) Spillway weir at 140.80

Embankment at 143.04 plus an allowance for post-construction settlement

Crest width (m) 4

Approximate length of dam (m) 325

Upstream slope (and material) 1v:4h (grass)

Downstream slope (and material) 1v:4h (grass)

Approximate volume of material in embankment (m³)

95,000

Approximate volume of water storage at spillway level (m³)

433,000

The spillway shall cut through the dam crest and convey excess flood water downstream.



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Figure 3: View across Golf Course



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2.1.3 Spillway The spillway shall comprise three elements: a labyrinth weir at the upstream extent, a channel and a stilling basin.

A labyrinth weir is a weir that has been folded in plan to reduce the width of the structure. At Eller Beck, the total length of weir is 51.5m but the structure is 31.8m wide. The weir shall be formed with reinforced concrete and shall be 2m high, with reinforced concrete walls upstream of the weir to retain the dam and the valley side.

Immediately downstream of the weir, the water shall be conveyed through a 31.8m wide reinforced concrete channel. This shall taper to a width of 29.86m. The maximum depth of the channel below ground shall be 2m. There will be no concrete above ground. The top of the side walls of the channel will finish flush to the ground and a timber post and rail fence installed to prevent trips or falls into the spillway.

The stilling basin is located at the downstream extent of the channel and shall dissipate the energy of the water in the spillway. This structure shall be constructed using reinforced concrete and shall be 29.86m wide. Baffle blocks shall be required to facilitate the dissipation of energy.

Under normal flow conditions the spillway and stilling basin shall not be in operation.

2.1.4 Control structure The structure that controls the flow downstream shall comprise an inlet structure and culvert.

The inlet structure shall comprise a reinforced concrete headwall with reinforced concrete wing walls. The headwall shall house an on-seated penstock which shall restrict flows greater than 17m³/s from passing downstream. Flood flows above 17m³/s shall be restricted by a flow control structure and flood waters shall be stored behind an earth dam at the Eller Beck site. The flood flows will be monitored at Skipton Woods and linked to the flow control structure at the Eller Beck site.

The penstock shall remain fully open during normal conditions to prevent premature flooding of the golf course and allow light to penetrate the entrance of the culvert to facilitate fish passage. The penstock shall be controlled by flow monitoring equipment positioned downstream of the A65 road embankment. There shall be a kiosk at the right abutment crest which allows further control of the penstock.

Galvanised steel trash screens (painted black) and working platforms shall be installed within the inlet structure to prevent catchment debris from damaging the penstock equipment or blocking the culvert. Vehicular access shall be provided from the A65 to the inlet structure via a berm on the upstream face of the dam.

The culvert shall be reinforced concrete. The cross sectional dimensions shall be 2.5m wide by 2.3m high. The culvert shall be 91m in length.



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The invert of the culvert shall contain 0.3m high baffles which shall help retain geomorphological materials and create a low flow channel to facilitate fish passage. Therefore the internal clear-height of the culvert shall be 2.0m. The culvert shall convey the flows of Eller Beck and discharge to an outlet structure. The outlet structure shall have baffle blocks to help dissipate the energy of the flow through the culvert.

Figure 4: Image of similar Control Structure

Note: Eller Beck control structure will be painted black.

2.1.5 Channel diversion Eller Beck shall be diverted to pass through the control structure. The gradient of the diversion shall conform to the gradient of the watercourse as a whole. The cross-sectional shape of the channel shall allow geomorphological features to be incorporated in the design. Backwaters shall be provided upstream and downstream of the dam. The section of channel downstream of the dam shall be engineered to prevent erosion during high flows.

2.1.6 Road junction A new road junction shall be provided on the A65 to allow Environment Agency maintenance vehicles access the dam. The road junction shall be located adjacent to the right abutment. Vehicular access shall be provided to the inlet structure via a berm along the upstream face of the dam. All access routes shall be surfaced to be in keeping with the local landscape.

2.1.7 Landscaping The site shall be landscaped in keeping with the local environment. The use of dry stone walls to screen the concrete spillway and extensive planting is proposed. Further information on the landscaping proposal can be found in the Design and Access Statement and Landscape Plan

The part of the fairway and the green of the 16th hole and the tees and green of the 17th hole shall be affected by the works. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact



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design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

The existing footbridges that cross Eller Beck in the golf course shall be replaced where necessary so that they withstand flood events.

Further landscaping and replanting shall be discussed in subsequent chapters of this Environmental Statement.

2.1.8 Site access and compound During construction, site access shall be from the A65 via the new road junction.

The main site compound shall be located at the Waller Hill site. However a smaller satellite compound shall be located within the red line boundary of the Eller Beck site.

2.1.9 Landscaping The site shall be landscaped in keeping with the local environment. The use of dry stone walls to frame the concrete spillway and extensive planting is proposed. Further information on the landscaping proposal can be found in the Design and Access Statement and Landscape Plan

The green of the 16th hole and the tees and green of the 17th hole shall be affected by the works. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

The existing footbridges that cross Eller Beck in the golf course shall be replaced where necessary.


The main site compound shall be located at the Waller Hill site, however a smaller satellite compound shall be located within the red line boundary of the Eller Beck site.



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Figure 5: Site Layout and General Arrangement



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3 Ensuring an Appropriate Design

3.1 Overview The following section sets out the ways in which the proposed design of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir responds to the unique rural setting to the north of the A65 and delivers flood protection to the standard of a 1 in 100 year flood.

3.2 Function Principally, the design of the Flood Storage Reservoir provides a 1 in 100 year level of flood protection to vulnerable residential and business properties within the town of Skipton. It is however recognised that the sensitivity of the landscape at this location and the ecological value of the Eller Beck must be balanced against the design of reservoir.

3.3 Design Iteration The dam at Eller Beck includes a reinforced concrete spillway. The use of a reinforced grass spillway (to minimise the visual impact of the scheme) was investigated during the design. However, the presence of the A65 road embankment immediately downstream of the dam causes a significant build-up of water between the two embankments during flood events. This means that, especially during larger flood events, the embankment dam has perched water on the upstream and downstream faces. During overtopping events (where the reservoir can no longer store flood water) the presence

of the high tailwater (water on the downstream face) means that a highly erosive standing wave (or “hydraulic jump”) is formed. The hydraulic jump has the ability to erode beneath the grass reinforcement. This may lead to a failure of the dam. The proposed reinforced concrete spillway is not susceptible to the erosive forces generated by hydraulic jumps, therefore is seen as the safest means of conveying excess flood waters over the dam.

Due to its more rigid nature, the reinforced grass spillway needs to be located on a shoulder of the dam to ensure ground settlement that may occur beneath it are less than if it was over the centre of the dam. Due to more favourable ground conditions and to avoid the spillway being located relatively close to the A65, the spillway is located on the northern shoulder of dam.

This resulted in the requirement for a concrete spillway running down from the north of the dam. This is a more visually intrusive solution. However as set out in section 3.4 the planting of new trees and scrubs, the use of dry stone walling to screen the spillway and grassing of both banks of the dam seek to reduce the visual impact as much as possible.

