NEA - EcoSF3 - Lot 4 - Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme Modelling

The Environment Agency (the client) is progressing a flood alleviation scheme in Hebden Bridge and have been investigating the removal of 5 barriers to fish passage (one on the River Calder, four on Hebden Water) either by fish pass, easement, weir removal, or partial weir removal. The removal of barriers to fish passage will provide mitigation measures or environmental enhancements as part of the flood alleviation scheme.

The Environment Agency have outline designs for modifications to each of the weirs and are now looking to progress the detailed design of Mayroyd Weir (River Calder) only. This is to inform a Listed Building Consent application for modification of this weir and the Water Environment (WFD) Regulations compliance assessment. The Listed Building Consent application will inform a planning permission application submission for the wider scheme and therefore needs to be prioritised. Outputs for the Listed Buildings Consent application are stated below in the Scope. Detailed design of the remaining weirs will be progressed at a later date once planning approval for the wider scheme has been granted.

The Hebden Bridge FAS is at risk of causing a deterioration in status or prevent the objectives of the Water Environment Regulations 2017 (formerly WFD) being met. Modification to Mayroyd Weir (in the form of partial removal and associated upstream benefits from reducing flow impoundment) is considered to be suitable mitigation to prevent the need for a Regulation 19 approval under the WER).