A REVISED planning application to build a new pumping station in Kendal as part of the town’s multi-million-pound flood defence scheme is set to be submitted this spring.
Residents in Kendal are being asked for their feedback on the revised planning application that is being submitted to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) for the design of Stock Beck Pumping Station and the Linear Flood Defences in Gooseholme Park.
As part of the £76million Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, planning permission for an outline design for the pumping station and flood defences in Gooseholme Park was originally granted in June 2019.
But, following further investigations, assessments and design development since the original outline design of the pumping station affecting its size, position and operation, it is now necessary to submit a new application to SLDC, according to EA.
EA has submitted a scoping opinion request to SLDC ahead of the application’s submission.
Documents describe the proposed work as follows: “Construction of new pumping station, demolition of existing kiosk, erection of Motor Control Centre and electricity substation, linear defences in Reach F4, new outfall to River Kent and new hardstanding areas within Gooseholme Park.”
The pumping station is designed to pump water from Stock Beck to the River Kent to prevent flooding and with plans to increase the flow rate to 1.5m3 /s from 1m3, EA states in the documents that the motor control centre building and electrical substation are ‘now required to support the power supply to the pumps’.
Among the revised plans is the proposal to create a new ‘fish friendly’ pump system, gravel bedding to the existing culvert, to create small ponds for fish and aquatic life to rest in and eel tiles, which allows eels to climb upstream.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for Cumbria said: “The Environment Agency will be submitting a new planning application this spring, covering changes to the design of the Stock Beck Pumping Station in Gooseholme, Kendal. The updated design, based on a number of further developments, will cover how the pumping station works, its size and its position. As well as proposed improvements to the landscaping of the area.
“We are seeking initial public feedback on these proposals before the planning is submitted and an information pack with plans and visualisations outlining our proposals can be found on www.thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal.
“There will also be a further opportunity for members of the public to feedback as part of the formal planning permission consultation period once the application has been made to South Lakeland District Council.”
The consultation will run until May 13, 2022.
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