River Tees Catchment Flood Management...

River Tees Catchment Flood Management PlanDraft main stage document, July 2008

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Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan 1

Managing flood risk

Past flood events remind us of the hardship and devastation that flooding can cause, especially in the built environment where they impact upon our homes and livelihoods. They also reveal the challenges we face when confronted by the forces of nature.

This plan will allow us to use a scientific approach to better understand flood risk now and in the future, describe how the river catchment behaves and what the most sustainable flood risk management policies may be over the next 50 to 100 years. We can use this direction to plan the most appropriate ways of managing flood risk for the long term, taking into account potential climate change and other pressures that may be placed upon the natural water system.

We will use this plan to steer our future investment, policies and overall flood risk management activities for the catchment. We hope that our public and private partners will find it useful in adopting the principles of flood risk management in their decision making, especially where it can guide the planning of land use and avoid inappropriate development.

If you have any comments or feedback on this document please contact us on the following

[email protected]

North East CFMPsEnvironment AgencyRivers House21 Park Square SouthLeedsLS1 2QG

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publications

Contents

The purpose of catchment flood management plans 2

Introducing the River Tees CFMP 4

Current flood risk 6

Future flood risk 8

Setting the appropriate policy 10

Consultation and evidence 48

Key facts 50

We are pleased to introduce our Catchment Flood Management Plan document for the River Tees catchment.


The purpose of Catchment Flood Management Plans

Catchment Flood Management Plans provide the policy direction for managing the long-term flood risk within a catchment over the next 50 to 100 years.

Flooding is a natural process. We can never stop it, but we can prepare for it. Tackling flooding is about more than just defending against floods. It means understanding the complex causes of flooding and acting in a coordinated way with others to reduce the chance of flooding happening and the effects it will have.

A Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) is a high level planning tool. Our objective in preparing this plan was to develop long-term policies to guide the management of flood risk within the Tees catchment now and in the future.In the past we have sought to control flooding through flood defence, mainly through building structures to control rivers. This has often been done in a reactive manner. This approach to flood risk is unsustainable in the long term and we need to be proactive in our planning and management of flood risks.

The plan uses ‘flood risk assessment’ to understand the causes, size and locations of the flood risk throughout the catchment. The more that we understand this, the better placed we are to establish what effect possible changes in land use, urban development, climate change and rising sea levels may have in the future. With this information, we can start to plan for a more sustainable future that works with nature wherever possible.

A continued reliance on building new defences to defend all areas against flooding is not sustainable. We need to move towards an approach of flood risk management by considering the catchment as a whole. To do this we need to work together with our partners to manage and target resources effectively and sustainably.

Planning for the region

We have sought to understand, work with and provide influence over the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the catchment to manage the risk of flooding. We will look to work with nature where possible. We will also identify and plan alternative measures for areas that we can no longer protect with our current unsustainable approach.

Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan �

Within the Environment Agency’s north east region we are preparing 1� CFMPs covering all of the regions’ river catchments. Nationally, we are producing 76 CFMPs covering all catchments in England and Wales. The CFMPs will contribute to a sustainable planning framework. We will consider and build our partners’ plans and policies into the decision making process and we will provide information to inform the development of external plans and policies. CFMPs will provide important

information on flood risk to inform both the Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Frameworks.

We will be using our CFMPs to inform the programme of measures we put in place to give effect to the Water Framework Directive. They will also form the basis on which we will develop our policies required under the emerging EU Floods Directive.

Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan �

Introducing the River Tees CFMP

The Tees CFMP covers the towns of Middlesbrough, Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees in a catchment area of 1,956 square kilometres. The Tees CFMP area includes the catchment of the River Tees and its major tributaries, the rivers Skerne and Leven, the urban estuarine tributaries of Teesside and small coastal streams from Hartlepool to Redcar.

The River Tees rises on the eastern slopes of Cross Fell in the Pennines and flows eastward to the North Sea. The length of the channel from the source to the sea is 162 kilometres.

The catchment has distinctly different characteristics within it. The rivers in the Upper Tees have steep channel gradients and valley sides. In the mid-catchment, the valley widens out and channel slopes become much gentler. The lower catchment is close to sea-level and predominantly tidal in nature. The Skerne is characterised by wide, flat flood plains and gentle slopes, where as the Leven is generally narrowly confined with limited flood plain development.

Land use in the west of the CFMP area is predominantly moorland and unimproved pasture, with limited urban development. On the lower slopes and middle catchment the land use changes to a greater amount of pasture and woodland than the uplands. To the east land use is predominantly arable farmland interspersed with large built up areas, including Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.

The CFMP area contains a large number of designated environmental sites covering a wide range of natural, archaeological and heritage sites in addition to locations with significant recreational and amenity interest.

The Tees CFMP boundary overlaps with theTees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy between Tees Mouth and the A66 road cutting. It also overlaps the River Tyne to Flamborough Head Shoreline Management Plan along the coastline between Hartlepool and Redcar. In addition, our Draft Upper Leven Flood Risk Management Strategy examines the flood risk and identifies flood risk management solutions for flooding problems through Great Ayton and Stokesley.

Approximately 7�5,000 people live within the CFMP area concentrated in the main towns of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.



Current flood risk

Most parts of the River Tees system have experienced some degree of flooding over the historical record. There is a wide variation in the frequency and amount of damage between locations.

Location of risk

The historical flood record on both the River Tees and River Leven goes back more than 500 years. The first recorded date of flooding on the River Skerne in the record was much later, in 1852. The principal source of flooding for the main channel of the Tees is high rainfall and snowmelt over the steep Pennine headwaters. The risk of flooding varies through the catchment with the changing character of the landscape and land use.

Although there is a rapid, high volume of runoff from the upper part of the Tees there is a low number of properties at risk of flooding. There is little natural flood plain storage in the upper catchment to slow the flow of floodwaters to lower reaches. In the Middle Tees the area of natural flood plain increases. Flood waters flows into these large flood plain areas which helps to reduce flows to downstream areas. The main risk areas in the Lower Tees are around Middlesbrough and Stockton. Problems in this area are exacerbated both by high tides and by the series of urban rivers that drain into the Tees Estuary. On the River Skerne the main area of risk is Darlington. The risk comes from the backing up of drains or from surface water being unable to enter into the river during high flows. The River Leven has limited flood plain development however the Leven does pose a flood risk to Great Ayton and Stokesley. There are also a large number of properties at risk of flooding in catchments of the tidal and coastal tributaries, notably through

Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees where urbanisation has increased the amount and rate of runoff following rainfall.

Consequences of flooding

The consequence of flooding can be measured by the number of people and properties that are likely to be exposed to flood waters and the hazard that the water presents. Flooding could affect three per cent of the total catchment population. Whilst this may not seem a high figure, it does represent over 8,�50 residential properties that are at risk of flooding from the rivers. We measure flood hazard as a combination of the depth and speed of flood waters. This gives us a scale of flood hazard to people that ranges from low to extreme. Most of the hazard from river flooding is low, however, there is a large tidal flood risk in the Lower Tees area. The areas of high risk include Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough.

The current risk of flooding in parts of the Tees catchment has the potential to be severe, with likely danger to life. In Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham and Yarm there is potential for flood depths to be over one metre deep. There are a considerable number of properties at risk in Hurworth-on-Tees, Hurworth Place, Neasham and Great Ayton with a potentially rapid onset of flooding. This means that our flood warnings are issued with a shorter time before the onset of flooding than is possible in other parts of


the region. Although some of these areas are defended, the residual risk should the defences breach or overtop remains high.

