Information on this page has been provided by the Environment Agency and was correct at the time of upload. The Flood Hub is not responsible for any information held on this page.
Appleby-in-Westmorland is an historic market town which hosts a range of residential and non-residential properties. Appleby Town Centre is at risk from flooding both as a result of overtopping of the riverside defences and from surcharging of Doomgate Culvert. The town has a history of flooding and was severely affected by Storm Desmond in 2015 when around 170 properties were flooded.
There are several historic records of flooding in Appleby, most recently in 2005, 2009, 2015 and February 2020.
Following the 2015 flooding the Environment Agency (EA) has been trying to develop a scheme to reduce flood risk in the town.
When flows in the Eden are high, water cannot leave Doomgate culvert causing a backup within the pipe network resulting in surcharge of water through the manholes in Holme St. When levels on the Eden are high for long periods of time, water starts to flood lower lying properties in Holme St. and Chapel St.
This mechanism is the most frequent source of flooding for this area of the town.
The Environment Agency are required to follow Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Appraisal Guidance (FCERM AG). This process identifies the most economically viable option, and this represents the best option for spending taxpayers money. The appraisal process identified that the pumping station is the only option that was viable within this guidance. The FCERM AG is available online for review FCERM appraisal guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The scheme reduces risk from surcharging of the Doomgate culvert. This option provides a 1.33% (1 in 75) standard of protection to the Town Centre and reduces flood risk to 64 properties. The benefits of the scheme have been quantified and a detailed cost/benefit analysis has been completed as part of our work in developing the scheme. Over the period of the asset’s lifespan, it is anticipated that the benefits total approximately £21,000,000. The quantifiable damages are obtained by assessing the costs associated with direct damages (and subsequent repair costs) to:
In addition to this, there are indirect damages such as:
This is not an exhaustive list and other factors are considered when calculating the benefits that the scheme provides.
As a result of the scheme, the Environment Agency expect to see much less frequent surcharging of the Doomgate culvert and therefore flooding from manholes. This flood water has the potential to flood peoples’ homes and businesses which leads to high repair costs and potentially long-lasting damage to mental health. This flooding affects properties around Holme Street, Chapel Street, Doomgate, High Weind, Low Weind and Bridge Street as well as local infrastructure. Additionally, with the pumping station in place and operating – these roads would still be useable by residents who require access to their homes & businesses. They might not otherwise be able to do this without the pumping station as the roads could be flooded and unsafe to drive through.
This scheme doesn’t reduce risk from other sources (i.e. River Eden) but does mean that the town centre is protected to the same level from both mechanisms, bringing the town to the same standard of protection (parity). The scheme promotes a proactive response to managing flood risk as opposed to a reactive approach which is what the town currently relies on.
The construction programme for Appleby Town Centre Flood Risk Management Scheme – Doomgate Culvert will be 20 months in duration. The current planned start date is April 2024, with programmed completion in Winter 2025. It should be noted that the final 3 months of this programme will be testing and commission with minimal site staff and removal of the main site establishment areas.
The works will be undertaken in 4 discrete areas which are shown on the following image. Area 5 (not shown on the following image) is the site office compound which is located adjacent to Appleby Leisure Centre.
The following sections describe the works to be carried out and the traffic management requirements for each area. There is further information within the FAQ’s section relating to the construction programme and any impact.
Image showing the approximate location of works (click to expand)
Utility Diversions
The Environment Agency are working with Electricity Northwest Ltd, Northern Gas Network, and United Utilities (UU) as their services need to be redirected before works commence.
Holme Street Phases 1 & 2
The first phase of utility diversions was completed in September 2023, with the second phase due to commence in Holme Street on 19th February 2024. This includes United Utilities connections for approximately 1 week, followed by Northern Gas for approximately 3-4 weeks. The Environment Agency with endeavour to maintain access to all businesses.
Whilst a full road closure is not required, there will be some temporary traffic management in place in the form of 4-way traffic control signals to undertake the works. An indicative layout is detailed below:
Chapel Street
The utility diversions in Chapel Street are due to commence towards the end of March following the completion of the second phase of the Holme Street works and will take approximately 3-4 weeks. The works comprise of the diversions of a combined sewer and a water main to allow space to install the new chambers for the flood risk management scheme. Due to the location of these assets, an area of Chapel Street will need to be closed to vehicles. The Environment Agency will endeavour to maintain access to all businesses.
