· Web viewNON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY Introduction Knowsley Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (The Act), commissioned Merseyside Environmental

Environmental Report

KNOWSLEYLOCAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

KNOWSLEY METROPOLITAN COUNCILOctober 2014

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CONTENTS1. Introduction 52. Methodology 93. Review of Plans, Policies and Programmes and Baseline Information 114. SEA Framework and Sefton LFRMS 155. SEA Findings 176. Recommendations 197. Monitoring 218. Conclusion and Next Steps 23

List of TablesTable 1 – Requirements of the SEA Directive 7Table 2 – Stages of the SEA process 9Table 3 – List of Relevant Plans and Programmes 11Table 4 – Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues 13Table 5 – SEA Objectives 15Table 6 – Assessment Matrix 15Table 7 – Local objectives and associated measures of the Knowsley LFRMS 16Table 8 – Summary of assessment for the emerging draft LFRMS 18Table 9 – Proposed indicators for monitoring 21Table 10 – Sites of environmental importance 36Table 11 – Drainage infrastructure with restricted capacity 38Table 12 – Locations at risk of surface water flooding 38Table 13 – Locations at risk of flooding from watercourses 39Table 14 – Status of waterbodies in the North West 40Table 15 – Status of waterbodies in the Alt Crossens catchment 40Table 16 – Biological river quality 40Table 17 – Chemical river quality 41Table 18 – Age profile of Knowsley’s population 41Table 19 – Per capita CO2 emissions 41Table 20 – Renewable energy installations 45

List of FiguresFigure 1 – Knowsley location plan 5

List of AppendicesAppendix A - Consultation Comments Received 24Appendix B - Updated Review of Other Plan, Policies and Programme 25Appendix C - Updated Baseline Information 36Appendix D - SEA Objectives Compatibility Test 47Appendix E - SEA Matrices for the Knowsley LFRMS 48Appendix F - Strategic Environmental Assessment Framework 55Appendix G - List of References 57

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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

IntroductionKnowsley Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (The Act), commissioned Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of their draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS). The Act places a duty on Knowsley to develop a strategy for local flood risk management. The aim of the SEA process is to identify and assess the potential environmental effects from the implementation of the draft LFRMS.

The aim of the SEA process is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment. The assessment will evaluate the environmental effects resulting from implementation of the draft LFRMS on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage and landscape.

The administrative boundary of Knowsley covers an area of approximately 8620 ha of which 54% is designated as Green Belt. Knowsley is part of the Merseyside conurbation, between the city of Liverpool to the west and St. Helens to the east. Sefton and West Lancashire districts lie to the north while Halton district lies to the south.

Methodology and ApproachSEA is a statutory assessment process under the SEA Regulations and requires that an assessment be made of the effects that certain plans and programmes will have on the environment. Knowsley came to the decision that the draft LFRMS should be subject to SEA. The SEA was undertaken in line with current best practice and follows Government guidance. The process consist of five stages namely; Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding the scope; Develop options and assess environmental effects; Preparation of an environmental report; Consultation; and Monitoring significant effects

Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding the scopeThe first stage of the SEA process involves identifying the current environmental characteristics within the Borough, formulating a list of environmental objectives, review of relevant plans, programmes and policies and the preparation of a scoping report for consultation with the three statutory consultees which are Natural England, Environment Agency and English Heritage.

Environmental data was obtained from a number of reports all of which are referenced at appendix G within the main environmental report. The collection of baseline environmental information shows the following:

Knowsley has no European designated nature conservation sites or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are 65 Local Wildlife Sites, 5 Local Geological Sites and one Local Nature Reserve;

Knowsley lies within the catchment of the Alt and the River Mersey. The main source of flooding is associated with fluvial flooding from the Alt, Knowsley Brook, Croxteth Brook Kirkby Brook, Court Hey Brook and Logwood Mill Brook. There are also recorded instances of surface water flooding and flooding from sewers;

The population in 2011 was recorded by census as145,900, reflecting a period of relative stability after an extended period of decline;

Knowsley has generally good air quality and no designated Air Quality Management Areas; Knowsley is a mixed urban and open landscape with high quality open spaces and best and most versatile

farmland within the half of the Borough designated as green belt; There is a legacy of contamination arising from historical industrial development; Knowsley has material assets including a range of health, education and community facilities and significant

infrastructure including transport, waste, and telecommunication. The borough consist of a network of green infrastructure; and

Knowsley has significant heritage assets, designated and not designated, including a number of listed buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Parks and Gardens

The environmental baseline information is used to identify whether there are any environmental and sustainability issues within the Borough. The environmental issues, once identified from the baseline are then used to develop a list of environmental objectives (also known as SEA Objectives) and indicators for monitoring. Essentially, the process involves assessing how the implementation of the draft LFRMS will affect the SEA Objectives i.e. negatively or positively. The following environmental and sustainability issues were identified within Knowsley:

The natural environment must be protected and enhanced; A need to protect water resources; High level of localised flood risk in localised and urban areas; The health and well-being of the population; Climate change; Residential, commercial and other development currently located in areas of flooding; and Large number of heritage assets

As part of the SEA scoping, the regulations requires that consideration should be given to relationship between the strategy and other relevant plans, programmes and policies so as to better understand the wider framework influencing the choice of

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actions available to the draft LFRMS. The review confirms that there are no policies, plans, programmes or objectives that have a direct conflict of interest with the objectives of the draft LFRMS.

The scoping report was submitted to the statutory consultees for a five week consultation. The consultation responses did not raise any significant issues but, in some cases, adjustments were made to the SEA to respond to them. Consultation on the completed Strategy and Environmental Report will also be undertaken and provides a further opportunity for adjustments to be made. Details of the scoping consultation responses can be found in Appendix A to the main environmental report. The remaining stages involve the assessment of effects, reporting and consultation and monitoring.

Developing Options and Assessing Effects This is the main stage of the SEA process. The process was undertaken using a series of assessment matrices which involved assessing the objectives of the draft LFRMS against the SEA Objectives. The appraisal consider the beneficial and adverse, secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary effects of implementing the Strategy and identify and propose mitigation measures where appropriate.