Flooding affects the economy of the catchment as well. Around six per cent of the commercial properties in the catchment are within flood risk areas. Each year flooding could cost just under £20 million in damages to properties if we did not undertake any flood risk management activities in the catchment.

Flooding also has an impact on agriculture. The estimated annual agricultural damages could be £1�6,000.

Throughout the catchment there are 28 environmentally designated sites at risk from flooding. The total area of designated sites at risk is large, totalling over �1 square kilometres. The sites are affected both positively and negatively by flooding depending on the habitat type and length of time of flood events. Flooding could also affect approximately 100 power utility infrastructure facilities.

What we currently do

Our current flood risk management is focused to address the risk that is present in the catchment. Our work is focused around the four areas of flood risk mapping, development control, asset system management and flood incident management.

Our flood risk mapping teams improve our knowledge of flood risks in the catchment through programmes of detailed mapping of where flooding could occur and who and what would be affected by it. The outputs of this work are freely available to the public via our website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

Through knowing which places are at risk of flooding our development control teams work to influence the planning and location of new developments. Our role in the planning process has recently been strengthened through government planning requirements.

Our permissive powers allow our asset system management teams to undertake works to build, maintain and repair our flood defence assets on rivers that have been designated as main rivers. We have built up our activities over the years to tackle where flooding has occurred. On average £480,000 is spent every year maintaining river defences and structures in the Tees catchment. Over the years this has led to a number of flood defences being constructed to reduce the risk of flooding such as on the Skerne at Darlington and on the Leven at Stokesley.

The Tees Barrage forms an artificial barrier between the Tees Estuary and the upstream catchment. It has the amenity purpose of raising water levels and eliminating tidal effects. There are 11 kilometres of defences on the estuary downstream of the Tees Barrage, these are primarily located at the confluence with Lustrum Beck and at Port Clarence, downstream of the Transporter Bridge. We are currently developing a more detailed flood risk management strategy for the Tees tidal reach in parallel with this CFMP. Through this we are developing the detail for new flood defence schemes that have been identified for the tidal reach.

There are six flood watches and 22 flood warning areas that apply to all the river and tidal catchments within the Tees CFMP boundaries. The flood incident management team design and operate our free flood warning service. This currently provides coverage to 3,906 properties in the catchment. This is an opt in service and only 28 per cent of properties that could receive a warning have taken up our free service.

Our current activities help to reduce flood risk in the catchment but do not address all current risks. The risk of flooding will increase in the future and we need to prepare and begin to act now in a way that is more coordinated with external partners and makes use of the natural processes in the catchment. In doing so we can remove the burden of unsustainable actions on current and future generations.


Future flood risk

To develop a sustainable long-term plan for flood risk management we have considered how climate change, land use management and urban development might change in the future.

What will affect future flood risk?

Future flood risk is influenced by changes within the catchment and changes in the climate.

The catchment specific changes that we have considered include forest cover, land use, farming practices and urban development.

We have also considered the impact of climate change on the catchment, looking ahead to what our climate is expected to be like in 2100.

These changes were fed into a computer model of the catchment’s rivers. This shows us how sensitive the rivers are to these catchment and climatic changes, and gives a picture of possible flood risk. It also allows us to see what may reduce, but also what may increase, the risk of flooding risk in the future

Changes we considered were as follows:

by 2100:20 per cent increase in flood flows �0 per cent increase in rainfall intensity rising sea levels of over one metre

land use:changes to woodland coverchanges to land drainage changes to farming practices

urban development:increase in urban areas

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What are the consequences of this future flooding?

The future will not bring the same increase to the risk of flooding to all parts of the Tees CFMP area. Future actions need to reflect this. Rising sea levels will result in rivers backing up for longer periods of time during the normal tidal cycle. Increased rainfall intensity will raise the risk of surface water flooding.

As a result of the changes, the risk of flooding to both people and property is expected to increase within the area of the Tees CFMP. The population at risk across the CFMP area increases to seven per cent. This is a four per cent increase from current figures. This risk may be larger in built up urban areas including Middlesbrough, Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees. The number of commercial properties at risk also increases to seven per cent, with the greatest increases occurring in the highly urban areas.

The economic damage to residential and commercial properties, caused by flooding, will increase. There is also likely to be increased community disruption as the amount of critical infrastructure at risk increases to �9 kilometres of road and 22 kilometres of rail. There is a small increase to the number of key community assets at risk.

The risk of flooding to the natural and historical environment increases slightly, although not significantly.



Setting the appropriate policyTo manage flood risk we need to know what we want to achieve. We have considered the physical catchment, predicted flood risk and social, economic and environmental factors.

This document is a summary of a more detailed technical report. Using all the information contained in this report, along with local knowledge, we have been able to set policies and action plans that will be necessary to implement our flood risk management approach

In order to understand the competing social, economic and environmental factors that need to be taken into account we have reviewed legislation and other policies, plans and strategies and identified our partners’ targets which were relevant to the CFMP area. This has helped us identify a number of opportunities for flood risk management. Opportunities include non-flood related benefits that could be achieved from the way we manage flood risk.

An increase in flooding is not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the most important environmentally designated sites in the catchment depend on flooding for their existence. Some of these sites would benefit from an increase in flooding which would improve their condition.

On the other hand, some catchment activities may constrain our future flood risk management techniques. The need to maintain landscapes and historic sites may prevent or make it very difficult for us to carry out some forms of flood risk management activities. We have taken this into account during our policy appraisal process and the setting of our action plan.

Catchment objectives

Reduce the exposure to high and extreme flood hazard throughout the catchmentEnsure that key community services remain available during and after flood eventsEnsure that critical infrastructure remains operational throughout the catchment during extreme flood eventsReduce the proportion of the total residential and commercial properties at risk Reduce the direct economic damages to property and land from all flood probability event levelsEnsure that flood risk management expenditure remains proportional to the level of risk in the catchment in the futureEnsure that flood risk management activities are sympathetic to the historic setting and landscape setting of the catchmentEnhance and expand the range and condition of habitats within the catchment whilst reducing flood riskAllow natural hill slope and river channel processes to operate within the catchmentEnsure that there is no adverse impact on water quality as a result of flooding

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Each part of the catchment is different; we need an appropriate approach for each area. We also need to treat the catchment as a whole whilst considering its different characteristics and risks. This will ensure that we are best placed to take advantage of the natural processes within the catchment.

In order to address each flooding issue, we have divided the River Tees CFMP area into policy units. Policy units are sub-areas that have similar processes, sources of flooding and level of risk. In total there are 18 distinct policy units within the CFMP area and these will allow us to promote flood risk management polices and actions that are most appropriate to the flood risk character of the unit. These distinct policy units are shown on the map in the back of the document. We have scoped out and assigned the sort of generic actions that can be implemented in the catchment using the opportunities and constraints that exist in each policy unit.

This provides us with a package of possible measures that can be used to meet the catchment objectives. These measures include things like new flood defences, improved flood warnings and the greater use of the flood plain as a natural store within the catchment.

So what are we going to do? The following pages give an overview of the policies and actions that will drive our flood risk management actions in the catchment. Whilst we are the lead operating authority for flood risk management from rivers we need the support and partnership of others to achieve the objectives. We strongly encourage other named organisations to adopt the actions given in this plan. The policies and actions in this plan will be updated when required, to take account of any major changes that may occur in the catchment and to ensure that the correct course of action is being followed.


