Local Development Framework Consultation

Having inspected the Local Development Framework Plans when they were displayed in Ulverston, I would like to comment on the proposed Ulverston Canal Employment Area where it extends on the North side of the canal.

My concern is that the Planning Dpt. may not be fully aware of the complexities of this site in terms of sea level height, flooding risk and drainage.

Historically, the area between the present A590 and Plumpton would have been covered by sea water when the tide was in. It then became a salt water/peat bog. The area in question was drained in the late 18c when the canal was built. Drainage of the area of Newland to Greenodd took place in the 19c. Much of this area remains at sea level and is protected from ingress of sea water by sea defences and drainage outfall flaps.

Flooding of this area takes place quite regularly for a variety of reasons:-

1. Fresh water, with a considerable amount draining off Hoad Hill, which is unable to drain away fast enough.

2. On a high tide, the outfall flaps close, and fresh water then builds up on the land. In the area in question, it is the ‘back drain’, exiting near Canal Foot, which is the significant one.

3. Very occasionally (In the past, about every 50 years or so), a surge tide and easterly wind will cause the sea to break through the defences. This last happened in 2002, when the defences were breached near Greenodd, and a wave of water came through the area reaching as far as Next Ness.

I have enclosed some photographs taken from Hoad Hill during the Winter of 2006/7 showing fresh water flooding, the extent of which is not abnormal during winter time.
Please note the ‘Cater-Kwik’ building, which is often surrounded by water at that time of year, and consequently has had to build a raised car park area. Although not in the aforementioned area, it is very close and lies at approximately the same height.
I have discussed all the above points with Elizabeth Scott Clarke at the time of viewing the plans.

I trust that they will be fully taken into consideration when the Local Development Plans are considered.

Incidentally, the ‘Glass works’ shown on the map is incorrectly positioned. It lies on the southern edge of Booths roundabout, adjacent to the canal.

Ulverston PO12

My concern is that the Planning Dpt. may not be fully aware of the complexities of this site in terms of sea level height, flooding risk and drainage.

Historically, the area between the present A590 and Plumpton would have been covered by sea water when the tide was in. It then became a salt water/peat bog. The area in question was drained in the late 18c when the canal was built. Drainage of the area of Newland to Greenodd took place in the 19c. Much of this area remains at sea level and is protected from ingress of sea water by sea defences and drainage outfall flaps.

Flooding of this area takes place quite regularly for a variety of reasons:-

1. Fresh water, with a considerable amount draining off Hoad Hill, which is unable to drain away fast enough.

2. On a high tide, the outfall flaps close, and fresh water then builds up on the land. In the area in question, it is the ‘back drain’, exiting near Canal Foot, which is the significant one.

3. Very occasionally (In the past, about every 50 years or so), a surge tide and easterly wind will cause the sea to break through the defences. This last happened in 2002, when the defences were breached near Greenodd, and a wave of water came through the area reaching as far as Next Ness.

I have enclosed some photographs taken from Hoad Hill during the Winter of 2006/7 showing fresh water flooding, the extent of which is not abnormal during winter time.
Please note the ‘Cater-Kwik’ building, which is often surrounded by water at that time of year, and consequently has had to build a raised car park area. Although not in the aforementioned area, it is very close and lies at approximately the same height.
I have discussed all the above points with Elizabeth Scott Clarke at the time of viewing the plans.

I trust that they will be fully taken into consideration when the Local Development Plans are considered.

Incidentally, the ‘Glass works’ shown on the map is incorrectly positioned. It lies on the southern edge of Booths roundabout, adjacent to the canal.