The assessment demonstrates that the draft LFRMS will generally have positive effects on the environment. In particular, the assessment shows that the draft LFRMS will have a significant positive effect on SEA Objective 1 – Flood Risk and SEA Objective 8 – Infrastructure, Properties and Businesses. This is because the main aims of the LFRMS is to manage local flood risk to people and property through implementing a range of regulatory procedures, preventative measures and intervention actions, as well as incorporating sustainable, environmental and social improvement alongside the flood risk management duties for Knowsley.

No likely significant negative effects on the environment were identified. This was due to the intended outcome of implementing the draft LFRMS which will result in a reduction in flooding within Knowsley and the associated resulting indirect benefits resulting from a reduction in flood risk to the natural and built environment.

Recommendations for MitigationNo negative effects were identified that require specific mitigation, though it is noted that the implementation of measures arising from the Strategy may have localised effects on the environment that require management and which will need to be addressed as these measures are brought forward. A number of suggestions have been made to reinforce the positive environmental effects of the Strategy to enable the objectives of the draft LFRMS to contribute to wider environmental benefits. The recommendations mainly relate to the dissemination of information and advice to increase the level of awareness and preparedness of flood and coastal erosion risk and the wider environmental benefits linked to managing flood risk to businesses, residents and landowners. However, the detailed implementation of measures arising from the strategy will require the application of appropriate technical expertise to ensure that any further negative environment impacts arising are identified and addressed at the appropriate level of planning.

Monitoring As part of the SEA process we are required to monitor the environmental effects of implementation of the draft LFRMS. The indicators developed at the scoping stage will be used to monitor the environmental effects of the draft LFRMS. In some cases there are uncertainties regarding the nature of the effects on the SEA Objective. Therefore, it is recommended that monitoring of environmental effects due to implementation of the draft LFRMS is focussed mainly on those objectives where significant or uncertain effects were identified.

A list of indicators has been proposed within the Environmental Report. It is recommended that monitoring of the potential environmental effects of the LFRMS is combined with the annual monitoring process carried out for the Knowsley Local Plan where appropriate.

Conclusion and Next StepsThe findings of this Environmental Report will be taken into account by Knowsley Council as it finalises the draft LFRMS, following the public consultation. The Environmental Report has been updated to reflect the consultation outcome, but there has been no material change to the measures in the final LFRMS that require further assessment. The Council is now proceeding through its formal internal approvals process, the LFRMS will be adopted as a Council strategy.

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SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

BackgroundKnowsley Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, commissioned Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) in June 2012 to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on their Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS). The aim of the SEA process is to assess and evaluate the potential environmental effects that may arise from the implementation of the LFRMS. The SEA Report (Hereafter referred to as the ‘Environmental Report’) presents the results of the SEA of the draft LFRMS for public consultation and should be read in conjunction with the draft LFRMS.

The Study AreaThe administrative boundary of Knowsley covers an area of approximately 8620 ha of which 54% is designated as Green Belt. Knowsley is part of the Merseyside conurbation, between the city of Liverpool to the west and St. Helens to the east. Sefton and West Lancashire districts lie to the north while Halton district lies to the south.

Knowsley forms part of the Liverpool City Region's Northern Housing Market Area. It also plays a major role as a location for employment, and recreational opportunities within the City Region. It has good transport links, particularly in an east-west direction to Liverpool City Centre, the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester, and the wider national motorway and rail networks. The Borough has very high levels of commuting to and from the surrounding area, particularly Liverpool.

Figure 1 Knowsley location

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Local Flood Risk Management StrategiesUnder the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (The Act), LLFAs are required to produce a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (Hereafter referred to as the Strategy) setting out how flooding and coastal erosion will be managed in their area.

The Act places a duty on the LLFA to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a strategy for local flood risk management. As LLFA, Knowsley Council will be responsible for ensuring the Strategy is put in place. However, the Council must work with other local partners to agree how to develop the Strategy in the way that best suits local circumstances.

The Strategy must be consistent with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and should have regard to the following guiding principles for managing flood and coastal erosion risk set out at the National level:

Community focussed and partnership working;

A catchment and coastal cell approach;

Sustainability;

Proportionate risk based approach;

Multiple benefits; and

Beneficiaries should be allowed and encouraged to invest in local flood risk management.

The main objectives of the National Strategy are as follows:

To understand the risk of flooding and coastal erosion and work together to put in place long term plans to manage these risks and making sure that other plans take account of them;

To avoid inappropriate development in areas of existing and future flood and coastal erosion risk and to manage land elsewhere to avoid increasing risks;

To maintain and improve Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) systems to reduce the likelihood of harm to people and damage to the economy, environment and society- where appropriate given financial, environmental and technical constraints;

To ensure a co-ordinated approach is undertaken before during and after flood events and building public awareness of the risk that remains and engaging with people at risk to encourage them to take action to manage the risks that they face.

Knowsley Council will consider the full range of measures consistent with a risk management approach in developing their Strategy and to meet the above objectives. Resilience and other sustainable approaches which minimise the impact of flooding are expected to be a key aspect of the measures proposed.

Strategic Environmental AssessmentSEA is a statutory assessment process, required under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (the SEA Regulations, Statutory Instrument 2004, No 1633) which provide the legislative mechanism for transposing into UK law the European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (the SEA Directive). The SEA Directive and Regulations requires that an assessment be made of the effects that certain plans and programmes will have on the environment. The Directive’s main objective is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development. The assessment will evaluate significant environmental effects resulting from implementation of the Strategy on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors.

Government Guidance refers to SEA as an iterative process of collecting information, defining alternatives, identifying environmental effects, developing mitigation measures and revising proposals in the light of predicted environmental effects. However, it is important to identify an end-point where further iterations are unlikely to bring further significant improvements in predicting the environmental effects of the plan or programme.

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Compliance with SEA RegulationsThis report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the SEA Regulations. The reporting requirements of the SEA Directive are set out in Table 1 below, which also indicates where in this SEA Report the relevant requirement has been met.

Table 1 Requirements of the SEA Directive and where these have been addressed in this SEA Report

SEA Directive Requirements Where Covered

An environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated.