> Tees headwaters

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit covers the headwaters of the River Tees from its source down to Piercebridge. As the Tees flows through the unit, the River Greta and Langley Beck flow into the main channel. The main causes of flooding are heavy rainfall, or the rapid melting of snow on the Pennines. The flood plain is mainly confined to a narrow, steep-sided river valley, with reservoirs in the upper catchment. Much of the upland within the unit, the North Pennine Moors, is environmentally designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) or Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Key messagesThe catchment is characterised by flash flooding, with often very little warning time before a flood can occur. Increased temperatures may leave uplands vulnerable to higher rates of runoff caused by melting snow.The Upper Tees is influenced by the reservoirs.Much of the designated land is bog and rough pastures.An increase in the speed of water through this part of the catchment could increase flood hazard and severity downstream.

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Strategic visionThis area is largely rural and we aim to allow the natural processes to dominate. However, the areas of Barnard Castle and Newbiggin have sufficient flood risk to require that we continue to maintain this section of river to provide a level of service to these communities. It would be hoped that this can be done with minimal river works which will allow natural cycles to develop and habitats to remain unharmed or even improve over time.

Summary of flood riskThe risk within the unit is spread along the length of the river, although there are areas with higher numbers of people and properties at risk, including Barnard Castle, Langdon Beck and Newbiggin. One per cent of the residential and two per cent of the commercial properties within the policy unit are at risk during a flood with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. The reservoirs hold water back during times of flooding, reducing the impact of the flood wave downstream. A large area of the North Pennine Moors Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), two Registered Parks and Gardens and nine Scheduled Ancient Monuments are at risk.

Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan 1�

Strategic action plan

Action

Ensure all reservoirs have flood plans.

Seek to carry out land management techniques such as gill planting and grip blocking across the upland area of the policy unit to reduce run-off.

Ensure there is no inappropriate development within the flood plain in line with Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25).

Increase public awareness of the risk of flooding throughout the policy unit.

Investigate the impact of climate change on winter snowfall patterns.

Development of a system asset management plan to plan the long term management of flood defences and channel maintenance programme.

Indicator

Number of reservoirs with flood plans.

Level and timing of peak flow within the River Tees that exits the policy unit.

Amount of development within the flood plain against our advice.

Awareness of flood risk and ability to take pre-emptive effective action.

A report on the long term trend of snow accumulation and potential thaw rates.

Implementation of strategic asset management plan process.

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Target

All reservoirs have a flood plan.

Peak flow exiting policy unit is reduced (in comparison with future predictions).

No inappropriate development takes place within the flood plain.

All people at risk know how to protect themselves and their property before a flood.

We have a clear understanding of the potential for snow melt events in the catchment.

Appropriate level of maintenance is carried out. This will be dependant on the strategic asset management plan process.

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> Langley Beck

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit is dominated by rural grassland. There are a few urbanised areas, including the town of Staindrop. The main watercourses within the policy unit are Langley Beck and its tributary Sudburn Beck. The topography of this unit is still reasonably steep due to the proximity of the unit to the headlands. There is a small area of the North Pennine Moors designated as an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) that falls within the flood zone.

Key messagesThe catchment is characterised by flash flooding, with very little lead time before an event.Increased temperatures may leave uplands vulnerable to higher rates of runoff caused by melting snow.Flood risk and hazard is believed to increase as a result of climate change.There is available space in the area for habitat creation.In comparison to other areas in the Tees CFMP area there is a large amount of woodland.Flood depths are shallow.

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Strategic visionThis area is largely rural. Additional investigations are needed to develop a better understanding of the current and future flood risk to people and property. There are opportunities for new wildlife habitats through the creation of wet woodlands. These can assist in improving the biodiversity resource and contribute to the Water Framework Directive requirement for ‘good ecological status’.

Summary of flood risk

This area is at risk of flooding from both Langley and Sudburn Becks. There are over 220 residential properties shown to be at risk from a flood with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. This may increase to over 260 in the future. The risk is spread through the policy unit, however there are a large number of properties at risk within the town of Staindrop. Almost two kilometres of the A688 running through the policy unit is at risk, but no other critical infrastructure. Only one key community asset is at risk - a health building - and only during an extreme flood event with a 0.1 per cent chance of happening in any given year. Despite there being a reasonably large area of environmentally designated land in the policy unit, there is none at risk of flooding. No cultural or historical sites are at risk apart from a small area of the Raby Castle Registered Park and Garden.



Action


Ensure there is no inappropriate development within the flood plain in line with PPS25.

Look to carry out land management techniques such as gill planting and grip blocking across the upland area of the policy unit to reduce run-off.

Investigate the creation of wet woodland for flood risk management purposes and promote if beneficial.

Indicator


Number of developments taking place outside flood zone one.

Level and timing of peak flow within the River Tees that exits in this area.

Level of understanding of feasibility and benefit of options.

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Target

Appropriate level of maintenance is carried out. This is dependant on strategic asset management plan process.

No inappropriate development in the functional flood plain as outlined in PPS25.

Peak flow exiting policy unit is reduced (in comparison with future predictions).

Feasibility and benefit of options are understood and promoted if beneficial.

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> Clow Beck

Policy unit overviewLocated south of Darlington, Clow Beck policy unit is rural in its nature, with the agricultural land classified as high Grade two or three. Clow Beck is the main river in the unit, running the length of the policy unit, and has the main tributary of Smallways Beck, and the smaller Skye Stell. To the east of the policy unit the A1(M) passes through the flood zone. Over recent years, development has occurred exacerbating flooding. Five formal defences are present, protecting Monkend and locations downstream. There is a pumping station near Hutton Magna to the west of the policy unit.

Key messagesPotential to change drainage patterns to reduce local flowsThe risk of flooding and the hazard is shown to slightly increase as a result of climate change.There are a number of culverts throughout this catchment.Careful consideration of the impacts of pumping regimes on flood risk is needed.There is a much higher risk in Barton than any other locations in the area.

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Strategic visionWe will continue to protect people and property through the long term maintenance of the current flood defences. We will look to help restore a more natural flow regime by reducing pumped drainage. We believe this will result in habitat improvements whilst allowing us to reinvest in reducing flood risk in this area and downstream.

Summary of flood riskThe main area of risk within the policy unit is the settlement of Barton, with other risk areas along the path of Clow Beck, including Aldborough St. John. The total amount of residential property at risk from a flood with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year is eight per cent. The total amount of commercial property at risk is over three per cent. Overall hazard is low, however there are areas of high flood hazard that could pose a threat to life. Sections of the A1(M) are potentially within the flood zone during large floods, as are parts of the A66 road, which will cause great disruption if flooding occurs. There are small areas of the Forcett Hall gardens at risk and one bridge which is designated as a SAM. The flood banks and flood wall defences towards Monkend will protect properties from flooding and will also aid in protecting properties downstream in other policy units.



Action

Development of a system asset management plan to plan the long term management of flood defences and channel maintenance programme. Pumped drainage should also be reviewed as part of this process.

Over the longer term seek to carry out agricultural land management changes to reduce run-off into Clow Beck such as pond creation, buffer strips or a reduction in drainage.

Carry out more detailed investigation to determine the level of flood risk in Barton.

Planning system will promote option of fitting sustainable urban drainage systems on major roads to store run-off.

Indicator


Amount of flow that enters Clow Beck.