A Landscape Plan has been provided with the planning application. This sets out extensive tree planting, habitat creation and design features to mitigate the visual impact of the scheme.



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3.4 Landscape and appearance The Eller Beck Flood Storage reservoir lies partially within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and within an area of countryside in the Craven District. It is acknowledged that the purpose of the National Park is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park unless there is an overriding need for the development and that any harm can be mitigated. The Eller Beck dam is part of the wider Skipton Flood Alleviation scheme, which seeks to protect Skipton Town Centre up to a 1:100 flood event. The justification for the scheme has been set out in the Planning Supporting Statement; however it is clear that the scheme is relatively unique and will provide future protection for the town. It is necessary for the embankment to be constructed to a height of 14m to allow the reservoir to function during times of flood. The dam will be constructed from clay and both sides of the dam structure will be covered in grass. This grass will be planted and maintained to be sympathetic with the grass on the Skipton Golf Course. The spillway from the northern edge of the dam must be constructed from concrete to allow the necessary flow of water. At the top of the spillway will be a labyrinth weir, which is required to disperse the energy from the water entering the spillway. The retaining wall to the north of the spillway will be underwater if the water storage area is in use and will be clad in a material that resembles a dry stone wall. It is not possible to place a dry stone

wall in this location, as a boundary treatment materials must be able to be submerged in water when the storage area is full. The spillway will be sunken into the ground, and will be bound on the east by a fence and a dry stone wall. This will mean that from the views across the site the edge of the spillway will look like a field boundary. The dry stone wall will then follow the bottom of the dam to the east, providing new secure boundary for agriculture next to the dam. Extensive planting is proposed along the Otley Road boundary., as shown on the Landscape Plan. The Landscape Plan for Eller Beck has is shown at Figure 8.



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Figure 6: Landscape Plan



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3.5 Ecological Protection and Mitigation The North Pennine Moor Special Protection Area, North Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation,West Nidderdale Barden and Blubber Houses Moor Site of Special Scientific interest all lie within 1.7km north of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Site, and the Castle Wood Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, Replanted Woodland, Ancient and Semi-natural woodland and Deciduous Woodland habitat are located immediately downstream of the proposed floor storage area at Eller Beck.

The site is also considered significant for otters and bats at a district level, locally important for white-clawed crayfish and other fish, such as Brown Trout, Bull head, Lamprey, Minnow and Stone Loach, and important on a site level for birds.

To respect the ecological value of the Eller Beck and to mitigate the predicted effects on flora and fauna within the locality, the following features have been incorporated into the design of the flood storage reservoir:

Creation of scrub fencing and a 1500mm high Otter fence directing otters around the dam structure and away from the A65 during high flow events.

Design of the culvert in accordance with recommendations provided by the EA fisheries team to ensure that it is passable to fish during operation.

Loss of approximately 130 mixed woodland trees through the construction phase will be remediated through replanting.

Replacement and additional planting of scrub corridors to replace loss of otter foraging habitats.

Installation of an Otter Ledge through the dam structure to ensure otter passage during low flows.

Creation of an artificial holt upstream of Skipton Golf Course and Tarn Moor Bridge, outside of the area of increased inundation.

The wider Skipton Flood Alleviation scheme includes the creation of BAP habitat at the Waller Hill Beck. This is discussed and set out in the Environmental Statement.

Additional areas of habitat created within the proposed backwater channels and sections of new channel to replicate natural habitats.



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4 Access

4.1 Current Access Arrangement There is currently no vehicular access to the site of the proposed Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir.

The majority of the site is no readily available for pedestrian access and there are no Public Rights of Way crossing the site. There is pedestrian access to existing golf course.

The Skipton Golf Course is accessed from a track off the A65. Golf club users currently park by the Club House to the west of the proposed dam structure. This access will not be affected by the works.

4.2 Construction Phase

4.2.1 Road Access It is proposed that the site will be accessed from a new junction off the A65. This will be used during construction, and maintenance operation operations. It will be secured so that the access is only used by the Environment Agency.

The source of the material required to construct the Eller Beck dam is currently not known and will only be confirmed when a construction contractor has been appointed and when he has demonstrated how he can meet the work specification. Some material will probably be sourced from a borrow pit at the Waller

Hill site, which is accessed from A65. The construction traffic will use the A65.

Although not confirmed at this stage, initial indicative estimates from Contractors have been used to identify the predicted volume of construction traffic associated with the works. This equates to a peak construction traffic volumes of 167 vehicles per day.

The proposed works are planned to take approximately 22 months to complete.

4.2.2 Pedestrian and Cyclist Access There is currently no pedestrian or cyclist access to the site. This will be the case throughout construction.

There will be restricted access to the eastern edge of the golf course during construction of the dam. Hoarding will be used to provide a clear construction area.

4.3 Operational Access There is currently no pedestrian or cyclist access to the site. This will be the case when the scheme is operational.

The usable elements of the golf course will be opened to golf course users.



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5 Conclusion The scale of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir is largely determined engineering requirements; however the use of landscaping and choice of materials are aimed to reduce the visual impact of the scheme and make it blend into its environment as much as possible.

Environment AgencySkipton Flood Alleviation Scheme:Planning Supporting Statement Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir

Issue | 16 December 2013

This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client.

It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party. Job number 229893-00

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd Admiral House Rose Wharf 78 East Street Leeds LS9 8EE United Kingdom www.arup.com

Environment Agency Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme:Planning Supporting Statement

Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir

| Issue | 16 December 2013 J:\126000\126053-00\0 ARUP\0-15 ENVIRONMENT\0-15-8 REPORTS\PLANNING DOCUMENTS\FINAL PLANNING MATERIAL\ELLER BECK\PSS\2013.12.16_ELLER BECK PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT.DOCX

Contents Page

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Overview 1 1.2 Application Supporting Information 1

2 Site Context 3

2.1 The Development Site and Surroundings 3 2.2 The Rationale for the Scheme 3

3 Development Proposals 4

3.1 The Full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme 4 3.2 Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir 4

4 Planning Policy Context 8

4.1 The Development Plan 8 4.2 National Planning Policy Framework 8 4.3 Existing Local Planning Policy 11 4.4 Emerging Local Planning Policy 20

5 Summary and Conclusion 25

5.1 Justification of scheme 25 5.2 Design 25 5.3 Other Environmental Considerations 25




Page 1

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview This Planning Supporting Statement has been prepared on behalf of the Environment Agency in support of a planning application for a Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck, to the North of Skipton.

The construction of the Flood Storage Reservoir forms part of the wider Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is detailed below. The overall scheme is required because currently Skipton Town Centre is at risk of flooding

In recent years the Environment Agency’s efforts on the ground have focussed on minimising the risk through active maintenance of the beck channels and culvert clearance operations.