Work Areas
To safeguard both members of the public and the Environment Agency’s operatives, it is necessary to have TM plans in place. To maintain traffic flow around Appleby, the Environment Agency will implement specific plans for different construction activities. These plans ensure all works are carried out safely and securely for both the public and the Environment Agency’s staff whilst minimising inconvenience.
The following durations are indicative and exact dates will be confirmed following contract award and confirmation of the construction start date. A number of factors can accelerate or delay construction progress. If there is any change in the programme delivery, the Environment Agency will communicate this as soon as identified.
This plan shows how traffic will be managed along Holme Street, Chapel Street and Doomgate via a 3-way traffic light system. This system is necessary in order for us to construct the new interceptor chamber and complete the open cut culvert connections in Holme Street. The Environment Agency anticipate that these works will take approximately 5 weeks to complete, and the TM will remain in place for the duration. There are no impacts on public footpaths in this area.
This plan shows how traffic will be managed along Holme Street, Chapel Street and Doomgate via a 3-way traffic light system. This system is necessary in order for us to construct the overflow chamber and drive shaft in Holme Street.
The drive shaft will facilitate the tunnelling of the new culvert on Chapel Street. A section of Chapel Street will therefore be closed for approximately 2.5 weeks to install the shaft. Access and two-way traffic arrangements will be maintained up to Pigney’s garage. Traffic lights and the arrangement shown above will be in place until the tunnelling is complete in this area.
There are no impacts on public footpaths in this area.
This plan shows how traffic will be managed along Chapel Street with an implemented one-way system in place. During this time on street parking in the location shown will be suspended. The one-way system and suspension of parking is necessary whilst the micro tunnelling of the new culvert is underway. The Environment Agency anticipate that these traffic management arrangements will be in place for approximately 7 weeks.
The area on Holme Street highlighted above will be managed via a 2-way traffic light system whilst these works are ongoing.
Access to all businesses along Chapel Street is maintained throughout this period. Footpaths will remain open except for the area adjacent to Broad Close car park.
This plan shows how traffic will be managed during a partial road closure on Chapel Street close to Broad Close Car Park. The partial closure is necessary whilst the reception chamber reduction works are carried out. A fully signposted diversion route will be implemented and access to the north of Chapel Street will be maintained, with Low Wiend becoming a two way system operated by temporary traffic lights. Works will then progress to constructing the gravity main at the downstream stretch between Chapel Street and Holme Street, connecting into the existing manhole.
The Environment Agency anticipate that these works will take approximately 4 weeks to complete, and the traffic management will remain in place for the duration. There are no impacts on public footpaths in this area.
Following completion of the chamber reduction works and necessary reinstatement, Chapel Street will be returned to its normal state and will operate as usual. There will be a partial road closure along Holme Street in order to complete the downstream connection with the manhole in this area. Access will be maintained for residents along Holme Street and Holme Court.
The Environment Agency anticipate that these works will take approximately 1 week to complete, and the traffic management will remain in place for the duration.
Once connection to the manhole is complete, there will be a further period of single lane closures and associated traffic management to allow construction of the collection chamber and the upstream pipework. This will be managed via a 4-way traffic light system at the interface between Chapel Street, Holme Street and Doomgate.
The Environment Agency anticipate that these works will take approximately 4 weeks to complete, and the traffic management will remain in place for the duration.
This plans shows the traffic management arrangements for the construction and installation of the new flap valve chamber/penstock close to the entrance of Holme Court. Works will also involve overpumping of flows in this area. Access for residents of Holme Court will be maintained throughout the duration of these works.
The Environment Agency anticipate that these works will take approximately 3 weeks to complete, and the traffic management will remain in place for the duration.
1. Chapel Street Works – Intermediate chamber and reception shaft
Micro-tunnelling is a process that uses a remotely controlled micro-tunnel boring machine combined with the pipe jacking technique to install pipelines underground. It is currently the most accurate pipeline installation method; it avoids the need to have long stretches of an open trench for pipe laying which can cause extreme disruption to the community.
Micro-tunnelling the new culvert will reduce disruption for the community, it has a faster rate of installation compared to an open cut trench solution. The disruption to traffic is also minimised as the works are completed underground meaning the working area above is reduced.