Level of understanding of flood risk in Barton.

Take up of opportunities to promote the fitting of sustainable urban drainage systems to major roads.

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Target


Flow entering Clow Beck is reduced in comparison with our predictions for the future.

Extent of flood risk in Barton is understood.

All opportunities are taken via planning system to promote sustainable urban drainage systems.

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> River Tees and Dyance Beck

Policy unit overviewThis unit contains the southern fringes of Darlington. Here the River Tees flows at a gentle gradient and the valley sides begin to open out to reveal wide, flat flood plains. The River Skerne confluences with the Tees at Croft-on-Tees. The A1(M) and A66(M) run through the unit as does the east coast mainline railway. The Hell Kettles SSSI lies to the southeast of the unit. Much of the land alongside the River Tees is defended, with almost 20 kilometres of raised defences and �� kilometres of maintained channel.

Key messagesLarge parts of this area are high grade agricultural land.Within the upland areas there may be opportunities to create wetland habitat which can benefit flood risk downstream.Scope for the wider uptake of flood resilience measures and sign-up to flood warnings direct.Development control processes reduce risk by encouraging redevelopment outside the areas at risk.

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Strategic visionFurther investigation is needed relating to the future management of flood defences and structures. A package of measures can be developed not only to reduce economic damages here and downstream but also, where possible, enhance natural environments. With the aim to reduce harm to life we will be looking to maintain and, where possible, expand our flood warning coverage. We will also look to using the planning system to ensure that future development takes place outside of the flood plain. We will work with landowners to optimise the use of the flood plain for flood risk management whilst meeting the needs of the farming community.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk of flooding from watercourses comes from the rivers Tees and Skerne, and Dyance, Summerhouse and Killerby becks. The main flood risk to property is situated in Croft-on-Tees although there are properties throughout the unit at risk. Approximately �90 people are at risk within Croft-on-Tees, as well as six per cent of residential and 1� per cent of commercial properties. Critical infrastructure is at risk, including sections of the A1(M) and A66(M), five gas and electricity stations and a sewage treatment works. The whole of Hell Kettles SSSI is at risk but flooding is not thought to affect the integrity of the site. Hazard is reasonably high. This may be due to the steep nature of the channel upstream in the Headlands pushing the flow of the river downstream quickly, causing a rapid rise in flood levels with high flow speeds.



Action

Work with land owners to develop opportunities for improved flood plain storage where possible and appropriate for flood risk management purposes.

Maintain and where possible improve take up of flood warning in Croft-on-Tees.


Indicator

Level of understanding of current benefit provided by flood banks and alternative benefit and economic feasibility of options.

Level of flood warning take up.


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Target

Increased use of flood plain to reduce flood risks in the catchment.

Flood warning take up is increased.


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> Halnaby Beck

Policy unit overviewHalnaby Beck is located to the south of Darlington and Croft-on-Tees. No large urban areas are located within the catchment. It mainly consists of small villages such as Newton Morrell, farms and their land. Halnaby Beck itself is a fairly flat, natural watercourse with surrounding land classed as Grade three agricultural land and used as arable and horticultural land. There is no critical infrastructure, environmental designations or cultural sites. There are also no raised defences present.

Key messagesThere are very few properties at risk of flooding. Those that are, are dispersed around the unit.A number of small areas of woodland are scattered around the area. Any changes to this woodland is likely to have little impact on the flood risk.

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Strategic visionWe will allow natural processes to take place unhindered by our activities. We would utilise our development control teams to influence the planning and location of new developments. The planning process will ensure that future development and redevelopment takes place out of the flood plain area and that the level of risk will not increase in the future.

Summary of flood riskThere are very few properties at risk within the catchment. There are four per cent of residential properties and no commercial properties at risk. The main source of flooding comes from the Halnaby Beck and the smaller Burn Sike. The risk is located around the unit in places such as Birch Springs and New Spa. The extent of flooding is small and damages are low as a result, with damages of under £2,500 to properties and under £720 to agriculture.Although the number of properties at risk is low, the potential hazard caused by flooding is high. Properties fall into the highest two categories of hazard, even during regular floods.



Action


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> Upper Skerne

Policy unit overviewThe Upper Skerne policy unit contains a number of main rivers and becks. The River Skerne is a lowland river, and is a north bank tributary of the River Tees upstream of Darlington. There are large amounts of critical infrastructure within the area, including the A1(M), A68, A167, A177, three mainline railways and many gas and electricity assets. There are 10 small SSSIs, one SAC and two Registered Parks and Gardens. Land is mainly farmland in the upper Skerne, but there are urban areas including Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield. Flood banks and pumping stations are present.

Key messagesThere are large amounts of critical infrastructure.There are a number of pumping stations.Flood risk management such as reducing or ceasing of pumping would give benefits downstream to Aycliffe Village, Coatham Mundeville, Barmpton and to the Lower Skerne.Scope to improve the take up of the flood warnings direct service.If further development were to occur in Newton Aycliffe, the use of development control would assist in reducing flood risk.Flood risk and hazard is likely to increase as a result of climate change.

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Strategic visionTo allow the natural flood plain storage in the upper parts of this unit to operate more naturally, currently the area is pumped and kept artificially dry. Allowing this area to flood would reduce the risk of flooding in the catchments and would improve habitat within the areas flooded which would benefit the environment. Allowing natural processes to establish would be beneficial in the unit and could reduce flood risk to the downstream catchments.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk of flooding within the Upper Skerne policy unit comes from the River Skerne, Morden Stell and Tank Stell. Properties are spread along the length of the rivers, however there are concentrations of properties in Aycliffe Village, Woodham, Ferryhill and Rushyford. Less than one per cent of the total number of residential and commercial properties are at risk. This results in damages of £�18,671 to properties and £7,9�6 to agricultural land per year. Almost four kilometres of main road and over eight kilometres of mainline railway lie within the flood risk zone. However, they are elevated. One sewage treatment works also falls within the one per cent outline, as do the SSSIs of Railway Skell West, The Carrs and Redcar Field.

The depth of water is generally under one metre giving an overall low hazard. However, social vulnerability is high.



Action


Maintain and where possible improve take up of flood warning in Newton Aycliffe.

Development of a system asset management plan to plan the long term management of flood defences and channel maintenance programme. Pumped drainage should also be reviewed as part of this process.

Indicator




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> Lower SkernePolicy unit overviewThis policy unit contains the lower reaches of the River Skerne and large urban area of Darlington. We have taken measures in the past to reduce the risk of flooding, such as river restoration and the straightening and deepening of the Skerne. Other main watercourses include West, Baydale and Cocker becks. The main roads of the A1(M), A68 and A167 are within the catchment as are two main railway lines. In recent years there has been much development around the Cocker Beck catchment. Flood banks are in place and there are culverts in and around Darlington, as well as flood warning areas along the Skerne.

Key messagesIssues with the drainage of the river systems.Urban drainage issues are a driver to flood risk here.Increasing flooding in the north of the policy unit may decrease the flood risk downstream.Flooding in the central area of Darlington could significantly affect key transport links.The risk of flooding risk in Darlington is reduced by a diversion channel to the west of the town.There is the opportunity for online storage on West Beck.The risk of flooding and hazard is likely to increase significantly as a result of climate change in the future.