This Chapter of the report describes the drawings and additional supporting documents which are provided with this application. Chapter 2 describes the site and its immediate surroundings. Chapter 3 outlines the Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme, with a focus on the proposals for a Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck, Chapter 4 outlines the national and local planning policy relevant to the scheme proposals, and provides an assessment of the scheme having regard to the planning framework and any other material considerations. Finally, Chapter 5 concludes the report.

1.2 Application Supporting Information A scheme wide Non-Technical Summary

A non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement has been included as part of the planning application. This has been produced for the full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme, which consists of three distinct sites. One of which is Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir.

A scheme wide Environmental Statement

A Statutory Environmental Report including the following environmental topics: Human Beings and Land use: consideration of impacts of scheme on human

beings, primarily focussing on impacts loss of agriculture land and access to foot paths.

Flora and Fauna: presenting results of Phase 1 Habitat Survey and required protected species surveys and making recommendation for mitigation.

Landscape and Visual Amenity: assessment of impacts of the scheme on landscape and visual amenity.

Cultural Heritage, Archaeology and Material Assets: results of Historic Environment Records search and consultation relating to archaeology.

Water Quality, Drainage and Hydrology: considers water quality and referenced the Water Framework Directive Assessment, which will be included as an Appendix to the ES.




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Traffic and Transportation: access routes, frequency and number of trips associated with construction and operation of the proposed works.

Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology: an assessment of any likely contamination from excavation and movement of materials.

Design and Access Statement

A Design and Access Statement has been prepared in line with the guidance set out in Development Management Policy Annex: Information requirements and validation for planning applications (and the accompanying guidance), which has replaced section 3 of Circular 01/2006 (Changes to the Development Control System).

A scheme wide Flood Risk Assessment

A Flood Risk Statement has been produced in accordance with the Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework.

Planning Supporting Statement

A Planning Supporting Statement setting out the policy context of the surrounding area and how the proposal meets the policy requirements of the site.

Statement of Community Involvement

A Statement of Community Involvement is included with this submission which sets out the consultation that has taken place with surrounding residents and other consultees.

Topographical Survey

A topographical Survey has been carried out for the site and a copy is included with this planning submission.

Plans

A range of plans are included for approval as part of this planning application:

EB_101_Site Location Plan. EB_103_General Arrangement Plan. EB_206_Reservoir Extents. EB_208_Plan of Golf Course. EB_302_Conrol Structure Long Section. EB_303_Inlet Structure Plan. EB_501_Spillway Plan. EB_502_Spillway Long Section. EB_701_Telemetry General Arrangement Plan. EB 901_Existing Site.




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2 Site Context

2.1 The Development Site and Surroundings The proposed development is located at Skipton; an historic market town situated in the upper Aire Valley on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The town is regarded as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the majority of the town centre, including the market square, is designated as a conservation area. The watercourses, which include Eller Beck and the Leeds-Liverpool canal, are critical to the character of the town. The town is surrounded by steep hills apart from to the south, which opens out into the Aire Valley.

According to the United Kingdom Census 2011, the town has a population of 14,623 people, and the town and its hinterland is home to 1,180 small, medium and large businesses. Currently, there are 378 residential and 165 non-residential properties at risk of flooding during a 1 in 100 year event.

The site of the dam and storage reservoir is located to the north of Skipton, approximately 150m north of the A65. The Skipton Golf Club and Golf Course is located immediately to the west of the dam location. Grazing land is located to the north and east of the site. The nearest road to the north is a small rural road called Brackenley Lane. The majority of the site is grazing land and the Skipton Golf Course.

The closest residential receptors are off Cross Bank, on the opposite side of the A65, approximately 400 metres away from the dam location. The Rationale for the Scheme

2.2 The Rationale for the Scheme The town of Skipton has experienced a significant degree of flooding, with major events occurring in 1908, 1979, 1982, 2000, 2004 and 2007. Flow velocities in the watercourses are high. Eller Beck flows through woodland just upstream of the town with high potential for entrapment of woody debris. As a result of these factors, flooding with a rapid onset is compounded by scour and culvert blockage problems.

The Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme has therefore been developed to tackle the flooding issues in Skipton. The scheme will result in a Skipton having 1 in 100 year flood protection. The alternatives to this scheme are included in the Environmental Statement that accompanies this planning application.




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3 Development Proposals

3.1 The Full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme This Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir is just one element of a wider Skipton Flood Alleviation scheme. The Skipton Flood Alleviation scheme consists of three separate elements:

Construction of a Flood Storage Reservoir on Eller Beck upstream of the A65. Construction of a Flood Storage Reservoir on Waller Hill Beck to the east of

Skipton. Installation of flood walls at various locations within Skipton Town Centre,

including Ginnel Mews and Devonshire Place on Waller Hill Beck and at Morrisons supermarket and Spindle Mills on Eller Beck.

A single Environmental Statement and Flood Risk Assessment has been prepared for all three elements of the scheme, as the three elements of the scheme are intrinsically linked and the required level of flood protection offered by the scheme is based on the construct of all three components. However the three elements of the scheme fall into different Local Planning Authorities, this means separate planning applications are required. The applications are set out below:

An identical joint application will be submitted for the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir to Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and North Yorkshire County Council (this planning application).

A planning application for the Flood Storage Reservoir at Waller Hill Beck and for the flood walls in the town centre will be submitted to Craven District Council.

A Mineral Planning Application to North Yorkshire County Council, as the mineral authority to construct a borrow pit adjacent to the Waller Hill Beck dam. The borrow pit will provide earth and clay for construction of the flood storage areas at Waller Hill and Eller Beck.

3.2 Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir

3.2.1 General Description The Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme requires the construction of a flood storage reservoir on Eller Beck. Flood flows above 17m³/s shall be restricted by a flow control structure and flood waters shall be stored behind an earth dam at the Eller Beck site. The flood flows will be monitored at Skipton Woods and linked to the flow control structure at the Eller Beck site. Under normal conditions the control structure shall not restrict the flow of Eller Beck. The dam shall contribute to the 1 in 100 year standard of protection in Skipton, in conjunction with the other components of the scheme.

In summary, the flood storage reservoir at Eller Beck shall comprise the following elements:

The earth dam with grassed 1v:4h side slopes.




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Reinforced concrete spillway channel. This shall have a labyrinth weir at the upstream extent and a stilling basin at the downstream extent .

Reinforced concrete inlet structure, which houses steel trash screens and a cast iron penstock .

Reinforced concrete culvert which passes through the dam and conveys the flow of Eller Beck.

Realignment of Eller Beck. New road junction at the A65 to facilitate vehicle access to the dam. Landscaping, including an area safeguarded for future use by the golf course. Installation of telemetry equipment downstream of the dam (will be included

in a separate planning application when the route of the cabling is know).

Prior to the commencement of construction, site clearance works shall be required. This includes the felling of trees and the temporary relocation of golf course infrastructure. The works will take approximately 22 months to complete from summer 2014 to spring 2016 (with a break of approximately 4 -5months to avoid adverse winter weather conditions).

