Tadcaster Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) Information Page
Overview
We can't prevent flooding from rivers and streams entirely, but we can reduce the risk of flooding. By working with our partners and people who are at risk, we can minimise it’s effects and reduce the damage it causes.
Welcome to the Tadcaster Flood Alleviation Scheme Information Page.
We have created this page to share information and updates on the planned flood alleviation scheme for Tadcaster. We will continue to add information to this site as the scheme progresses.
We also post information on our Facebook (@TadcasterFAS) and Twitter (@EnvAgencyYNE) pages.
We issue regular newsletters. To request our most recent newsletter in an accessible format, or to be added to the mailing list please email us at tadcasterfas@environment-agency.gov.uk
Our planning application for the FAS is live!
The planning application for our flood alleviation scheme was submitted to North Yorkshire Council in November and is now open for viewing and comment by the public. All the detailed plans and supporting documents can be found online on the North Yorkshire Council planning portal at View and comment on planning applications in your area | North Yorkshire Council using the reference ZG2024/1144/EIA.
The consultation period is open until the 6th January 2025 for this application. Comments can be submitted online through the planning portal or via email at planningcomments.sel@northyorks.gov.uk and remember to include the planning reference number, your name, and your contact address.
Newsletter December 2024
Our latest newsletter is available below, giving details of the drop-in events planned this month, whilst the planning application to North Yorkshire Council is live.
The Consultation Results - July 2023
Please see below the results from the recent public consultation.
https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/yorkshire/tadcaster-flood-alleviation-scheme-proposals
Background
Tadcaster is a brewery town located approximately 12 miles from Leeds and 10 miles from York in the county of North Yorkshire. It is situated on the River Wharfe; the road bridge crossing the river in the centre of the town is a vital route connecting communities on the two sides of the town.
The town’s existing flood defences were constructed in the 1980s, and comprise of a combination of raised embankments and flood walls along both banks of the River Wharfe. There are also a series of washlands upstream and downstream of the town known as Tadcaster Ings. The Ings are designed to store water in order to reduce flood levels and can regularly be seen holding water after periods of high rainfall and river levels.
Whilst these defences have protected the town many times from flooding over the years, more recently the frequency and severity of events have resulted in the town suffering a number of flooding events.
Aerial photograph of flooding in Tadcaster December 2015
Boxing Day 2015
Widespread and substantial rain fell over West and North Yorkshire throughout November and December 2015. Many rivers, including the Wharfe, recorded their highest ever flows by a significant margin during December 2015. On the 25th – 26th December heavy rainfall associated with Storm Eva saw the River Wharfe flowing at Tadcaster reach its highest ever recorded level on the town’s gauge (4.51m) and overtop the town’s existing flood defences. In total 79 properties (36 homes and 43 businesses) in the town were flooded. The flooding and subsequent collapse of Tadcaster Bridge resulted in the closure of the A659 at the bridge, separating the two sides of the town either side of the River Wharfe.
Tadcaster Bridge collapse, December 2015 – image courtesy of David Lindsay Photography
21st February 2022
Between the 15th and 21st February 2022, the impact of storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin were felt across Yorkshire and although the primary concern of the first two storms was strong winds, they came with reasonable volumes of rainfall over a short period. This was followed by storm Franklin, where in some locations an average monthly rainfall fell in a 24–48-hour period. The River Wharfe was one of the catchments impacted and this led to the second highest ever recorded river level at the Tadcaster Gauging Station, peaking at 3.951m (10.499mAOD).
The defenses began to be overwhelmed in Tadcaster from around 4:15am, resulting in water coming over the defenses on the east side and then the west. Water from the river combined with a build-up of surface water and water from the sewers which were at full capacity.
This sadly led to 70 properties and business being directly impacted by the flooding.
Funding a new Flood Alleviation Scheme
We have been working with several other organisations to secure the funding needed to deliver this scheme. So far, we have been allocated £1.7 million from Flood Defence Grant in Aid, £25,000 from North Yorkshire County Council, £1.02 million from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership and in September 2019, a further £9 million from a government fund to better protect communities from flooding. This funding is secured to improve the current flood defences in Tadcaster.
Working with Stakeholders
It is important to us that residents, businesses and land owners have the opportunity to give us their views on the scheme as we develop the project.
We continue to work with other stakeholders including: York and North Yorkshire LEP, North Yorkshire Council, Tadcaster Town Council, the office of Alec Shelbrooke MP, Yorkshire Water, Tadcaster Flood Action Group, and members of the local community including residents and businesses.
High river levels at the repaired Tadcaster road bridge, March 2020 – image courtesy of David Lindsay Photography
Timescale
Following completion of outline designs for the scheme and submission of our planning application, we are now moving into the detailed design phase, with construction likely to begin in 2025. We are currently scheduled to complete work on the flood defences by the end of 2026.
How you can get involved
We always seek to engage with the local community during the development of a scheme to ensure that we listen to and learn from others views. Where possible, we also seek opportunities within the design of our schemes to further enhance the river environment. Engagement will increase as we begin to shape a shortlist of options as we move towards a final design.
We would encourage all interested parties to sign up to our updates by registering your interest at tadcasterfas@environment-agency.gov.uk . We would also encourage you to support any family members, friends or neighbours who cannot access online information, by sharing our updates with them.
We will continue to keep you updated with our plans. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us at tadcasterfas@environment-agency.gov.uk or come and speak to us in person at The Ark on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 12 noon.
Be prepared
Remember that homes and businesses which receive increased protection are still at risk of flooding.
- More Information
Did you find this Information Page useful?
We are keen to find out whether our on-line Information Pages are useful to you, and if this way of keeping you informed is successful.
We very much welcome your feedback on this information page and your feedback will help us to keep improving.
Please click on the link, or download and return the feedback form below.
Audiences
- Recreational and commercial river users
- Members of the public with an interest in the river, the species and conservation
- Businesses
- Members of the public
- Elected representatives, including MPs
- Local councils
- Community groups
- Flood action groups
- Lead Local Flood Authorities
- Town and parish councils
- Regional Flood and Coastal Committees
Interests
- Flood management
- Specific projects, issues, or activity pages
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