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Strategic visionThe main risks in the unit are centred around the urban area of Darlington. This should be the focus of flood risk activity in order to reduce the high risk of flooding by good river management. In the more rural parts of the unit a policy of encouraging the natural flooding of the flood plain will benefit both the environment and communities with a high risk of flooding such as Darlington.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk within the Lower Skerne lies within Darlington, Haughton-le-Skerne, Cockerton and Faverdale as these areas are natural flood plain. During a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year over 2,�50 people, three per cent of residential properties and eight per cent of commercial properties are at risk. This could result in damage costs of over £2 million to properties and £�,�22 to agriculture. There are also sections of main road and eight gas and electricity assets within the flood zone. Four community assets, three health facilities, one educational facility and one emergency service facility are at risk. A small area of South Park Gardens is at risk. The depth and hazard of flooding is moderate and vulnerability is classed as moderate to low. However, at the confluence of Cocker and West becks there are a number of care homes located and this vulnerability may not be truly reflected here.



Action

Review sewer and drainage capacity in Darlington to relieve pressure on watercourses and drains that are at full capacity. Enhance capacity if economically justifiable.


We will maintain the awareness of professional partners via multi-agency response planning.

Ensure all emergency service buildings, health care buildings and energy utility facilities that are at flood risk have contingency arrangements in place.

Investigate potential for creating online storage on West Beck. Seek to carry out if economically justifiable.


Improve take up of flood warning in Darlington.

Indicator

Progress of drainage and sewer capacity review.


Local authorities with adequately maintained multi-agency flood response plan.

Number of at risk emergency service buildings, health care buildings and energy utility facilities with contingency plans.




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Target

Drainage capacity is reviewed in vulnerable areas and enhanced if it is economically justifiable.

No inappropriate development in the functional flood plain as outlined in PPS25. A multi-agency flood response plan for each local planning authority is drawn up and maintained.

All at risk emergency service buildings, health care buildings and energy utility facilities have contingency plans.

Feasibility and benefit of options are understood and promoted if appropriate.



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> Middle Tees

Policy unit overviewThe policy unit contains highly meandering sections of the Tees, draining the area from east of Croft-on-Tees to Yarm. Flood plains here are wide and flat. The principal urban areas include Yarm, Neasham and Hurworth-on-Tees. The main watercourses are the Tees, Neasham Stell, Picton Stell and Grove Plantation Stell. The A66(T) and A67 run through this unit, as do two railways, gas and electricity stations and community facilities. North of Neasham there is a SSSI – Neasham Fen. Defences are present along the course of the rivers.

Key messages

The main communities at risk are Yarm and Neasham, therefore we are interested in defending these areas.Newbus Grange campsite lies within the flood outline with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. There are a large number of culverts within Yarm which have the potential to be redesigned.Channel maintenance on the smaller watercourses would reduce the build up of debris that can cause blockages on the culverts.Further development in the area would benefit from the assistance of development control.Flood risk and hazard is believed to increase as a result of climate change.

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Strategic visionWithin the Middle Tees the river meanders through its wide flood plain. Flooding here is a natural process and we aim to maximise the benefit of natural flood plain to reduce the risk to the downstream population. The main flood risk areas in the Middle Tees are Neasham and Yarm and these would be the main focus of flood management activities. The optimising of the flood plain will reduce risk to these communities which, coupled with local works, will provide a higher standard of protection, where possible to implement.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk of flooding comes from the River Tees and Neasham Stell at both Neasham and Yarm. Smaller communities along the main watercourses are also at risk. Over four per cent of residential and 28 per cent of commercial properties are at risk from a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. This shows that flooding will have a large impact on the local economy. Flooding leads to over £2 million of property damages and almost £�8,900 of agricultural damage. Additionally, there are 1.16 kilometres of main road, 1.21 kilometres of railway, and two gas and electricity stations at risk. Five community assets also fall within the flood zone, and two SAMs. Flood hazard in the unit is high representing a danger to people exposed to flood waters.



Action

Investigate optimising the offline storage provided by flood banks in order to reduce risk to Neasham and Yarm. Seek to carry out the preferred option if economically justifiable.


New development and redevelopment plans should incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems.

Work with Local Authority to ensure a multi agency flood emergency plan is in place and up to date for the communities of Yarm and Neasham.

Ensure campsite and users are aware of risk of flooding and has emergency response / evacuation plan in place.

Increase flood awareness to improve resilience of isolated properties.

Maintain and where possible improve take up of flood warning.


Carry out investigation of relationship between River Tees and tributaries in this policy unit that flow into it.

Review sewer and drainage structures in Yarm to ensure adequate capacity is in place and flood risk is not exacerbated.

Review options to reduce flood risk in Neasham. Seek to carry out preferred option if economically justifiable.

Indicator

Level of understanding of current benefit provided by flood banks and alternative benefit and economic feasibility of options.


Number of new and redeveloped sites with sustainable urban drainage systems in place.

Local authorities with adequately maintained multi-agency flood response plan.

Operators develop a plan in conjunction with Environment Agency and Local Authority.



Awareness of flood risk and ability to take reactive effective action.

Level of understanding of relationship.

Progress of drainage and sewer capacity review.

Level of understanding of benefit and economic feasibility of options.

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Target

Study is carried out and flood storage is optimised if appropriate.


All new and redeveloped sites have sustainable urban drainage systems in place.

Plan in place.

Emergency plan in place.

All people at risk in isolated properties know how to protect themselves and their property before a flood.

Flood warning take up is maximised.

All people at risk in the flood plain know how to protect themselves in a flood.

Study is carried out and used to inform future cycles of catchment flood management planning.

Drainage capacity and design of drainage structures is reviewed in vulnerable areas and enhanced if it is economically justifiable.

Investigation is carried out and option is carried out if economically justifiable.

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> Potto and Swainby Beck

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit includes the Potto and Swainby Beck which flows north from the Cleveland Hills and is a tributary stream on the east-west course of the River Leven. Main urban areas include Swainby and Potto. The main road in the policy unit is the A172. Contained within the south of the catchment is the North York Moors which are designated as a SSSI, a SAC and a SPA. The watercourse is natural except for some small scale culverting but there are no formal flood banks or defences.

Key messages

The main channel of Potto/Swainby Beck is currently cleared to remove any possible obstructions.Farmland is downstream of the main risk areas.There are areas of woodland to the upstream end of the watercourse.No defences are present in the areas of either Potto or Swainby.Large scale development is unlikely within the main towns.

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Strategic visionThis catchment has a rapid response to flooding as it is susceptible to short intense rainfall. There are large areas of designated environmental land in the upper catchments limiting scope for carrying out work. If defences were proposed they may effect downstream around Stokesley and this needs further consideration. Flood risk needs to be better understood and the work in the short to medium term will focus on gaining a full understanding of the risk associated with the communities of Potto and Swainby.

Summary of flood riskThe main locations of risk within the policy unit are within the villages of Potto and Swainby themselves. Risk to these villages comes from the main watercourse of Potto/Swainby Beck. Of the residential properties, �9 per cent are at risk. Almost �� per cent of commercial properties are at risk. These figures are much larger than those seen in previous policy units. The risk to this many properties results in £188,62� damages to properties and £1,559 to agriculture per year. None of the North York Moors within this policy unit is at risk of flooding.Hazard during all flood events is low with all properties classed within the ‘caution’ category as depths are below half a metre. Social vulnerability is also low in the policy unit.



Action

Carry out more detailed investigation to determine the level of flood risk in Swainby and Potto.




Indicator

Level of understanding of flood risk in Swainby and Potto.




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Target

Extent of flood risk in Swainby and Potto is understood.