3.2.2 Dam The dam stretches across the width of the valley at the southern extent of the golf course. The left abutment ties in to an area of land currently used as grazing by the land tenant. It is adjacent to a train line. The right abutment ties in to an area currently used as a practice range of the golf course. It is adjacent to the A65 roads dam.

At the bottom of the valley the dam shall be approximately 14m high. The dam crest has been set by providing an allowance for wave run-up above the peak water level generated by a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). An allowance for post-construction settlement shall be added to the dam height.

Key information of the dam is provided in the table below:

Crest (top) level (mAOD) Spillway weir at 140.80 (top of weir)

Height of dam. 143.4m AOD (including an allowance for post-construction settlement), which equates to approximately 14 metre above existing ground levels.

Crest width (m) 4

Approximate length of dam (m) 325

Upstream slope (and material) 1v:4h (grass)

Downstream slope (and material) 1v:4h (grass)

Approximate volume of material in dam (m³)

95,000

Approximate volume of water storage at spillway level (m³)

433,000

The spillway shall cut through the dam crest and convey excess flood water downstream.




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3.2.3 Spillway The spillway shall comprise three elements: a labyrinth weir at the upstream extent, a channel and a stilling basin.

A labyrinth weir is a weir that has been folded in plan to reduce the width of the structure. At Eller Beck, the total length of weir is 51.5m but the structure is 31.8m wide. The weir shall be formed with reinforced concrete and shall be 2m high, with reinforced concrete walls upstream of the weir to retain the dam and the valley side.

Immediately downstream of the weir, the water shall be conveyed through a 31.8m wide reinforced concrete channel. This shall taper to a width of 29.86m. The maximum depth of the channel below ground shall be 2m. There will be no concrete above ground. The top of the side walls of the channel will finish flush to the ground and a timber post and rail fence installed to prevent trips or falls into the spillway.

The stilling basin is located at the downstream extent of the channel and shall dissipate the energy of the water in the spillway. This structure shall be constructed using reinforced concrete and shall be 29.86m wide. Baffle blocks shall be required to facilitate the dissipation of energy.

Under normal flow conditions the spillway and stilling basin shall not be in operation.

3.2.4 Control structure The structure that controls the flow downstream shall comprise an inlet structure and culvert.

The inlet structure shall comprise a reinforced concrete headwall with reinforced concrete wing walls. The headwall shall house an on-seated penstock which shall restrict flows greater than 17m³/s from passing downstream. Flood flows above 17m³/s shall be restricted by a flow control structure and flood waters shall be stored behind an earth dam at the Eller Beck site. The flood flows will be monitored at Skipton Woods and linked to the flow control structure at the Eller Beck site.

The penstock shall remain fully open during normal conditions to prevent premature flooding of the golf course and allow light to penetrate the entrance of the culvert to facilitate fish passage. The penstock shall be controlled by flow monitoring equipment positioned downstream of the A65 road embankment. There shall be a kiosk at the right abutment crest which allows further control of the penstock.

Galvanised steel trash screens (painted black) and working platforms shall be installed within the inlet structure to prevent catchment debris from damaging the penstock equipment or blocking the culvert. Vehicular access shall be provided from the A65 to the inlet structure via a berm on the upstream face of the dam.

The culvert shall be reinforced concrete. The cross sectional dimensions shall be 2.5m wide by 2.3m high. The culvert shall be 91m in length.




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The invert of the culvert shall contain 0.3m high baffles which shall help retain geomorphological materials and create a low flow channel to facilitate fish passage. Therefore the internal clear-height of the culvert shall be 2.0m. The culvert shall convey the flows of Eller Beck and discharge to an outlet structure. The outlet structure shall have baffle blocks to help dissipate the energy of the flow through the culvert.

3.2.5 Channel diversion Eller Beck shall be diverted to pass through the control structure. The gradient of the diversion shall conform to the gradient of the watercourse as a whole. The cross-sectional shape of the channel shall allow geomorphological features to be incorporated in the design. Backwaters shall be provided upstream and downstream of the dam. The section of channel downstream of the dam shall be engineered to prevent erosion during high flows.

3.2.6 Road junction A new road junction shall be provided on the A65 to allow Environment Agency maintenance vehicles access the dam. The road junction shall be located adjacent to the right abutment. Vehicular access shall be provided to the inlet structure via a berm along the upstream face of the dam. All access routes shall be surfaced to be in keeping with the local landscape.

3.2.7 Landscaping The site shall be landscaped in keeping with the local environment. The use of dry stone walls to screen the concrete spillway and extensive planting is proposed. Further information on the landscaping proposal can be found in the Design and Access Statement and Landscape Plan

The part of the fairway and the green of the 16th hole and the tees and green of the 17th hole shall be affected by the works. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

The existing footbridges that cross Eller Beck in the golf course shall be replaced where necessary so that they withstand flood events.

Further landscaping and replanting shall be discussed in subsequent chapters of this Environmental Statement.


The main site compound shall be located at the Waller Hill site. However a smaller satellite compound shall be located within the red line boundary of the Eller Beck site.




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4 Planning Policy Context

4.1 The Development Plan In accordance with section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Development Plan in respect to the proposed Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir comprises the Saved Policies of Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Local Plan (March 2009), the Saved Policies of the Craven District Council Local Plan (July 1999) and Saved Polices from the North Yorkshire County Council Waste and Minerals Local Plan (2009).

Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act identifies that when making a decision on a planning application, decisions:

'shall be made in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise' .

A large variety of other documents can be material considerations in the determination of planning applications. This includes non-statutory planning documents (e.g. Supplementary Planning Documents), national policy documents (e.g. Planning Policy Statements), draft documents, other plans and strategies and recent planning applications.

4.2 National Planning Policy Framework

Core Planning Principles The NPPF set out the Government’s planning policies for England in one single document. The NPPF includes 12 core planning principles (paragraph 17); one of these is relevant to the proposed development. This core planning principle is to:

‘promote mixed use developments, and encourage multiple benefits from the use of land in urban and rural areas, recognising that some open land can perform many functions (such as for wildlife, recreation, flood risk mitigation, carbon storage, or food production)’

The proposed works at Eller Beck use agricultural and golf course land to perform the function of a flood alleviation scheme for Skipton. This approach is supported by the above core planning principle.

Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change Sections 10 of NPPF outlines the Government’s policy on meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change and includes the policy below:

‘Inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk, but where development is necessary, making it safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere. Local Plans should be supported by Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and develop policies to manage flood risk from all sources, taking account of advice from the Environment Agency and other relevant flood risk management bodies, such as




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lead local flood authorities and internal drainage boards. Local Plans should apply a sequential, risk-based approach to the location of development to avoid where possible flood risk to people and property and manage any residual risk, taking account of the impacts of climate change, by (paragraph 100):

applying the Sequential Test; if necessary, applying the Exception Test; safeguarding land from development that is required for current and future

flood management; using opportunities offered by new development to reduce the causes and

impacts of flooding; and where climate change is expected to increase flood risk so that some existing

development may not be sustainable in the long-term, seeking opportunities to facilitate the relocation of development, including housing, to more sustainable locations.’