Micro-tunnelling is the preferred method due to this process having minimal noise and vibration. As a result of the micro-tunnelling, there is no risk to the adjacent properties in terms of settlement. This is a well established construction method for use in town centres where space is limited.
Stage 1 – Micro-tunnelling set-up
Stage 2 – Commencement of jacking from drive shaft
Stage 3 – Tunnel boring machine reaches reception shaft
2. Holme Street – Overflow chamber and drive shaft including Lower Holme Street chamber
A new 3.6m diameter overflow chamber will be constructed offline of the Doomgate culvert.
3. Broad Close car park – Pumping station and control buildings
CFA stands for Continuous flight auguring, and is a technique used in construction to create concrete foundations. Being almost vibration free, it is one of the quietest forms of piling which makes it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas. It is suited to a range of different ground conditions and installation is quick compared to other pile types. They are suitable for a wide range of challenging ground conditions, such as the alluvial ground (historic river deposits) at Appleby.
The piles are constructed by rotating a hollow stem auger into the soil to a specified depth. Concrete is pumped through the stem, to fill the cavity created as the auger is slowly removed. The reinforcement cage is placed in the concrete.
CFA installation process
Illustration showing CFA piled foundation for control building and pumping station purposes
Appleby control building visualisation
Broad Close car park will be unavailable for the majority of the Environment Agency’s works (17 months) although the public toilets will remain open, and access will be maintained for the duration of the works, if it safe to do so. The Environment Agency will explore the potential to complete a staged handover of car parking spaces as the programme and health and safety allows.
4. New Eden outfall and culvert
The River Eden is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Due to its designations, the Environment Agency are restricted to an ‘in-river’ working window which begins in June and finishes at the end of September. The new outfall will be constructed during this period in 2024.
To find out more about the River Eden’s SAC and SSI designations follow this link: European Site Conservation Objectives for River Eden SAC – UK0012643 (naturalengland.org.uk)
In order for us to construct the new outfall, a short section of the footpath on this section of the river will be closed for the duration of the works, which the Environment Agency anticipate will take approximately 3 months to complete.
Image showing the diversion route which will be in place for the construction of the new outfall
This plan shows how the Environment Agency will implement a temporary footpath diversion to enable construction of the new outlet structure into the River Eden.
Approximate dates for this work are in line with the in-river working window. This is currently planned for June-September 2025.
VolkerStevin Site Compound Plan
The plan shows the VolkerStevin site compounds proposed location next to the swimming pool. Welfare cabins and offices will be installed, and the area will accommodate staff parking with approximately 15 spaces provided.
The Environment Agency will endeavour to retain the Cherry Tree within the site compound area. If all measures are employed and the Environment Agency are unable to retain the tree, it will be removed. In line with the Environment Agency’s planning application, 5 other trees will be planted each with a 5-year aftercare programme to ensure their survival.
All other trees located within the site compound area are subject to tree protection measures and will be retained.
A short footpath closure will be in place for the duration of the scheme which can be seen on the map below. The riverside footpath around the back of the swimming pool and site compound will remain open. Access to the cricket club will be maintained and the swimming pool will have arranged maintenance access through the site compound.
Image showing the short section of footpath which will be closed for the duration of the scheme
The Environment Agency also have a detailed landscape masterplan that outlines the enhancements the Environment Agency will be providing as part of the scheme. This includes:
Landscaping Plan
Prior to works commencing, the Environment Agency have instructed Brown Rural (Chartered Surveyors) to undertake some pre-entry condition surveys of various properties and buildings in the vicinity of the construction working area. This includes, but is not limited to, properties near to the works, or on the construction traffic routes around the town. This will enable the Environment Agency to record the pre-existing condition of the property both externally and internally, so in the unlikely event that any damage was caused by the works and associated vehicles, this could be clearly identified. This will be for the benefit of both parties, and in the very unlikely event that this did occur, you would need to contact either The Environment Agency or Brown Rural so that a further inspection could be arranged.
Brown Rural have begun issuing letters to properties which fall within the required survey area. Your assistance with this element of the scheme will be greatly appreciated. If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact Brown Rural directly. The Environment Agency project inbox is also open for any further queries: applebyfrms@environment-agency.gov.uk.
1. What will happen to the recycling facilities? Will the toilet facilities in Broad Close car park be available during the construction phase?