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Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan �0

> Stokesley and Great Ayton

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit contains the rivers Leven and Tame. The Leven rises on the northern edge of the Cleveland Hills and flows north then west. Along its east-west course there are several parallel tributaries including Broughton Beck. The Tame joins the Leven at Stokesley then flows northwest to Yarm. Main transport networks include the A19(T), A172 and railway lines meeting at Battersby Junction. The unit is rich in environmental designations including the North York Moors SSSI, SAC and SPA. There are flood warning areas present in Stokesley and Great Ayton.

Key messages

The designation of the uplands restricts upland management opportunities and options.Flood risk to people and property is centred in Stokesley.Maintained diversion channel reduces the risk in Stokesley.There is approximately a 10 per cent increase in people and property at risk due to climate change. This 10 per cent would increase if development is allowed in the catchment.Scope to improve the take up of the flood warnings direct service.

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Strategic visionLarge communities are at risk from flooding. These are protected by a diversion channel around Stokesley. It is key that this is maintained to manage risk now and into the future. Actions will need to be in keeping with the locally environmentally designated sites. This provides an opportunity to address flood risk and deliver improvements to habitat in the upper areas of the catchment.

Summary of flood riskMain risk occurs in Stokesley and Great Ayton, from the Rivers Leven and Tame. There are other properties along the length of the Leven, particularly new developments at Leven Bridge, Hutton Rudby and Cranthorne. Within the policy unit a total of over 17 per cent of residential properties, equating to over 2,100 people, are at risk from a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. Almost �2 per cent of commercial properties are also at risk from the same event. Damages from this are estimated as £1,296,016 to properties and £15,077 to agriculture. A total of �.6 kilometres of roads, including parts of the A172, and 0.95 kilometres of railway are at risk. Three sewage treatment works, four gas and electricity assets, two community services buildings and two emergency services are at risk.



Action



Review options to maintain current level of flood risk to Great Ayton in the long term . Seek to carry out preferred option if economically justifiable.

Carry out study to ascertain exact level of flood risk to Stokesley and review options to ensure it remains adequate. Seek to carry out any improvements if economically justifiable.



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> Tees Mouth and Ingleby Barwick

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit drains from the northeast of Yarm, where the Leven flows into the Tees, to the coast at Tees Mouth. The area has a wide flood plain on low-lying saltmarsh and mudflats. Lower parts of this catchment contain the Tees Barrage, an artificial barrier between the estuary and upstream. There are large amounts of critical infrastructure in the policy unit, as well as environmental designations including Teesmouth and Cleveland Ramsar site and SPA. Flooding is mainly caused by heavy rainfall and tidal surges; Defences are present on the Tees at Preston-on-Tees, Billingham Beck, and along the length of Greatham Creek.

Key messages

This catchment forms part of the Tees Tidal Strategy which is currently being produced.The catchment is tidally dominant.Tees port is a main port in the north of England.Included in the Middlehaven project, and the area is recognised as a regional growth point.The Tees Barrage is located in the unit. It forms a barrier between the Tees Estuary and the upstream catchment. Future sea level rise may lead to the need for greater storage in the system. Significant development pressure, especially around the transporter bridge.

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Strategic visionA full Tees tidal strategy is being developed. It will outline the specific actions that need to be carried out in the area to manage the risk of flooding now and in the future. This includes the provision of new defences at key locations and the protection of important habitat within the estuary. Working with our partners we need to ensure that emergency plans consider the risk of flooding. Through our development control function we need to maximise the benefits of new development without increasing flood risk.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk of flooding comes from the River Tees and is located primarily on the outskirts of Stockton-on-Tees, Eston and Redcar. A flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year would put 2.6 per cent of residential and �.5 per cent of commercial properties at risk. The A66(T) at the Tees Barrage and the A178 combine to a total 5.6� kilometres of road at risk. There are also 5.17 kilometres of railway at risk. Numerous gas and electricity assets, four community service buildings and one emergency service facility also fall within the one per cent outline. The Teesmouth and Cleveland Ramsar site and SPA forms part of the 1.5 square kilometres of environmentally designated sites at risk.Hazard is very high within the unit due to the depths of flooding potentially reaching three metres in some areas – affecting over 2�0 properties. This is exacerbated by the fact that vulnerability is also moderately high.There are problems with tidal flooding and excess run off from the urban land.

Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan ��


Action

Ensure all emergency plans are up to date and consider impact of potential risk to communities from flooding of a site designated under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Act 1999 (COMAH) site.

Deliver actions specified by the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy when finalised.


Indicator

Local Authorities develop multi agency flood response plans and address foreseeable flood risk.COMAH registered sites have flood plans in place.

Progress of implementation of actions from Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy.


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Target

Plans in place.

Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy is implemented.


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Environment Agency River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan ��

> Billingham Beck

Policy unit overviewBillingham Beck is the main watercourse in this policy unit, which drains from Whinney Hill to Norton between Stockton-on-Tees and Billingham. The main urban areas are concentrated around the fringes of Stockton-on-Tees and Stillington. Most of the catchment is Grade three rural agricultural land and land cover is grassland or horticultural. There is limited infrastructure within the area with the exception of a railway line running the width of the unit and gas and electricity stations. Wynyard Park, a Registered Park and Garden is to the east. The only environmentally designated site is Whitton Bridge Pasture SSSI.

Key messages

A small area of woodland is present in the northeast of the catchment.There is scope to increase the amount of upstream storage. In doing this, further wetlands and habitats may be created.By reducing the speed of flows, the risk to properties downstream can be reduced.Introducing crop management could offer benefits locally and downstream to Stockton-on-Tees.Encouraging flood proofing to homes will reduce the impact of flooding.

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Strategic visionWhile the risk of flooding exists throughout the area there is a large concentration of properties to the south of the area in Stockton. We will investigate the potential of using upstream storage to create habitat and manage flood risk. We will encourage homeowners to take action to reduce the risk of flooding to their own property by developing flood resilience and proofing.

Summary of flood riskThe location of properties at risk are Stockton-on-Tees, and isolated properties in Thorpe Thewles, Whitton, Stillington and Bishopton. There are 1.62 per cent of residential and 1.2� per cent of commercial properties at risk from a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring, resulting in relatively low damages of £20�,8�2 to property and £�,1�8 to agricultural land. The only critical infrastructure at risk is one sewage treatment works. The Wynyard Park Registered Park and Garden has 0.17 square kilometres of its area at risk and a small amount of the Whitton Bridge Pastures SSSI is at risk. Although a low proportion of the properties are at risk, hazard to these properties is fairly high with flood depths over one metre in places.



Action

Investigate option of utilising flood storage or wetland creation to help reduce the risk of future flooding at Stockton and elsewhere. Seek to carry out if economically justifiable.


Increase flood awareness to improve resilience of isolated properties.

Ensure flood risk management assets (including culverts) are managed by all operating authorities in accordance with a coordinated strategic asset management plan.

Indicator




Status of strategic management plan for asset maintenance.

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Target

Feasibility and benefit of options are understood and promoted if economically justifiable.



All flood risk management assets (including culverts) are managed by all operating authorities in accordance with a co-ordinated strategic asset management plan.