The full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme, of which Eller Beck forms a component of, seeks to improve the flood defence in the town of Skipton to a 1 in 100 flood protection level. Currently there are 378 residential and 165 non-residential properties at risk of flooding during 1 in 100 annual flood event.

A Flood Risk Assessment has been produced for the full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme. The Flood Risk Assessment concludes that the development proposals are acceptable from a flood risk perspective, as the scheme will reduce the likelihood of flooding.

Implementation of the Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme will lessen the threat of flooding to existing development within Skipton, and de-risk future development land from a 1 in 100 annual flood event.

Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment Section 12 of the NPPF outline the Government’s policy on conserving and enhancing the historic environment, in particular Paragraph 128 states:

‘In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation (paragraph 128)’

Chapter 9 in the Environmental Statement set out the potential significance of the impact of the proposed scheme on heritage assets. To support a robust analysis of the impact of proposed scheme on heritage assets and the overall character of the townscape, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken.




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The Environmental Statement confirms that the Eller Beck Flood Storage site lies largely within the grounds of Skipton Golf Course. There are no known archaeological sites or designated heritage assets within the footprint of the proposed construction site.

The grade II listed Tarn Moor Bridge is located close to the construction site. There were also some ridge of furrow and field and historic field boundaries. The Environmental Statement confirms that the impact on all heritage assets is considered to result in ‘less than substantial harm’ to the heritage asset.

There is potential for below ground archaeology, but there are no records to indicate the presence of underground archaeology. There is low likelihood of archaeological remains; the construction of the golf course is likely to have removed any remains.

Promoting Sustainable Transport Section 4 of NPPF outlines the Government’s policy on promoting sustainable transport. Of particular relevance to the proposed scheme is Paragraph 32, which states:

All developments that generate significant amounts of movement should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment. Plans and decisions should take account of whether:

The opportunities for sustainable transport modes have been taken up depending on the nature and location of the site, to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure;

Safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people; and Improvements can be undertaken within the transport network that cost-

effectively limits the significant impacts of the development. Development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds where those residual cumulative impacts of development are severe.

Chapter 10 of the Environmental Statement submitted alongside this Planning Supporting Statement sets out the provisions for transportation of materials and access to the site.

As set out in Chapter 10 of the Environmental Statement, the development is not considered to generate significant amounts of traffic movements during construction or operation.

As a result of the topography of the course of the Eller Beck, access to the site will be achieved through part of the existing golf course. A new road junction from the A65 will provide primary highway access to the inlet structure through the right abutment of the scheme. This new junction access will be used during construction and as an Environment Agency maintenance access following completion of the works.

The construction compounds should be located within the red-line boundary of the scheme. Construction access and use of construction compounds will be a temporary land use at the site. All access routes shall be surfaced to be in keeping with the local landscape.




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Promoting healthy communities Sections 8 of NPPF outline the Government’s policy on promoting healthy communities. Paragraph 74 stipulates:

Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless:

an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or

the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or

the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss.

The scheme environ is characterised by recreation and amenity, with Skipton Woods and Skipton Gold Course to the north of the study area and Sandylands playing fields present in the south. The heart of Skipton Town Centre functions as a popular tourist attraction and market town, serving both the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and the local population.

Skipton Golf Club is located immediately to the east of the site. The proposed development will partially impact this recreational use of the site. The Environment Agency is working closely with Skipton Golf Course to minimise the impact of the development during and after construction. Although the development shall impact holes 16 and 17, the Environment Agency and Golf Course are exploring alternative arrangements for the course. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

The proposed development at Eller Beck does not impact on any Public Rights of Way or footpaths.

4.3 Existing Local Planning Policy

4.3.1 Overview The proposed site at Eller Beck falls largely within the Yorkshire Dales National Park Boundary and partly contained within Craven District Council.

Where an application spans the National Park Boundary, legislation from the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 regarding the distribution of functions becomes relevant. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Schedule 1: Local Planning Authorities: Distribution of Functions (i) states that ‘the carrying out of operations in, on, over or under land, or any use of land, which is situated partly in and partly outside a National Park is a County Matter’.

This means that this planning application must be jointly submitted to Yorkshire Dales NPA and North Yorkshire County Council. This chapter therefore includes relevant policy for Yorkshire Dales National Park, Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.




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4.3.2 Saved Policies from the Yorkshire Dales Local Plan, 2006

The Yorkshire Dales Local Plan was formally adopted on the 29 April 2006, which replaces the previous Local Plan adopted in 1996. However, the policies contained within the Plan were reviewed in April 2009 which resulted in a selected number being cancelled.

The relevant policy on flood protection (Policy EP2) was not saved in 2006. Relevant Saved Policies therefore include the following:

Policy GP1 National Park Purposes

This policy aims to support development proposals which reflect and further the two statutory purposes of national parks, particularly those that support the conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the National Park. Policy GP1 states that:

‘The two statutory purposes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.

Development will not be permitted that prejudices those purposes unless it can be demonstrated that there is an overriding need for the development and that any harm can be mitigated.’

The National Park supports the principle of no net loss of special qualities. Where the need for the development outweighs the need to protect the special qualities, the National Park Authority will seek to agree how the losses can be compensated for through the creation or enhancement of the special features.

A proportion of the Flood Storage scheme falls within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Chapter 6 of the Environmental Statement set sets out the impact of the scheme on Flora and Fauna. The works will impact in loss of some BAP habitat and tree removal. However the to mitigate this loss an extensive scheme of new habitat creation is proposed as well as tree replanting at Eller Beck and Eller Beck (wider Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme – determined by Craven District Council. There is potential for impact on otters, bats and fish. However a full Environmental Action Plan (EAP) has been included in the Environmental Statement, which sets out proposed mitigation measures that result on ecology not being significant. A licence will be required from Natural England to proceed with the proposed felling of the tree with a confirmed bat roost at Eller Beck Storage Area.

Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement includes a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir. The LVIA notes that Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir seats on a step valley and is surrounded by existing infrastructure and vegetation which makes this site very enclosed and reduces the number of receptors to those close to the site. The main receptors are: Ellergill House/ Brackenley Lane B road; PROW on Skipton Road Quarry and Skipton Golf Course Club House. The LVIA states with the medium sensitivity of the overall landscape receptor and after construction when the mitigation planting has been established the magnitude of change will be reduced




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to slight adverse resulting in a landscape effect which is not significant. Using the findings of the visual impact analysis, the overall visual impact of the proposed reservoir is assessed as moderately significant.

There will be clearly some impact on the landscape, as it will be changed. However the wider justification for this change in landscape is the protection of Skipton Town Centre from flooding in the future.

Therefore, the development of a Flood Storage Reservoir, which will provide flood protection for 378 residential properties and 165 non-residential properties at risk of flooding during a 1 in 100 year event, and the implementation of design elements to mitigate the impacts the development on the localised landscape could arguably be considered as development where an ‘overriding need’ exists.