An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme, and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes;

Sections 3 and 4

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme;

Section 3, Appendix C

The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected; Section 3, Appendix C

Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC.;

Section 3

The environmental protection, objectives, established at international, community or national level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental, considerations have been taken into account during its preparation;

Section 3, Appendix B

The likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. (Footnote: These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects);

Section 4, Appendix E

The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme;

Section 4

An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information;

Sections 2 and 4

a description of measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with Art. 10; Section 5

a non-technical summary of the information provided under the above headings Separate Document

Consultation:authorities with environmental responsibility, when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information which must be included in the environmental report (Art. 5.4)authorities with environmental responsibility and the public, shall be given an early and effective opportunity within appropriate time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan or programme and the accompanying environmental report before the adoption of the plan or programme (Art. 6.1, 6.2)other EU Member States, where the implementation of the plan or programme is likely to have significant effects on

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the environment of that country (Art. 7).

Taking the environmental report and the results of the consultations into account in decision-making (Art. 8)

Provision of information on the decision:When the plan or programme is adopted, the public and any countries consulted under Art.7 must be informed and the following made available to those so informed: the plan or programme as adopted a statement summarising how environmental

considerations have been integrated into the plan or programme and how the environmental report of Article 5, the opinions expressed pursuant to Article 6 and the results of consultations entered into pursuant to Art. 7 have been taken into account in accordance with Art. 8, and the reasons for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and

the measures decided concerning monitoring (Art. 9)

Monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the plan's or programme's implementation (Art. 10)

Quality assurance: environmental reports should be of a sufficient standard to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive (Art. 12).

This section has described the background to the production of the Knowsley LFRMS and the requirement to undertake SEA. The remainder of this report is structured into the following sections:

Section 2 describes the approach that is being taken to the SEA of the LFRMS and outlines the tasks involved. Section 3 presents the review of plans policies and programmes, baseline information and key sustainability issues for

Knowsley. Section 4 presents the SEA framework that is being used to assess the LFRMS. Section 5 summarises the findings of the SEA of the draft LFRMS. Section 6 presents recommendations arising from the SEA findings. Section 7 details the approach that will be taken to monitoring the effects of the LFRMS as it is implemented. Section 6 presents the conclusions of the SEA and describes the next steps to be undertaken.

The information in the main body of the report is supported by a number of appendices:

Appendix A - Consultation comments received in relation to the SEA Scoping Report and describes how each one has

been addressed; Appendix B - Review of plans, policies and programmes of relevance to the SEA. This has been updated since it was

originally presented in the SEA Scoping Report, in light of the consultation comments received; Appendix C - Updated baseline information for Knowsley, which has again been updated since the Scoping stage; Appendix D - SEA Objectives Compatibility Test; Appendix E - Detailed SEA matrices for the draft LFRMS; Appendix F - SEA Framework; and Appendix G - List of references

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SECTION 2

METHODOLOGY

The approach for carrying out the SEA of the Knowsley LFRMS is based on current best practice and the following guidance:

A Practical Guide to the SEA Directive, (September 2005) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government, Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.

SEA Stages and Work Undertaken Table 2 below sets out the main stages of SEA process. Each stage is then discussed in more detail in the subsequent sections.

Table 2 SEA Process Stages

SEA Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the Scope

A1: Identifying other relevant plans, programmes and sustainability objectives

A2: Collecting baseline information

A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems

A4: Developing the SEA Framework

A5: Consulting on the Scope of the SEA

SEA Stage B: Develop options, taking account of assessed effects

B1: Testing the project objectives against the SEA Framework

B2: Developing the options

B3: Predicting the effects of the LFRMS

B4: Evaluating the effects of the LFRMS

B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects

B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS

SEA Stage C: Preparing the SEA Report

C1: Preparing the SEA Report

SEA Stage D: Consulting on the LFRMS and the SEA Report

D1: Public participation on the draft project and SEA report

D2: Assessing significant changes

SEA Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS

E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring

E2: Responding to adverse effects

Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope A SEA Scoping report was prepared and submitted for consultation to the three statutory consultees (Natural England, Environment Agency and English Heritage) between October and November 2012. The SEA Scoping exercise involved the following main tasks:

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Identification and review of other relevant policies, plans and programmes, strategies and initiatives which may influence the Knowsley LFRMS.

The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme and the environmental characteristics of the area likely to be significantly affected.

Development of the SEA Framework against which the Knowsley LFRMS measures and any reasonable alternatives would be appraised.

Identification of the key environmental and sustainability issues of relevance to the LFRMS.

A list of the comments received from the consultees, along with a description of how each one has been addressed, is provided in Appendix A. Each of the comments received was reviewed and certain elements of the Environmental Report have been updated as necessary. The revised and updated baseline information and review of plans, policies and programmes are presented in Section 3 and in Appendices C and B respectively. The updated key environmental and sustainability issues are presented at the end of Section 3.

Stage B: Develop options, taking account of assessed effects Knowsley (Development Plans Section) conducted a consultation exercise with its risk management authorities and other partners in May 2012. These included others in the Council’s Planning (KNOWSLEY Council), Merseyside Fire and Rescue, Environment Agency, United Utilities, The former British Waterways, upstream and downstream Authorities. Information collected included growth areas, past flooding incidence, future flood risk, flood defence, drainage infrastructure. The findings of the exercise will assist and inform the development of measures to be included within the KNOWSLEY LFRMS.

The consultation exercise indicated that there are no nationally significant or historical local significant flooding incidences within the Borough. It was found that there are instances of flooding that are not significant mainly attributed by fluvial flooding from Sankey Brook and its tributaries. It was also found that there were incidences of internal and external surface water flooding to properties, and other less significant instances of fluvial flooding.

KNOWSLEY Council provided MEAS with an early internal draft of the LFRMS in order to enable the assessment process to inform its development. The draft LFRMS included a host of draft objectives and indicative measures through which they could be achieved. It is important to note that the Act, which enables the production of LFRMS, places specific duties and obligations for LLFA in respect of the management of flood risk. Therefore there will, in some instance, be very limited scope for the SEA to influence certain actions within the LFRMS. Consequently the KNOWSLEY LFRMS will not develop or introduce new policies but will bring together existing approaches and policies for flood risk management. The scope of the assessment will therefore be limited to the assessment and evaluation of an approach to flood risk managing rather than new policy options. A review of the early draft LFRMS during the scoping stage indicated that there are no ‘reasonable alternatives’ to the measures outlined within the draft LFRMS. However, the SEA process has identified, through the assessment an evaluation process, minor alterations and areas within the LFRMS where more emphasis needs to be placed on environmental protection and enhancement and flood risk management measures, particularly in respect of climate change.