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> Cowbridge Beck

Policy unit overviewLocated to the north of Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough and to the southwest of Hartlepool this area is a primarily a suburban area. The main watercourse is Cowbridge Beck which runs from the west to the east, draining from Wolvington to east of Billingham. The beck is only a natural watercourse in the upper reaches of its course. Main infrastructure in the unit consists of the A19(T), A689 and the A1185, two sewage treatment works and a number of gas and electricity assets. There are no environmental designations, historical or cultural heritage sites.

Key messages

The risk may be over calculated here due to a freak flood event that occurred as a result of a culvert blockage. There may be an opportunity to redesign culverts and trash screens to reduce risk.The watercourse is heavily affected by surface water flooding.It may be beneficial to investigate the stability of the banks.

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Strategic visionHistorically flooding has occurred in this area due to obstructions within the culverts. We will ensure that a programme for the monitoring and maintenance of the culverts and the associated trash screens is maintained to reduce the risk. Where necessary the upgrading or removal of structures will be considered. We will control development and the potential increase in run off through working with the local planning authority.

Summary of flood riskCowbridge Beck poses the main risk. The location of risk is in the north of Billingham where over ��0 properties are at risk. These properties make up over four per cent of residential and one per cent of commercial properties. One educational facility is at risk. Damages reach £�1�,518 to property, but only £202 to agriculture due to the lack of agricultural land in the policy unit. The majority of the policy unit is affected by low flood hazard - most properties flooding to less than 0.5 metres. However, some properties may reach up to one metre. Social flood vulnerability varies across the unit meaning that certain areas at risk are more vulnerable to the effects of flooding than others.

Environment Agency Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan �6


Action


Investigate condition and design of trash screens and culverts. Carry out improvements if required.

Surface water management plan should be put in place, and include the possibility of providing a flood warning for surface water flooding.

Indicator


Number of culverts and trash screens investigated and recommendations produced.

Status of surface water management plan.

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Target


All culverts and screens assessed.

Surface water management plan is put in place.

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> Greatham Beck

Policy unit overviewThe main watercourses are Greatham Beck which drains from Dalton Piercy to Greatham, and Claxton Beck which drains from High Burntoft to West Meadows. Urban areas include the southwest suburbs of Hartlepool, Greatham, and the smaller communities of Elwick and Embelton. The majority of the unit is rural, with agricultural land classed as Grade three. A large section of the A19(T) runs through this policy unit as does the A689. The Greatham sewage treatment works is located in Greatham to the south of Hartlepool. The small Pike Whin Bog SSSI is to the northwest of the policy unit.

Key messages

There is a tidal defence protecting conservation areas.Crookfoot reservoir is within the area and could be used for additional storage.There is the possibility of creating additional wetland.The risk of flooding and hazard is believed to increase slightly as a result of climate change.

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Strategic visionThe flood risk to property is largely concentrated in the Hartlepool area. There are significant opportunities to utilise upstream storage to reduce flow in the lower areas which could improve flood risk downstream and develop habitat. The location of the reservoir does not allow utilisation for flood storage. We will encourage the use of flood resilience in the community at risk to reduce the impact of flooding.

Summary of flood riskThe main area at risk of flooding is on the southeast fringes of Hartlepool. Here there are a number of residential properties at risk from Greatham Beck. There is also one isolated property in Dalton Piercy. These properties total less than one per cent of the total residential properties. These residential properties receive damages of £26,97� and estimated damages to agriculture are £2,527. There are no commercial properties at risk of flooding from rivers.



Action

IIncrease flood awareness to improve resilience of isolated properties.



New development and redevelopment plans must incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems, especially on Greatham Beck.

Indicator





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> Hartlepool

Policy unit overviewThe main urban centre of Hartlepool is located in this policy unit. The primary watercourse is Burn Valley Beck which drains from the east of Dalton Piercy to Hartlepool Bay, culverted for the final section through Hartlepool. The causes of flooding include heavy rainfall, surface water runoff, tidal surges and culvert blockages. The main road running through the policy unit is the A179 which runs around Hartlepool. There is also a large section of mainline railway following a coastal route.

Key messages

Surface water flooding is believed to be a problem but has not been quantified. Opportunities for additional online storage and also wetland creation on the flood plain.There are several culverts, particularly along the A179 road.There is a known drainage problem on Burn Valley Beck near High Tunstall.The take up the flood warning service needs to be improved.The risk of flooding and hazard is expected to increase as a result of climate change.

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Strategic visionWe will look for opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding currently experienced in Hartlepool. We will draw on the recent integrated urban drainage study to better understand the flood risks and to develop options to address these. Working with our professional partners we will look for locations where flood storage may be implemented. We will also study those structures which may be contributing to the risk of flooding and develop a strategy to, where possible, improve these.

Summary of flood riskThe location of the properties at risk is spread along the length of Burn Valley Beck, but there are notable concentrations of properties at risk in West Park, Throston Grange and Hartlepool city centre, south of the marina. Almost 1,000 residential properties are at risk from a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. This is four per cent of the total residential properties in the policy unit. Almost six per cent of the total commercial properties are at risk. The damages to property reach £1,852,988, with a much smaller amount of £269 to agriculture. In terms of critical infrastructure there are 1.85 kilometres of road, 1.18 kilometres of mainline railway and 1� gas and electricity assets at risk from a one per cent event. Five community service buildings also fall within the flood outline. Flood depths are less than one metre, giving a moderate hazard. However, the social flood vulnerability is high.



Action

Utilise integrated urban drainage pilot action plan to inform strategic asset management plan process, and development of culvert management strategy.

Develop culvert management strategy for Hartlepool that details responsibility for culvert management and considers risks to transport links.

Investigate option of utilising on-line flood storage on Burn Valley Beck to reduce the risk of flooding to downstream areas. Seek to carry out option if economically justifiable.

Carry out investigation of flood risk in High Tunstall area in collaboration with water companies.

Indicator

Level of consideration of integrated urban drainage pilot.

Status of culvert management strategy.


Level of understanding of flood risk in High Tunstall.

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Target

Integrated urban drainage pilot is adequately taken account of.

Culvert management strategy is in place.


Extent of flood risk in High Tunstall is understood.

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> Old River Tees

Policy unit overviewThis policy unit is located to the southeast of the Tees Barrage. It contains part of the urban area of Middlesbrough, and Thornaby-on-Tees. The main watercourse is the tidally influenced Old River Tees, draining from Thornaby-on-Tees to the confluence with the River Tees. The smaller Maltby Beck is also in the catchment. The river is contained in an artificial channel for its length until joining the Tees. The policy unit is mainly urban or suburban, with little agricultural land. The A19(T), A66(T) and A17�(T) are within the area as key infrastructure to Middlesbrough and a railway line runs along the north of the unit.

Key messages

This forms part of the area which will be covered by the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy.There is very little flood plain area.Rising sea levels in the future may lead to the need for greater storage in the system.

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Strategic visionThe Old River Tees area is subject to both tidal and fluvial flooding with the majority of the risk of flooding caused by the tidal flows to the north of the area. The developing Tees Tidal Strategy will outline the actions required to manage the risk of flooding in the north of the area, which will include physical works. To the south there are limited opportunities to reduce flood risk, however it may be possible to encourage the implementation of flood resilience and individual flood protection.

Summary of flood riskThe main risk comes from the Old River Tees and affects commercial properties at Teesside Retail Park. There is also some risk to properties along Maltby Beck at Thornton and Thornton Moor. This is six per cent of the commercial properties and less than one per cent of residential. Damages resulting from this equals £165,018 to property and £619 to the limited agricultural land. There is one kilometre of roads at risk from flooding. The railway line is also shown as being in the flood outline. However, it is elevated so is unlikely to be at risk. Two gas and electricity assets are at risk. Hazard and vulnerability are low within the policy unit, as depths will not exceed 0.5 metres. Social flood vulnerability in the unit is high and this increases the impacts of flooding on the local population.