Access to the toilet facilities in Broad Close car park will be maintained on a best endeavours basis. There may be occasions when the toilets are temporarily out of access as a result of specific construction activities, but the Environment Agency will minimise this as much as possible.
Recycling facilities will be temporarily moved out of Broad Close car park. They will be relocated on Westmorland and Furness Council (W&F council) land adjacent to the Heritage Centre near the train station. The long-term destination of the recycling centre is something that the Environment Agency will seek to confirm with W&F Council. It could be that maximising available parking spaces following construction is seen as more important than having the recycling facilities in Broad Close car park.
2. What impact will the construction work have on car parking? Will there be fewer parking spaces on completion?
Broad Close car park will be entirely closed for much of the construction programme. Car parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable due to the occupation of Broad Close Car Park for approximately 17 months during the construction period. However, the Environment Agency will look to complete a staged handover of car parking spaces as the programme & health and safety allows. The Environment Agency’s current assumption is that there will be a reduction from 61 to 45 standard bays with the existing 3 disability bays and 3 motorcycle bays to remain. This is based on W&F Council making the decision to return the recycling centre to Broad Close car park following completion of the project as described in FAQ 1. If W&F Council decide to permanently relocate the recycling centre, there will be a reduction from 61 to 52 standard bays with the existing 3 disability bays and 3 motorcycle bays to remain.
Parking along the section of Chapel Street from Broad Close car park entrance to Chapel Street will be impacted at times during the construction programme. Similarly, there will be periods when parking on parts of Holme Street will be impacted. Please refer to the traffic management section for further information.
3. Will additional car parking be provided during construction?
The Environment Agency are assessing options for additional parking whilst Broad Close car park is temporarily unavailable. The Environment Agency are currently producing a shortlist of available options for additional parking. As soon as any of these locations are confirmed – the Environment Agency will update this page accordingly.
4. What impact will the construction work have on footpaths and access to King George V playing field and around the swimming baths?
A short section of the existing public footpath along the edge of the river between Holme St. and King George V playing field will be temporarily closed and a diversion route established (refer to the traffic management section on The Flood Hub page for further information). The path on King George V playing field and the playground will remain open.
The footpath between the swimming pool and the cricket pitch will be temporarily closed and a diversion set up to take people along the existing river side path.
5. Have you considered all possible options to reduce flood risk?
Following the 2015 flooding the Environment Agency has been developing a project to reduce flood risk in the town. The EA are required to follow Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Appraisal Guidance (FCERM AG). This process identifies the most economically viable option, and this represents the best option for spending taxpayers’ money. The appraisal process identified that the pumping station is the only option that was viable within this guidance. The FCERM AG is available online for review FCERM appraisal guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Through the appraisal process, a long list of potential options is developed which is then refined to a short-list from which a preferred option is identified. The long list included options such as upstream storage and raising existing flood defences within the town.
The preferred option (identified during the appraisal process) involves the installation of a pumping station and associated pipework and outfall for Doomgate Culvert. Other options identified were not viable due to economic and technical constraints.
This mechanism is the most frequent source of flooding for this area of the town. This scheme ensures that the town centre is protected to the same level from both flooding mechanisms, bringing the town centre to the same standard of protection (parity). The scheme promotes a proactive response to managing flood risk as opposed to a reactive operational response, which is what the town currently relies on.
6. Have you considered other locations for the pumping station? Why Broad Close car park?
Broad Close car park is the most suitable place the Environment Agency can fit the pumping station (there is not enough room at the end of Holme Street and the Environment Agency can’t construct at the site of the existing pumping station as it pumps a United Utilities combined sewer overflow).
7. What is the impact on businesses during construction?
The information contained within this Flood Hub page provides detail that have answered specific queries from residents and businesses. The Environment Agency acknowledge that there are more generalised concerns around the overall impact to businesses as a result of the project. The Environment Agency have assessed that impact to businesses will be minimal due to the following:
8. Did the scheme go through the planning process?
Two applications were approved by Eden District Council in relation to this scheme.
Application 21/0869 is for the main scheme and was approved in January 2021. It includes all the associated plans, statements, and drawings etc.
The recently determined application 22/0713 is for a secondary compound on land adjacent to the swimming pool in Appleby, as such it doesn’t have information related to the main scheme application.
These applications were considered by Eden District Council based on the planning related aspects. There are other aspects of the scheme such as the structures in the road and diversion works etc. that don’t need to go through the development planning process and as such are not included in the planning applications.