If any alternatives are identified during the consultation on the draft LFRMS, they will be assessed against each of the SEA objectives during future iteration of the SEA report.

Stage C: Preparing the SEA Report This report is the output of Stage C.

Stage D: Consulting on the LFRMS and the SEA Report A consultation on the draft LFRMS is taking place between May and June 2013, with the report being made available to the statutory environmental bodies as well as a range of other consultees and the wider public. This SEA Report is being published alongside the draft LFRMS during the consultation.

Comments received will be taken into account as the LFRMS is finalised. Any comments relating specifically to the SEA will be taken into account and addressed where relevant as the SEA Report is updated to reflect the final version of the LFRMS.

Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS Proposals for monitoring the significant effects of implementing the LFRMS are set out in Section 5 of this report, and will be reviewed to reflect the final version of the LFRMS.

Difficulties encountered During the SEA it was at times difficult to reach a judgement regarding the likely effect of a particular measure in the LFRMS on a number of the SEA objectives, because of a lack of information regarding exactly how and where particular actions would be carried out. As such, there is uncertainty attached to a number of the potential effects.

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SECTION 3

REVIEW OF PLANS, POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES AND BASELINE INFORMATION

Plans Policies and Programme (PPPs)Annex 1(a) of the SEA Directive requires “an outline of the…relationship with other relevant plans or programmes”. The SEA is required to consider the relationship between the Strategy and other relevant plans and programmes, so as to better understand the wider framework influencing the choice of actions available to the LFRMS, particularly where there are environmental protection objectives that must be addressed.

The SEA will consider the relationship between the Strategy and other relevant plans and programmes, so as to better understand the wider framework influencing the choice of actions available to the Strategy, particularly where there are environmental protection objectives that must be addressed.

The review of plans and programmes will assist with the following:

The identification of environmental objectives of other relevant plans or programmes that should guide the SEA process;

The baseline data collation process by identifying key indicators and baseline trends;

The development of the SEA Framework (objectives, indicators and targets where appropriate);

Determining whether there are any clear potential conflicts or challenges between the plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives and the emerging strategy which is the subject of the SEA process

There is no definitive list of the documents that should be reviewed as part of the SEA process. The documents reviewed for every SEA will vary depending upon the scope of the plan or strategy being assessed and the level at which the plan sits within the plan-making hierarchy. In this case the Strategy is at the local level.

The review may identify issues that may have already been dealt with in other relevant plans and programmes and need not be addressed further in this Strategy. However, it is important that the Strategy remains consistent with the guiding principles set out within the National FCERM Strategy. Where significant inconsistencies and conflicts arise between other plans and programmes, it will be important to consider principles of precedence between levels or types of plan or programme; the relative timing of the plans or programmes concerned; the degree to which the plans, programmes and their objectives accord with current policy or legal requirements; and the extent of any environmental assessments which have already been conducted. Table 3 sets out a list of examples of other plans and programmes reviewed as part of the Scoping process. A comprehensive review of relevant plans and programme is in included in appendix A.

Table 3 Policies, Plans and Programmes ReviewInternational Plans, Programmes and / or Environmental ObjectivesEU Floods Directive - Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks, 2007EU Water Framework Directive - Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, 2000National Plans, Programmes and / or Environmental ObjectivesThe Flood and Water Management Act 2010The Flood Risk Regulations, 2009The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, 2011The National Planning Policy Framework, 2012Making Space for Water – Taking forward a new Government strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England, 2005Securing the Future: Delivering the Sustainable Development Strategy, 2005Water Act, 2003Land Drainage Act, 1991, as amended 2004Future Water, The Government’s Water Strategy for England, 2008Water for People and the Environment; Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales, 2009The Impact of Flooding on Urban and Rural Communities, 2005Directing the Flow: Priorities for Future Water Policy, 2002EA Policy: Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, 2002Regional Plans, Programmes and / or Environmental ObjectivesNorth West of England Plan: Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021North West River Basin Management Plan, 2009North West England and North Wales Shoreline Management Plan SMP2, 2011

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Local Plans, Programmes and / or Environmental ObjectivesKnowsley Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, June 2011Knowsley and Sefton Strategic Flood Risk AssessmentKnowsley Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, 2012Mersey Estuary Catchment Flood Management Plan, 2009Knowsley Replacement Unitary Development Plan, June 2006Knowsley Local Plan Core Strategy: Proposed Submission Document, July 2013Knowsley Climate Change StrategyKnowsley Green Space StrategyNorth Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan

Water Framework Directive Assessment The Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduces a requirement for the management, protection and improvement of the water environment. The WFD came into force in December 2000 and was transposed into UK Law in December 2003. The Directive will help to protect and enhance the quality of:

Surface freshwater (including lakes, streams and rivers); Groundwaters; Groundwater dependant ecosystems; Estuaries; and Coastal waters out to one mile from low-water.

The aim of the WFD is to:

Prevent deterioration in the status of aquatic ecosystems, protect them and improve the ecological condition of waters; To achieve at least ‘Good’ status for all water bodies by 2015. Where this is not possible and subject to the criteria set

out in the Directive, aim to achieve good status by 2021 or 2027; Meet the requirements of WFD Protected Areas; Promote sustainable use of water as a natural resource; Conserve habitats and species that depend directly on water; Progressively reduce or phase out the release of individual pollutants or groups of pollutants that present a significant

threat to the aquatic environment; Progressively reduce the pollution of groundwater and prevent or limit the entry of pollutants; and Contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts.

There are two separate classifications for water bodies under the WFD: ecological and chemical. For a water body to be in overall ‘good’ status both ecological and chemical status must be at least ‘good’. Ecological classification comprises:

The condition of biological elements, for example fish; Concentrations of supporting physico-chemical elements, for example the oxygen or ammonia levels; Concentrations of specific pollutants, for example copper; and And for high status, largely undisturbed hydromorphology.

Ecological status is recorded on the scale of high, good, moderate, poor or bad. ‘High’ denotes largely undisturbed conditions and the other classes represent increasing deviation from this natural condition.

Chemical status is assessed by compliance with environmental standards for chemicals that are listed in the Environmental Quality Standards Directive 2008/105/EC including priority substances, priority hazardous substances and eight other pollutants carried over from the Dangerous Substance Daughter Directives.