Action


Ensure emergency flood plans and business continuity plans are up to date.

Increase flood awareness, especially in southern area of policy unit.


Any new development will be required to have run-off reduction measures in place.

Indicator


Local Authorities develop multi agency flood response plans.Teesside Retail Park have a flood response and recovery plan.



Amount of new development that takes place with adequate run-off retention measures.

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Target


Plans in place.

All people at risk in the flood plain know how to protect themselves and their property before a flood.


All new development has run-off reduction measures in place.

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Environment Agency Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan ��

Environment Agency Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan ��

> Middlesbrough Becks

Policy unit overviewThe Middlesbrough becks, including Marton Beck, Middle Beck, Spencer Beck and Ormesby Beck drain through Middlesbrough into the south bank of the Tees and are tide-locked in their lower reaches. All these tributaries have been intensively urbanised particularly through Middlesbrough and long reaches of their channels have been straightened, confined or culverted. Large lengths of main road are within this catchment, including the A66, A171, A172 and A17�, as is the Haltermann Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) site.

Key messages

This forms part of the area covered in the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy area.There are many culverts in this area.Middlesbrough Borough Council maintain most flood structures in this catchment.There is scope to add and improve storage here and it has been proposed in the Middlesbrough Becks project.Development pressure is high.The risk of flooding and hazard is indicated to increase as a result of climate change.

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Strategic visionUrban drainage and urban flooding are key concerns in the Middlesbrough area. Large numbers of properties and people are potentially at risk but solutions are complex as the sources of flooding are varied and the information on the watercourse is limited. Investigation and study of the watercourse will be required to develop a plan to manage the area in order to minimise the risk of flooding. We will use all opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding through implementation of PPS25 guidance in commenting on development schemes in the area.

Summary of flood riskThe location of areas at risk are towards the north where the becks begin to converge with one another and the River Tees. Locations include Marton Grove, North Ormesby, Pallister and Berwick Hills. Over 2.7 per cent of residential, and 7.8 per cent of commercial properties are at risk from a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. Damages reach £1,505,�81 to property but only £1�5 to the limited agricultural land. The A66 and A172 that fall within the flood outline make up 1.�1 kilometres of the road network at risk. Two gas and electricity stations and some community service buildings are at risk. The majority of properties fall into the lowest category of flood hazard in terms of risk to life. Social flood vulnerability however is classed as being high. This means that a flood could be expected to have a greater impact on the population than other comparable areas.



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> Lustrum Beck

Policy unit overviewThe main watercourse is Lustrum Beck and includes the urban area of Stockton-on-Tees. Lustrum Beck flows from east of Darlington to the River Tees. The river flows through dense urbanisation and open areas, with culverts through Stockton-on-Tees. Key infrastructure includes the International Airport, main roads such as the A19, A66 and A67, the mainline railway, Elementis Eaglecliffe COMAH site, five landfill sites and two sewage treatment works. The environmentally designated sites of the Briarcroft Pasture SSSI in the north and Ropner Park gardens fall within this unit.

Key messages

Strategic visionThere are large numbers of people and property at risk at the downstream end of the area, a proposal to reduce the risk of flooding in the area is outlined in the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy. By using the rural land to the west, flows through Stockton-on-Tees may be reduced to limit the risk of flooding. Development pressures in the area will be managed by development control to maximise the benefits of sustainable urban drainage systems and avoid inappropriate development within the catchment.

Summary of flood risk

Properties at risk are located along Lustrum Beck, with continuous stretches between Hartburn and Mount Pleasant. There are other areas within Stockton-on-Tees at high risk. A total of two per cent of residential properties, equating to over 700 properties, and five per cent of commercial properties are at risk of flooding from an event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. Damages reach values of over £2 million to properties and £1,��8 to agriculture. This indicates the high risk nature of the area. There are over two kilometres of main road at risk of flooding. There are only four gas and electricity assets within the flood risk area. During high tides Lustrum Beck is unable to flow freely due to higher water levels in the downstream estuary. This policy unit has some areas of high flood hazard and the potential for flood depths to exceed one metre. Social flood vulnerability is ‘moderate’ through Stockton-on-Tees exacerbating the risk when coupled with the high hazard.

This forms part of the Tees Tidal Strategy area.The river corridor alternates between areas of dense urbanisation and public open spaces.Lustrum Beck cannot discharge to the estuary during periods of high tide. A scheme to address fluvial flooding in the middle and upper reaches of the beck has been developed and is programmed for construction shortly.Future sea level rise may lead to the need for greater storage in the system.A significant amount of transport infrastructure passes through the policy unit.Number of development proposals in the area.

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Strategic action planAction



Investigate option of providing additional flood storage in upper reaches to help reduce the risk of flooding. Seek to carry out option if economically justifiable.


Any new development will be required to have run-off reduction measures in place.

Provide information on improving flood resilience and proofing of individual properties.


Promote the development of a surface water management plan to identify and manage flood risk from surface water flooding.

Investigate in more detail the interaction between the Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Strategy and other fluvial studies.

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Amount of new development that takes place with adequate run-off retention measures.



Status of surface water management plan.

Level of understanding of interaction.

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All new development has run-off reduction measures in place.

All people at risk know how to protect themselves and their property before a flood.


Surface water management plan is put in place.

Interaction is understood and taken account of.

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Consultation and evidence

In order to produce this high level plan we have worked closely with our partners to ensure that we have addressed all the relevant issues that are present in the River Tees CFMP area.

We cannot reduce flood risk on our own. So it was vital that all main organisations and decision-makers in the River Tees CFMP area worked together to plan and take action to reduce the risks and consequences of flooding.

This document outlines the actions that we feel are necessary to manage flood risk now and into the future. In order to reduce risk in the future, all organisations need to consider how they can contribute to delivering these actions.

We would appreciate your comments and feedback on how effective you feel that these actions will be in managing flood risk and what your organisation can do to work with us in delivering these actions.

Evidence baseThis is a summary document of a detailed, technical analysis that provides the evidence base for our decisions. This analysis covers:

background to the CFMP process and how it fits in to the planning process;

details of the physical, environmental and social characteristics of the catchment;

information of the current flood risks to people, property and the environment and how we are currently

managing those risks;

how flood risk may change in the future;

the setting of catchment objectives and the opportunities and constraints in the catchment for flood risk

management;

the policy appraisal process details.

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Key facts


There are almost 23,500 people at risk of flooding in the Tees

catchment, this is three per cent of the total catchment population.

21 per cent of all people at risk of flooding are at high or extreme

hazard, with much of this hazard centred in and around Stockton-

on-Tees and Middlesbrough.

There are over 8,450 homes and 1,230 businesses at risk of

flooding from the rivers within the Tees catchment.

Annual average economic damage to properties, without

defences, is almost £20 million per year.

Flood damage to agricultural land costs an average of

£136,000 per year.

The risk of flooding will increase with climate change

putting more people and property at greater risk.

Would you like to find out more about us, or about your environment?

Then call us on 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8–6)

email [email protected]

or visit our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk

incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (2�hrs)

floodline 0845 988 1188

GENE0608BOEN-E-E

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River Tees Catchment Flood Management...

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