A Landscape Plan has been provided with the planning application. This sets out extensive tree planting, habitat creation and design features to mitigate the visual impact of the scheme. This includes reinstatement of dry stone walls on the alignment of the spillway. The aim of using dry stone walling is that the view towards the spillway will just look like a field boundary and in keeping with the surrounding area.

Policy GP2 General design policy

The Yorkshire Dales National Park aims to achieve high quality and well-designed development that respects the character of the surrounding. Policy GP2 states:

‘Development will only be permitted if all the following criteria are met.

i) It is of a kind, scale, siting, density and detailed design which is sympathetic to or enhances the landscape character, special qualities and local distinctiveness of the surrounding area.

ii) It uses materials that are appropriate to the local character and distinctiveness of the surrounding buildings and wider landscape.

iii) It does not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity and ensures an adequate level of amenity for the future occupants of the development in relation to nearby uses.

iv) It respects the existing natural, built and historical features in and around the site.

v) It accords with the National Park Authority’s Design Guide and Policy B7 (Building Design).

Subject to the above, the National Park Authority will encourage development which minimises the use of energy and other natural resources, uses sustainable materials and is designed for a long life span.’

Scale, Density and Setting

The scale of the proposed dam and the use of materials required to create the Flood Storage Reservoir are design features which are dictated by engineering requirements. The Flood Storage Reservoir must have the capacity to retain the required level of flood defence and it must be constructed of materials which will endure the lifetime of the scheme.




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The location of the dam is based on engineering requirements and the need to store water from the Eller Beck outside of Skipton Town Centre.

Materials and Design

The dam at Eller Beck includes a reinforced concrete spillway (as discussed in previous chapters of this report). The use of a reinforced grass spillway (to minimise the visual impact of the scheme) was investigated during the design. However, the presence of the A65 road dam immediately downstream of the dam causes a significant build-up of water between the two dam during flood events. This means that, especially during larger flood events, the dam dam has perched water on the upstream and downstream faces. During overtopping events (where the reservoir can no longer store flood water) the presence of the high tailwater (water on the downstream face) means that a highly erosive standing wave (or “hydraulic jump”) is formed. The hydraulic jump has the ability to erode beneath the grass reinforcement. This may lead to a failure of the dam. The proposed reinforced concrete spillway is not susceptible to the erosive forces generated by hydraulic jumps, therefore is seen as the safest means of conveying excess flood waters over the dam.



The sides of the dam will be constructed from clay and then covered in grass. The spillway must be constructed from concrete, but the proposed boundary treatment will screen the spillway using dry stone walls.

Further details of the landscaping approach can be found in the Design and Access Statement and Landscape Plan.

Respects the existing natural, built and historical features







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Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement includes a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir. The LVIA notes that Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir seats on a step valley and is surrounded by existing infrastructure and vegetation which makes this site very enclosed and reduces the number of receptors to those close to the site. The main receptors are: Ellergill House/ Brackenley Lane B road; PROW on Skipton Road Quarry and Skipton Golf Course Club House. The LVIA states with the medium sensitivity of the overall landscape receptor and after construction when the mitigation planting has been established the magnitude of change will be reduced to slight adverse resulting in a landscape effect which is not significant. Using the findings of the visual impact analysis, the overall visual impact of the proposed reservoir is assessed as moderately significant

There will be clearly some impact on the landscape, as it will be changed. However the wider justification for this change in landscape is the protection of Skipton Town Centre from flooding in the future.

Impact of Neighbourhood Amenity

The reservoir will not cause an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity. The Environment Agency is working closely with Skipton Golf Course to minimise the impact of the development during and after construction. Although the development shall impact holes 16 and 17, the Environment Agency and Golf Course are exploring alternative arrangements for the course. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

Policy NE7 Protection of species

Policy NE7 aims to conserve important species of conservation importance, and states:

‘Development that is likely to affect internationally or nationally protected species adversely will not be permitted unless both the following criteria are met.

i) It is demonstrated that there is essential need for the development that is sufficient to override nature conservation considerations.

ii) There is no alternative solution for the development that would lessen the impact.

Development affecting protected species will require a thorough evaluation at the cost of the applicant before any application can be determined.

Where development proposals are likely to have an adverse effect on a locally important species listed in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan ‘Nature in the Dales’, the National Park Authority will use conditions or planning obligations, to ensure the conservation of the species threatened is taken fully into account.’

The North Pennine Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservaiton is located approximately 1.7km north of the proposed storage area at Eller Beck.

The Eller Beck site is not subject to any Environmental Designations.

Chapter 6 of the Environmental Statement set sets out the impact of the scheme on Flora and Fauna. The works will impact in loss of some BAP habitat and tree




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removal. However the to mitigate this loss an extensive scheme of new habitat creation is proposed as well as tree replanting at Eller Beck and Waller Hill Beck (wider Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme – determined by Craven District Council).

There is potential for impact on otters, bats and fish. However a full Environmental Action Plan (EAP) has been included in the Environmental Statement, which sets out proposed mitigation measures that result in the impact on ecology and protected species not being significant. The proposed mitigation will meet the requirements of Policy NE7.

Policy NE8 Preventing habitat fragmentation and species isolation

Policy NE8 aims to resist development that would have an adverse effect on species conservation and the wider ecological network, and states:

‘Development that is likely to impact on the movement of species along wildlife corridors or result in the fragmentation of habitats will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that the importance of the corridor or habitat to species conservation and the wider ecological network is not adversely affected.’

Chapter 6 of the Environmental Statement set sets out the impact of the scheme on Flora and Fauna. The proposed scheme has the potential to restrict the passage of fish, Cray Fish and Otters. The mitigation to the scheme includes a range of measures to allow the species to continue to travel along wildlife corridors, including the culvert being designed so species can travel along it and a number of corridors around the dam to allow route options for species. A licence will be required from Natural England to proceed with the proposed felling of the tree with a confirmed bat roost at Eller Beck Storage Area.

Policy NE9 Trees, woodlands and hedgerows

Policy NE9 aims to conserve tress, woodlands and hedgerows that are special features of the landscape, nature conservation or historic value, and states:

‘Development that would lead to the loss of, or damage to, trees, woodlands or hedgerows which are special features of landscape, nature conservation or historical value will not be permitted.

The National Park Authority will give priority to the conservation of broadleaved trees and woodlands.’

The proposed Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck requires the removal of 130 trees that are either within the footprint of the dam or will be affected by the development. Some of the trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). An application for the removal of the trees will be made separately.

The Tree Survey produced for the site found that the quality of trees that need to be removed varies, however some are of high quality. A replanting scheme is proposed and is included in the Environmental Report. The TPO related to the construction of the A65, as they provided screening. The Environment Agency has a corporate policy to replant a greater area of trees than the area that need to be removed. The location of the news trees are shown on the Landscape Plan, which accompanies this planning application.

