Subject: Why SUDS don't work in Burscough
Open letter to members of the Planning Committee from Burscough Flooding Group.
Councillor Gareth Dowling (Chairman)
Councillor Andrew Pritchard (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Iain Ashcroft
Councillor Mrs Pam Baybutt
Councillor Alexander Blundell
Councillor Carl Barry Coughlan
Councillor Vickie Cummins
Councillor Noel Delaney
Councillor Cynthia Dereli
Councillor Terry Devine
Councillor David Evans
Councillor Susan Anne Evans
Councillor Julian Antoni Finch
Councillor David O'Toole
Councillor Edward Pope
Councillor Jane Thompson
Councillor Mrs Marilyn Westley
Councillor Mrs Joan Witter
Dear Councillors,
As you are all aware, both foul and surface water drainage networks in Burscough are known to flood in heavy rainfall due to a lack of capacity in both drainage systems.
That problem's identified in the 2012 local plan and the current neighbourhood plan; no new capacity has been built, therefore, the frequency and severity of flooding which residents report to BFG has increased.
It was once thought to be mainly due to development without SUDS*, however, what is being hidden from residents is that developments like Yew Tree Farm with SUDS have already significantly added to the flooding problems here and how that come about and why the application should be opposed by Councillors is explained following:
“Although the developer appears to intend to restrict runoff to pre-development (greenfield) rates a review of the SUDS Manual CIRIA 2015 section 3 demonstrates that even if the peak flow from developed sites is attenuated so that it does not at any point exceed the greenfield peak flow; the overall volume and duration of flow is still increased.
When a number of developments, such as phase 1 YTF, the nursing home on the A59, Booths, Victoria Park and Ainscough Mill all occur in the same catchment area, the combined effect is to increase the overall peak flow downstream because of the greater total volumes being discharged from each development. This means that the likelihood of flooding downstream still increases despite installation of SUDS.
The NPPF requires that the risk of downstream flooding be considered and unless and until this is adequately addressed, it is contended that the proposals for discharge of surface water in this manner should be rejected.”
As WLBC has recommended that YTF phase 2 (2019/1182/ARM and 2020/0293/CON) go ahead. Are any Councillors able to explain for the benefit of BFG and residents, how YTF phase 2 can possibly go ahead without increasing our downstream flooding problems?
Yours faithfully,
Gavin Rattray - Secretary, Burscough Flooding Group.
*Sustainable Urban Drainage System