The planning authority considers the development planning aspects on their merit in context of national and local planning policy. The details the Environment Agency supplied in support of the planning applications were the details as the Environment Agency understood them at the time. As the project has developed the understanding of how the Environment Agency will deliver aspects of the scheme has changed.
9. Why has the duration of the construction programme increased?
The shortest programme the Environment Agency have assessed was 9 months at the early planning stages. The previous 9-month estimate was based on the Environment Agency’s initial construction programme which was proportionately detailed to the stage of the project. The previous programme identified a series of tasks that could be undertaken in parallel. Since that time, the Environment Agency have further developed the design and have a better understanding of the construction methodologies. It is now clear that given space constraints, construction activities need to be undertaken in sequence. This has resulted in an increase in the duration of the construction programme.
10. Will any trees be cut down as part of this scheme? And what are the proposed enhancements/mitigations?
A cherry tree in the centre of the secondary compound may need to be removed but the Environment Agency will endeavour to retain this subject to the practicalities and health and safety implications.
Where there is a need to remove trees, the Environment Agency will be replacing them on a 5 to 1 basis, with a 5-year aftercare programme to ensure that they survive. Please refer to the Landscaping and enhancements section on the Flood Hub page for further information.
11. Will the Fire Service be able to operate during the construction of the scheme?
Access to the fire station will be temporarily impacted (3 weeks) by the road closure on Holme Street. The Environment Agency will work with the Fire Service so that they can develop a suitable plan to provide the service required to the town and wider community during this period.
12. What additional Environment Agency work is taking place prior to main scheme?
The Environment Agency have completed two smaller projects in the vicinity of the Leisure Centre. These works were complete in Summer 2023.
In order to facilitate construction of the main scheme, services (utilities like water, gas, power) will need to be diverted in Chapel Street and Holme St. These works need to happen ahead of the main scheme. The Environment Agency are working with the service providers to complete this. Please refer to the Utility Divisions section for further information.
13. What will your working hours be?
Working hours will be from 07:30 – 18:00, with the first half an hour being used for morning briefings. Site works and construction activities will therefore be restricted to 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday. Works on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays will be avoided, except in emergencies or as otherwise agreed in advance with Westmorland and Furness Council.
14. Is there a process to compensate businesses impacted by the scheme?
Yes, this is available upon request. Please email applebyfrms@environment-agency.gov.uk to request this information.
15. How are you going to share information about the scheme?
The Flood Hub page will continue to be updated with any relevant information throughout the duration of the scheme.
Any specific queries can be sent to applebyfrms@environment-agency.gov.uk.
16. How will roads be affected by the scheme?
Different roads are under traffic management for different periods of time at different times in the wider programme, this isn’t a continuous closure. Controlled access will be maintained for all residents and businesses. The Environment Agency will never remove access entirely for residents in the town. Whilst the Environment Agency’s programme is 20 months long, they do not anticipate large volumes of construction traffic. The programme is linear and does not involve large quantities of materials that need to be brought into the town. Most of the Environment Agency’s programme involves specialist equipment which needs to be brought to site once and taken away once.
Please refer to the traffic management section on The Flood Hub page for further information regarding the specific impact on the road network.
17. Is the scheme economically viable?
Construction projects are often complicated and expensive. The Doomgate pumping station project has been subject to the cost inflation pressures that many construction projects have experienced recently. As cost increases it can reduce the cost benefit ratio such that a project ceases to be cost beneficial and Treasury rules mean that the project cannot progress, the costs outweigh the benefits. At present the Doomgate pumping station project is viable (meaning the benefits outweigh the costs) but prior to entering into a construction contract, another cost estimate is required. The result of the cost estimate will be key to viability of the project and whether or not the project can progress through to construction.
18. Why is the secondary compound being located where it is?
As the Environment Agency finalised the detailed design, it became apparent that more space than was available in Broad Close car park would be required. Additional space was required in order to undertake the construction work and accommodate staff parking and cabins, so it started to look at alternative locations. Inquiries were made with the land owner (W&F Council) to use the land adjacent to the Broad Close car park on King George V playing field, due to its close proximity to the work. The Environment Agency were informed that this option was not acceptable and W&F Council identified an alternative site on land they owned adjacent to the swimming pool. This site was able to accommodate what was required and was taken through the planning process.