Policy NE10 Protecting trees at risk from development




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Policy NE10 aims to ensure healthy trees close to new development are fully considered in the overall design and construction of the scheme, so as to secure their long-term survival. The policy states:

‘Development in close proximity to existing healthy trees will only be permitted if both the following criteria are met.

i) Adequate space has been left around existing healthy trees so as not to lead to future loss or damage.

ii) The developer has specified how the trees will be protected in the course of development.

Where necessary, the National Park Authority will require a detailed tree survey to be submitted with a planning application.’

Policy TA12 Access from the Highway

Policy TA12 aims to ensure vehicular access from the highway meets safety requirements and respects local character and traditional boundary features within the National Park.

‘Development requiring a new or altered vehicular access from the highway will only be permitted if all the following criteria are met.

i) It does not adversely affect the visual quality or character of the surrounding area.

ii) It is safe and convenient.

iii) It retains the existing traditional boundary features and other roadside features where possible.

Where features require to be altered to meet road safety standards, acceptable replacement of traditional boundary features must be secured’.

A new road junction shall be provided on the A65 to provide access during construction and permanent maintenance access for the Environment Agency. The proposed access has been discussed with the North Yorkshire Highways Department prior to submission of the planning application. All access routes shall be surfaced to be in keeping with the local landscape.

4.3.3 Saved Policies from the Craven Local Plan, 1999 Saved policies from the Council’s 1999 Local Plan provide the main planning framework for the District.

The relevant policy on flood protection was not saved in 1999 and therefore does not form part of the current Development Plan for Craven.

Policy ENV1 Development in the open countryside

Land beyond the existing built-up areas of the settlements, as defined by the Development Limits, will be treated as open countryside. Policy ENV1 states:

‘The Council will protect the character and quality of the open countryside from being spoilt by sporadic development by defining development limits. Small scale development appropriate for the enjoyment of the scenic qualities of the




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countryside and other appropriate small scale development having a rural character will only be permitted in the open countryside where it:

1. Clearly benefits the rural economy;

2. Helps to maintain or enhance landscape character;

3. Is essential for the efficient operation of agriculture or forestry; or

4. Is essential to the needs of the rural community.

Large scale development in the open countryside will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that there is an overriding need for the proposal due to the requirements of the utility services, transport, minerals supply or national security.’

The proposed development is required to provide flood protection to the town of Skipton. It is therefore an essential infrastructure scheme that will secure the future of 378 residential and 165 commercial properties which are currently at risk of flooding during a 1 in 100 year flood event.

The creation of a flood alleviation scheme in open countryside meets the requirements of Policy ENV 1, as the location of the dam is based on engineering requirements and the need to store water from the Eller Beck outside of Skipton Town Centre.

ENV2 Requirements for development in open countryside

This policy seeks to maintain the character and appearance of the District countryside, and states:

‘Development acceptable in principle under policy ENV1 will only be permitted where:

1. It is compatible with the character of the surrounding area, does not have an unacceptable impact on the landscape and safeguards landscape features, including stone walls and hedgerows, worthy of protection;

2. The design of buildings and structures and the materials proposed relate to the setting, taking account of the immediate impact and public views of the development;

3. Rural access roads can accommodate the traffic likely to be generated by the proposal; and

4. Services and infrastructure can be provided without causing a serious harmful change to the rural character and appearance of the locality.’

Compatibility with character of surrounding area

Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement includes a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir. The LVIA notes that Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir seats on a step valley and is surrounded by existing infrastructure and vegetation which makes this site very enclosed and reduces the number of receptors to those close to the site. The main receptors are: Ellergill House/ Brackenley Lane B road; PROW on Skipton Road Quarry and Skipton Golf Course Club House. The LVIA states with the medium sensitivity of the overall landscape receptor and after construction when the




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mitigation planting has been established the magnitude of change will be reduced to slight adverse resulting in a landscape effect which is not significant. Using the findings of the visual impact analysis, the overall visual impact of the proposed reservoir is assessed as moderately significant.

The material and design of the dam has considered surrounding character as much as possible within the parameters of the engineering requirements of the scheme, as detailed below. The aim of these measures is to reduce the visual impact of the scheme through use of appropriate materials and landscaping.

Materials and Design


The dam at Eller Beck includes a reinforced concrete spillway (as discussed in previous chapters of this report). The use of a reinforced grass spillway (to minimise the visual impact of the scheme) was investigated during the design. However, the presence of the A65 road dam immediately downstream of the dam causes a significant build-up of water between the two dams during flood events. This means that, especially during larger flood events, the dam has perched water on the upstream and downstream faces. During overtopping events (where the reservoir can no longer store flood water) the presence of the high tailwater (water on the downstream face) means that a highly erosive standing wave (or “hydraulic jump”) is formed. The hydraulic jump has the ability to erode beneath the grass reinforcement. This may lead to a failure of the dam. The proposed reinforced concrete spillway is not susceptible to the erosive forces generated by hydraulic jumps, therefore is seen as the safest means of conveying excess flood waters over the dam.





Access Roads and Services

A new dedicated access road is being provided as part of the proposal, with direct access of the A65. There will no impact on rural roads.




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4.4 Emerging Local Planning Policy Both Craven District Council and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are currently progressing updates to their existing Local Plans. Given the current local plans were adopted some time ago it is therefore prudent to consider the emerging Local Plans of both authorities. However the emerging Local Plans do not form part of the development plan for this scheme.

4.4.1 Craven District Council Local Development Framework Community Engagement

Craven have recently undertaken a period of community engagement on high level themes of their Local Plan. This consultation considered the key strategic issues of housing numbers and employment hectares, however flood risk and landscape character were not considered at this early stage of the Local Plan preparation.

4.4.2 Yorkshire Dales National Park Local Plan ‘Options’ Consultation

Following public consultation on the ‘issues’ in the Autumn 2012, the National Park Authority is currently undertaking a period of consultation on a Local Plan options paper. Options are framed by the key themes defined within the National Park Management Plan (2013-2015), which are to ensure:

A distinctive, living, working, cultural landscape that tells the on-going story of generations of people interacting with their environment

A friendly, open and welcoming place with outstanding opportunities to enjoy its special qualities

Home to the finest variety of wildlife in England Providing an outstanding range of benefits for the nation based on its natural

resources, landscape and cultural heritage, which underpin a flourishing local economy

Home to strong, self-reliant and balanced communities with good access to the services they need

In particular, policies must have regard to Management Policy D6, which states:

‘D6 Support farmers and landowners to create at least 400 hectares of new native woodland by 2020, to strengthen habitat networks, increase carbon storage and help to reduce flooding.’




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Flood Risk

Initially, the Options Paper considers flood risk and development management. All development will be required to demonstrate how surface water run-off will be minimised and reduced, and that development will not be permitted in areas that are at risk from any form of flooding unless it can be demonstrated that there are no alternative sites appropriate for the proposed development.

The Options Paper also considers the strategic role which the National Park must play in reducing run-off downstream. The Paper states:

‘We intend to identify strategically-important areas of flood water retention so that they can be protected from development and will support proposals to improve their retaining qualities wherever possible.’