For water bodies that have been designated as candidate heavily modified or artificial (HMAWBs), the Environment Agency must classify according to their ecological potential rather than status.

Under the WFD River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) are drawn up for river basin districts across England and Wales. The North West RBMP emphasises on the pressures facing the water environment in the North West river basin district, and the actions that will address them. Water in rivers, estuaries, coasts and aquifers is likely to improve under measures set out in North West River Basin Management Plan.

The Strategy has been assessed for compliance with WFD to ensure that objectives for managing flood risk comply with the WFD, and should contribute to achieving WFD objectives. A function of the SEA process is to assess and evaluate significant effect as a result of implementation of the Strategy on water resources and therefore the aim will be to expand the SEA to ensure that the requirements of the WFD are met. The SEA Framework includes an objective covering water quality with underlying criteria to assess potential impacts on the ecological status of the water bodies.

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Findings of the Policies, Plans and Programmes Review The review has reflected the specialised purpose and limited scope of the Strategy but has also identified consistency in approach with a significant number of other Plans, Programmes and Objectives in respect of the need for co-ordination and co-operation between individuals and organisation to assess and manage coastal erosion and flood risk. The review of the other Plans, Programmes and Objectives shows that there are no policies, plans, programmes or objectives that have a direct conflict of interest with the likely objectives of the Strategy. In general the Strategy has the potential to complement existing and proposed plans, for example the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NMBAP).

Under the Flood and Water Management Act the Strategy should show how it contributes to the achievement of wider environmental objectives and therefore wider environmental protection and enhancement, in particular duties under the Habitat Directive, WFD and wider environmental objectives as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) must be taken into account. Of importance is a requirement established at the international, national, regional and local level for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the water environment.

Baseline InformationAnnex 1 of the SEA Directive requires that the Environmental Report shall include information on the ‘relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme’ and ‘the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected’.

The collection of baseline information is a key part of the SEA, and it requires the provision of information to characterise an area, including the current state of the environment, and identification of trends that are likely to continue without the implementation of the Strategy. The data will also be used as a basis for predicting potential environmental impacts and to suggest suitable indicators to monitor the effectiveness of the Strategy in addressing the identified issues.

The baseline information collated in relation to KNOWSLEY was originally presented in the SEA Scoping Report (October 2012). In light of consultation comments received in relation to the Scoping Report, the baseline information has been amended and added to in places, and the updated version is presented in Appendix C.

Key Environmental and Sustainability IssuesAnnex 1 of the SEA Directive requires that the Environmental Report shall include information on any existing problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EC.

Reviewing the relevant plans, policies and programmes and considering the baseline character of the area highlights a number of environmental and sustainability issues within KNOWSLEY, as set out in Table 4. These are relevant to producing the LFRMS and have been considered throughout the SEA process, in particular helping to inform the SEA objectives developed at the Scoping stage.

Table 4 Key Environmental and Sustainability IssuesKey Environmental and Sustainability

IssuesLikely Evolution without the LFRMS

Knowsley valued natural environment which hosts a variety of designated nature conservation sites needs to be protected and enhanced where possible

In the absence of the flood risk management through implementation of the Knowsley LFRMS, there are other flood management plans and policies such as the Catchment Flood Management that would still have benefits in terms of protecting the natural environment from flooding and managing the risks. Biodiversity management measures through implementation of the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan and policies within the adopted Core Strategy would still apply which would directly provide protection and enhancement to nature conservation sites and other areas natural valuable landscapes. However, implementation of the LFRMS will have a direct effect on how flood risk will be managed within the Borough and the strategy and one of the requirements is to ensure that contribution to wider environmental objectives.

The need to comply with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and protecting water resources

The requirement to comply with the Water Framework Directive and to protect and improve the quality of water resources would still apply even without implementation of the LFRMS and would be met by other policies and plans, most importantly through implementation of the North West

13


River Basin Management Plan. However, the LFRMS will aim to ensure that flood risk management measures in Knowsley do not adversely affect water quality or quantity and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the rate of improvement to water quality may decrease without implementation of the LFRMS.

High level of surface water flood risk in localised and urban areas

Without implementation of the LFRMS, there are other flood management plans such as the Catchment Flood Management and other policies to manage flood risk in the adopted Local Plan Core Strategy. However, these are less likely to have a direct and significant effect on the management of local flood risk. The LFRMS will provide better co-operation with other authorities, identification of responsibilities and champions for risk management measures.

The risk of flooding on the health and wellbeing of the population

Without implementation of the LFRMS, there are other flood management plans such as the Catchment Flood Management and policies to manage flood risk in the adopted Local Plan Core Strategy that will have benefits in respect of protecting local people’s health and wellbeing from the impacts of flooding However, these are less likely to have a direct and significant effect on the protection of human health through the management of local flood risk than the LFRMS would.

Increase in flood risk resulting from Climate Change The issue is likely to continue as present. The LFRMS is unlikely to have a significant effect on the causative factors of climate change. However, the LFRMS will support adaptation to climate change by increasing resilience and minimising the effect of increased flooding by managing future risk. Therefore, without implementation of the LFRMS, the impact of climate change on flooding will become more prevalent.

Residential, Commercial and other development (including infrastructure) located in areas of high flood risk

In the absence of the LFRMS, the issue is likely to continue as present. However, there are policies in the adopted Local Plan Core Strategy would still apply, which aim to ensure that new development is steered away from areas of higher flood risk. Other flood management plans and policies such as the Catchment Flood Management Plans as well as policies to manage flood risk in the adopted Local Plan Core Strategy would still apply and should have some benefit in terms of reducing the flood risk facing existing residential properties and other development from the potential adverse impacts of flooding. However, these are likely to have less direct and significant effects on the management of local flood risk than implementation of the LFRMS would.

Large number of heritage assets such as listed buildings which require management (including in terms of their setting).

In the absence of the flood risk management achieved through implementation of the LFRMS, other flood management plans and policies such as the Catchment Flood Management Plans and policies to manage flood risk in the adopted Local Plan Core Strategy would still apply and should have some benefit in terms of protecting heritage assets from the potential adverse impacts of flooding. However, these are likely to have less direct and significant effects on the protection of heritage assets through the management of local flood risk than implementation of the LFRMS would.

