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

Newsletter October 2024 

Our latest newsletter is available below, giving an update on scheme progress. 

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

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 25^th – 26^th 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.