The Authority is currently in the process of undertaking a strategic flood risk assessment to understand the extent and type of flood risk in the National Park.

The proposed development of a Flood Storage Reservoir at Eller Beck represents a strategically-important area of potential flood water retention, which will have significant public benefits for the residents of Skipton. Whilst Skipton is not in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The principle of the development is supported by this emerging policy.

A Flood Risk Assessment has been produced for the full Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme. The Flood Risk Assessment concludes that the development proposals are acceptable from a flood risk perspective, as the scheme will reduce the likelihood of flooding.

Implementation of the Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme will lessen the threat of flooding to existing development within Skipton, and de-risk future development land from a 1 in 100 annual flood event.

Design

The Options Paper highlights a conundrum in perpetuating a tradition of change in a sympathetic way, whilst ensuring that newly-built properties respond to modern needs and assimilating structures that have low-embodied energy in materials and construction and that are energy efficient.

Design guidance will be adopted as a supplementary planning document, however the Options Paper describes that additional guidance is likely to cover the following:

‘It will cover new build and conversion, extensions and alterations, and will embrace not only aesthetics but also wider design issues such as energy efficiency, landscaping and wildlife considerations. Three key principles are likely to be covered so that development proposals will:

be informed by, and respond positively to, their surrounding context; take account of the needs of all users of the site, and the needs of those living

or working nearby or visiting the area; be resource efficient in construction and during their lifespan.’




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Surrounding Context

Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement includes a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir. The LVIA notes that Eller Beck Flood Storage Reservoir seats on a step valley and is surrounded by existing infrastructure and vegetation which makes this site very enclosed and reduces the number of receptors to those close to the site. The main receptors are: Ellergill House/ Brackenley Lane B road; PROW on Skipton Road Quarry and Skipton Golf Course Club House. The LVIA states with the medium sensitivity of the overall landscape receptor and after construction when the mitigation planting has been established the magnitude of change will be reduced to slight adverse resulting in a landscape effect which is not significant. Using the findings of the visual impact analysis, the overall visual impact of the proposed reservoir is assessed as moderately significant.

The material and design of the dam has considered surrounding character as much as possible within the parameters of the engineering requirements of the scheme, as detailed below. The aim of these measures is to reduce the visual impact of the scheme through use of appropriate materials and landscaping.


The dam at Eller Beck includes a reinforced concrete spillway (as discussed in previous chapters of this report). The use of a reinforced grass spillway (to minimise the visual impact of the scheme) was investigated during the design. However, the presence of the A65 road dam immediately downstream of the dam causes a significant build-up of water between the two dams during flood events. This means that, especially during larger flood events, the dam dam has perched water on the upstream and downstream faces. During overtopping events (where the reservoir can no longer store flood water) the presence of the high tailwater (water on the downstream face) means that a highly erosive standing wave (or “hydraulic jump”) is formed. The hydraulic jump has the ability to erode beneath the grass reinforcement. This may lead to a failure of the dam. The proposed reinforced concrete spillway is not susceptible to the erosive forces generated by hydraulic jumps, therefore is seen as the safest means of conveying excess flood waters over the dam.







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Impact on users and visitors

The Reservoir will not cause an unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity. The Environment Agency is working closely with Skipton Golf Course to minimise the impact of the development during and after construction. Although the development shall impact holes 16 and 17, the Environment Agency and Golf Course are exploring alternative arrangements for the course. An area of land has been safeguarded for future golf course use. The exact design of the new tees is currently being developed by Skipton Golf Course.

There are no footpaths running across the development site. There are therefore no impacts in relation to footpath users.

Heritage Assets

Heritage Assets are considered within the National Park Authority’s Options Paper.

‘All development proposals that affect a heritage asset will be informed by an assessment of its significance and the impact of the proposal upon that significance. Applications will not be determined until all reasonable efforts have been made to understand and respond to significance.

Any development affecting designated or undesignated heritage assets or their settings will be expected to conserve or enhance its significance.

Any harm to or loss of significance of a heritage asset will be required to demonstrate that there is no alternative solution that would have a lesser impact and demonstrate public benefits that outweigh the harm or loss. The protection offered to heritage assets will be hierarchical in accordance with the level of significance of the asset. We propose that there should be scope for undesignated assets to be afforded equivalent protection to those that are designated, if they can be shown to be of equivalent significance.

Where a proposal involving any level of harm to or loss of a heritage asset is permitted, development shall not proceed until agreed mitigation, or appropriate recording, has taken place.’

Chapter 9 of the Environmental Statement set out the potential significance of the impact of the proposed scheme on heritage assets. To support a robust analysis of the impact of proposed scheme on heritage assets and the overall character of the townscape, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken.






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4.4.3 North Yorkshire County Council North Yorkshire County Council is the minerals and waste planning authority for the parts of the County outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

As the Eller Beck application proposes a Flood Storage Reservoir, none of the North Yorkshire policies in relation to minerals and waste planning are relevant to the proposed development.




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5 Summary and Conclusion

5.1 Justification of scheme The scheme has been developed to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and the development plan and wider engineering requirements and legalisation set out in the Reservoirs Act.

The delivery of the Skipton Flood Alleviation Scheme seeks to improve the flood defences for the population of Skipton, supporting national planning policy, which seeks to focus development away from flood risk areas, but also deliver improved flood defences. The National Planning Policy Framework, the Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework promotes the use of flood storage to reduce flood risk. The scheme is an essential infrastructure project and seeks to protect the Town of Skipton as one of the elements of the wider Skipton Flood Alleviation scheme.

5.2 Design The proposed development supports Saved Policies GP2 General design policy (Yorkshire Dales Policy) and ENV2 Requirements for development in open countryside (Craven District Council) delivering a scheme that considers the visual impact and uses high quality materials. Whilst the scale of the dam is dictated by engineering requirements; as it must have the capacity to retain the required level of flood defence and it must be constructed of materials which will endure the lifetime of the scheme; The landscaping approach seeks to minimise the impact of the scheme.

The proposed development includes a concrete spillway. The use of a grass spillway was investigated through the design of the scheme, and this was the preferred approach in relation to visual impact. However because of the strength of water flowing down Eller Beck a grass spillway was not considered to meet the required safety and engineering standards, as there was potential for erosion. Therefore a concrete spillway is the only engineering solution that allows the dam to meet the flooding requirements.



5.3 Other Environmental Considerations The scheme does affect ecology and protected species, however extensive mitigation and habitat creation, including BAP habitat creation is proposed to mitigate the impact.




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There are no heritage assets or records that would indicate archaeological remains on the site.

The proposed access arrangements have been agreed with the North Yorkshire County Council Highway Department.

The scheme impacts on the golf club, but the Environment Agency are working closely with the Golf Club to reduce disturbance and agree mitigation measures.

There are some visual impacts from receptors near to the site; the impacts have been mitigated by planting and design as much as possible. There is a strong public benefit from the scheme, which will deliver significant flood risk benefits to the town of Skipton. We believe this public benefit outweigh impact on a small number of receptors.