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SECTION 4

SEA FRAMEWORK AND KNOWSLEY LFRMS

SEA FrameworkThe SEA framework was prepared and submitted for consultation as part of the Scoping stage of the assessment and has since been revised in light of the consultation response. The SEA objectives were developed having undertaken a strategic analysis of the baseline information, a review of plans and programmes and having identified key environmental issues.

The ultimate aim of the SEA framework is to develop a coherent and clear list of environmental objectives to be used as an evaluation tool to help show whether the objectives of the Strategy are beneficial (or adverse) for the environment, but also to compare the environmental effects of alternative options. The SEA objectives will be used to evaluate the nature and degree of impacts and whether implementation of the Strategy will give rise to significant environmental effects.

Table 5 SEA ObjectivesTo minimise the risk of flooding.

Reducing the contribution to climate change and enabling adaptation to climate change which is already locked in.

To protect and maintain the ecological condition of water resources.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, including both habitats and species, and maintaining and enhancing nationally, regionally and locally designated wildlife sites and priority habitats.

Maintaining and enhancing human health, including enhanced health from access to green spaces and improved equitable access to a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle.

To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape.

Conserving and enhancing geodiversity.

To minimise adverse impacts of local flood risk on existing and future key infrastructure, properties and businesses.

To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of KNOWSLEY historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings.

Compatibility of ObjectivesAs part of the Scoping Stage, the SEA objectives were tested against each other to identify whether the objectives were compatible. In carrying out the compatibility test it was found that the objectives were largely compatible with each other. However, there were a number of uncertainties. To fully confirm whether the SEA objectives are compatible with each other, we need to know the nature of the flood risk measures and how they would be implemented within the LFRMS. Until this is known the compatibility of all the objectives cannot be fully confirmed. The compatibility test is included in Appendix D.

Assessment MethodologyThe SEA will appraise the individual objectives and measures of the Strategy against the SEA objectives outlined in the SEA framework to assess the environmental effects of the implementation of the LFRMS.

The assessment considers the beneficial and adverse, secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary effects of implementing the Strategy in accordance with Annex 1 of the SEA Directive, and identifies and proposes mitigation measures where appropriate. Results of the assessment will then be considered in light of the evolution of the environment in the absence of the Strategy.

The findings will be presented in an assessment matrix format like that of Table 6 and colour coding will be used for greater clarity. The matrix will be supplemented by a narrative of the potential effects and mitigation measures where appropriate.

Table 6 SEA Assessment MatrixSustainability Objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Short TermMedium Term

Long term15


+ + Significant Positive

+ Positive

? Uncertain

- Negative

- - Significantly Negative

0 No Impact

Development of the Knowsley LFRMS A local strategy is a requirement of the Flood and Water Management Act and follows the publication of a National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. A review of past and future flood risk was undertaken as part of the Knowsley Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. Using historical flooding data, flood risk maps and computer modelling, the Environment Agency has identified areas of potential future local flood risk. The Knowsley Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) used this information to identify at least 4792 properties at risk of flooding from a rainfall event that has 1 in 200 chance of happening. For a similar rainfall event that produces flooding greater than 0.3m (i.e. likely to enter properties), at least 1006 residential properties have been identified to be at risk of flooding. Mapping of these areas shows that there are few individual locations of widespread flooding affecting a lot of properties, instead, locations are distributed across the borough.

It is the responsibility of the LLFA to decide what it considers as a past flood with 'significant harmful consequences' at a local level. Knowsley considers that a flood of 'significant harmful consequences' would have one or more of the following characteristics:

Caused internal flooding to 5 or more properties used for residential or commercial purpose. Adversely affected the functioning of critical infrastructure; Resulted in major disruption to the flow of traffic; Caused harmful impacts to environmentally and socially important assets; Posed, or could have posed, a risk to human health.

The results of the PFRA showed that KNOWSLEY Council has no flooding issues that reach the threshold which would be considered nationally significant (minimum of 30,000 people affected). However, it was identified that there are a number of local flooding issues that require attention by KNOWSLEY Council. These risks will be managed through the development of the Knowsley LFRMS.

Given the nature of the risks identified within the PFRA, it is felt that the preferred option is for the Knowsley LFRMS to build upon existing approaches to flood risk management and develop this as part of Knowsley Council’s new responsibility as LLFA. The Aims of this strategy are to;

1. Identify local flood risk and how this may change in the future2. Identify the risk management measures that are available 3. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of Risk Management Authorities, residents and businesses 4. Develop and monitor management of local flood risk 5. Raise awareness of flood risk and how it can be managed at a local level6. Establish how future risk management may be funded.

The strategy will be implemented through a range of objectives and measures, as set out in the following table.

Table 7 The local objectives and associated measures of the Knowsley LFRMSObjectives Measures To clearly define who is responsible for

identifying and managing flood risk To ensure that the development planning

process and other policies take the management of flood risk into account to avoid further risk

To set out clear and consistent plans for risk management so that individuals, communities and businesses can make informed decisions about their own responsibilities

To raise awareness of the impact of flooding on individuals, communities and businesses.

engage and educate the public prioritise actions and investment inform long-term planning work with natural processes to protect and improve the

environment, balancing economic and social needs work with our partners to co-ordinate flood risk

management

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SECTION 5

SEA Findings

The assessment was undertaken using an assessment matrix found at Appendix E. The matrices present the detailed results of the assessment of each of the objectives (and associated measures) in the draft LFRMS against the SEA objectives.

The assessment demonstrates that the LFRMS objectives will generally have positive effects on the environment, although a significant number were found to be indirect positive effects. This was due to the likely outcome of implementing the LFRMS which will result in a reduction in flood risk and reduced severity of flooding within Knowsley, together with a progressive improvement in the resilience of the built environment to flooding and its effects. In addition, the draft LFRMS is a high level strategic document which emphasises more on issues pertaining to improving knowledge and understanding of flood risk, identifying responsibilities and drawing together existing information to reduce and manage the risks of flooding within Knowsley rather than prescribing specific physical works or actions. However, when taken as a whole, the combined effect of all the LFRMS objectives and measures is expected to have an overall positive effect on the environment.

Following the assessment a range of flood risk management measures have been identified in addition to the ones already set out in the draft LFRMS. These have been proposed to enable the objectives of the draft LFRMS to contribute to wider environmental benefits. Table 8 presents a summary of the results of the impact assessment process.

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Table 8 Summary of SEA scores for the emerging draft LFRMS

Key

++ Significant positive effect;

+ Positive effect

+0 Indirect positive effects

? Effects uncertain

?+ Effects are uncertain but expected to be beneficial SE

A O

bjec

tive

1 –

Floo

d R

isk

SE

A O

bjec

tive

2 –

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

SE

A O

bjec

tive

3 –

Wat

er R

esou

rce

SE

A O

bjec

tive

4 - B

iodi

vers

ity

SE

A O

bjec

tive

5 –

Hea

th a

nd W

ell B

eing

SE

A O

bjec

tive

6 –

Soi

l and

Lan

dsca

pe

SE

A O

bjec

tive

7 - G

eodi

vers

ity

SE

A O

bjec

tive

8 –

Infra

stru

ctur

e, P

rope

rties

and

B

usin

esse

s

SE

A O

bjec

tive

9 –

His

toric

, Arc

hite

ctur

al a

nd

Arc

haeo

logi

cal I

nter

est

To clearly define who is responsible for identifying and managing flood risk ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+ ?+

To ensure that the development planning process and other policies take the management of flood risk into account to avoid further risk

++ +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 +0

To set out clear and consistent plans for risk management so that individuals, communities and businesses can make informed decisions about their own responsibilities

++ +0 +0 +0 + +0 +0 ++ +

To raise awareness of the impact of flooding on individuals, communities and businesses +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 +0 ++ +

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SECTION 6

Recommendations for Mitigation

Annex I of the SEA Directive requires the Environmental Report to include measures to prevent, reduce or offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme. The SEA shows that none of the LFRMS objectives will have an adverse effect when assessed against the SEA objectives. However, due to the uncertainty with the nature of the potential effects of some of the LFRMS objectives, a number of recommendations have been proposed with an aim to enhance the likelihood of positive effects and which will require some minor additions and amendments to the Strategy document. The recommendations proposed largely relate to XXXX. Under the Act, LLFA and other flood and coastal erosion risk management authorities should aim to make a contribution towards the achievement of sustainable development when exercising their flood and coastal erosion risk management function. The recommendations below also take account of the DEFRA publication ‘Guidance for risk management authorities on sustainable development in relation to their flood and coastal erosion risk management functions’.

Overall, no negative effects, either minor or significant, have been identified in relation to any of the LFRMS measures that will require mitigation. This is because the LFRMS is a document which is intended to have positive effects on the environment, and aims to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts from flooding. However, some of the potential positive effects were uncertain. This was mainly because of the high level nature of the strategy and the lack of detail information regarding the specific interventions that may result from its implementation. It is considered that LFRMS Objective 5 provide overall mitigation of the potential for any physical works or actions resulting from the LFRMS to have negative environmental effects, as they require environmental considerations to be embedded in the LLFA flood risk management duties and interventions arising from the Strategy. Individual interventions, in particular engineering works, will need to be individually assessed for environmental effects to an appropriate level as they come forward, and any localised negative impacts appropriately mitigated.

SEA Objective 1: Flood RiskLFRMS Objective 2, 3 – The Strategy provides a range of measures for achieving its objectives through planning and other regulatory mechanisms, as well as through communication for awareness raising and promotion of best practice. However, the Strategy could usefully strengthen its content in relation to activity interventions in the existing built environment and current infrastructure. This would assist with achieving a clearer and more complete balance of actions within the Strategy.

SEA Objective 2: Climate ChangeLFRMS Objective 2, Objective 3 – Information and advice provided by the LLFA to individuals, businesses and community should highlight the relationship between flooding and climate change and the importance of adaptation measures such as design resilience (retrofitting), land management (SUDS and flood storage), in managing the risk of flooding in future. Of particular relevance, advice should be provided to the Planning function, on the importance and benefits in respect of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging environmental performance standards such as BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes during pre-application discussions for prospective development proposals and when considering planning applications. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Climate Change are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 3: Water ResourceLFRMS Objective 2, 3 – Information and advice should cover appropriate land management measures to reduce silty and contaminated run-off, the importance and benefits of SuDS as part of an effective drainage design to cater for extreme flooding and improved run-off quality. The LLFA should provide information and advice to raise awareness of impact of flooding to water quality from soil erosion, contaminated run-off from chemical fertilisers and combined sewer overflows. The LLFA should make best use of strategic studies such as River Basin Management Plans, Catchment Flood Management Plans and Strategic Flood Risk Assessments as source of information on water quality within the Borough and any mitigation measures to improve quality. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Water Resources are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 4: BiodiversityLFRMS Objective 2, 3 – Information and advice should highlight how biodiversity and nature conservation protection and enhancement measures can be implemented in association with measures to manage local flood risk. Effective land management options such as storage areas and SuDS should be designed to incorporate biodiversity enhancement. Where applicable flood and erosion risk management should be undertaken in such a way which create and link habitats and promotes green and blue infrastructure as well as conserving important wildlife sites. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Biodiversity are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 5: Health and Well-BeingLFRMS Objective 2, 3, 4 (measure 2.2) – The benefits of green spaces to human health and wellbeing should be recognised. The advice should aim to encourage the incorporation of multifunctional areas that can be used for flood risk

19


management and functional green space. For example, the delivery of land management options for managing flood risk, e.g. flood storage, attenuation, should where possible aim to provide usable areas for recreational and leisure activities thus making use of multiple sustainability benefits. The delivery of SuDS schemes as part of new development should provide green space function where practicable and subject to adequate health and safety. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Health and Well-Being are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 6: Soil and LandscapeLFRMS Objective 2, 3 – Soil is essentially a non-renewable resource, which provides a number of functions and services to society. The LLFA should include recognition of the importance of soil protection and the benefits of soils in relation to surface water storage, attenuation and drainage but also the wider benefits to society including food and fibre production, support of ecology and landscape, a platform for development, basis for community green spaces and a store for carbon. Advice should be provided to planners, landowners and businesses, that where flood risk management works involves land take, for e.g. flood storage, attenuation and structural defence, preference should be given to areas of lower soil quality where this does not compromise flood risk reduction measures. Where appropriate new development proposals should be required to put proposals forward with respect to soil management with an aim to restore the natural capacity of soil to hold water. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Soil and Landscape are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 7: GeodiversityLFRMS Objective 2, 3 – Knowsley has a relatively small number of geologically important sites, but the LLFA should consider potential effects on them when implementing the Strategy. Where necessary appropriate specialist expertise should be sought and suitable mitigation and/or management measures put in place.

SEA Objective 8: Infrastructure, Properties and BusinessesLFRMS Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 – The proposed communication plan will provide an important mechanism to enable the LLFA to provide advice and information effectively with maximum coverage across the Borough to increase the level of awareness and preparedness of flood and coastal erosion risk. Taking a holistic approach in conjunction with the other objectives acting through partner organisation and regulatory mechanisms will provide a powerful means of delivering best practice. Amongst other things this could include details of flood resilience measures (and retrofitting where necessary) for the community, economy, natural, historic, built and social environment, flood warning systems / evacuation and emergency procedures, effective land management measures to reduce runoff, areas that are prone or will be prone to flooding in future. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to Infrastructure, Property and Businesses are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

SEA Objective 9: Historic, Architectural and Archaeological InterestLFRMS Objective 2, 4 – LLFA should implement the Strategy with designated and non-designated heritage assets in mind. The location and presence of these sites will affect what land management options can be employed to manage flood risk. The advice provided by the LLFA to individuals, businesses and community should highlight the importance of adaptation measures such as design resilience (retrofitting) for historic buildings to prevent future deterioration of heritage assets. Also, using good design for flood risk management measures, particularly structural defences, river enhancement and other land management options to improve their look and feel and respect the settings of historic buildings. In developing actions arising from the Strategy for implementation, appropriate specialist expertise will be consulted where relevant to ensure that issues in relation to the Historic Environment are taken into account and appropriate mitigation is deployed.

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SECTION 7

MONITORING

The SEA Directive requires that “member states shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans or programmes… in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage, unforeseen adverse effects, and be able to undertake appropriate remedial action” (Article 10.1) and that the environmental report should provide information on “a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring” (Annex 1 (i)). Monitoring proposals should be designed to provide information that can be used to highlight specific issues and significant effects, and which could help decision-making.

A number of the measures in the draft LFRMS have the potential for positive effects on the SEA objectives, although no likely significant negative effects on the environment were identified. There are also a number of SEA objectives for which there are uncertainties regarding the nature of the effects. Therefore, it is recommended that monitoring of environmental effects due to implementation of the LFRMS is undertaken in relation only to those objectives where significant or uncertain effects were identified.

Table 9 sets out a number of suggested indicators for monitoring the potential environmental effects of implementing the LFRMS, some of which draw on information that are already being collected for the Core Strategy or Development Control purposes. To achieve efficiency in monitoring of the environmental effects of the LFRMS, it is important that the indicators proposed are consistent, where appropriate and complement sustainability effects monitoring arrangement for other plans and strategies developed by Knowsley Council (in particular the Local Plan), also as some of the indicators proposed will be relevant to the LFRMS. It is important to note that the indicators were initially introduced at the scoping stage and have been subject to a five week consultation with the statutory consultees.

Annual Monitoring Reports are already produced for the Local Development Framework (including the Core Strategy), and monitoring proposals for the Local Plan are presented in the Proposed Submission version. Therefore, it is recommended that monitoring of the potential environmental effects of the LFRMS be combined with the annual monitoring process where these are found to be appropriate.

Table 9 Proposed indicators for monitoring the potential significant and uncertain environmental effects of the Knowsley LFRMS

SEA Objectives for which potential significant positive or uncertain effects have been identified

Suggested indicators for monitoring effects of LFRMS

To minimise the risk of flooding Number of new developments permitted in areas of flood risk;

Number of flood defences developedReducing the contribution to climate change and enabling adaptation to climate change which is already locked in

Mitigation measures and actions implemented by the strategy which takes account of the impact of climate change

To protect and maintain the ecological condition of water resources

Ecological status of waterbodies

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, including both habitats and species, and maintaining and enhancing nationally, regionally and locally designated wildlife sites and priority habitats

Habitat creation and compensation resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures;

Loss of habitat resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures;

Maintaining and enhancing human health, including enhanced health from access to green spaces and improved equitable access to a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle

Number of flood related injuries;

Change in area / number / quality of public open spaces, recreational and amenity facilities resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures.

To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape

Number of flood alleviation / defence developments to be located within the Green Belt.

Conserving and enhancing geodiversity Area / number of incidences where Grade 1, 2 or 3 soil is lost due to need for flood alleviation / defences;

To minimise adverse impacts of local flood risk on existing and future key infrastructure, properties and businesses

Number of properties / businesses at risk of flooding;

Number and severity of incidents leading to disruption or damage to Knowsley social and physical infrastructure.

To minimise the impact of flooding on the character The number of Strategy policies, measures and actions

21


and physical attributes of Knowsley historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings

developed and implemented to protect Knowsley heritage site from flooding;

Flood alleviation / defences developed that affect the integrity and setting of Knowsley heritage sites.

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SECTION 8

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS

None of the measures in the draft LFRMS are likely to have significant negative effects on any of the SEA objectives. This is because of the nature of the LFRMS, which has an underlying aim of environmental protection through flood risk management, meaning that the effects of the strategy are largely positive.

The findings and recommendations of this SEA Report will be taken into account by Knowsley Council as it finalises the draft LFRMS, following public consultation. Should any changes in the Strategy arise from the consultation process then the SEA Report will be revisited to take them into account. The Council is now proceeding to complete its formal internal approvals process to adopt the LFRMS as a Council strategy.

23


Appendix A – Scoping Consultation Comments Received

Statutory Consultee

Comment Response

Natural England

No comments received. N/A

Environment Agency

No comments received. N/A.

English Heritage

Generic advice drawing attention to the role and structure of a scoping report in accordance with English Heritage Guidance published in 2013. No specific comments made in respect of the Scoping document.

Noted.

English Heritage

Recommendations that conservation staff are closely involved throughout the preparation of the SEA of the management strategy, being best placed to advise on local historic environment issues and priorities, including access to date held in the HER; how the policy or proposal can be tailored to minimise potential adverse impacts on the historic environment; the nature and design of any required mitigationmeasures; and opportunities for securing wider benefits for the future conservation and management of historic assets.

Noted. The nature of the Strategy provides limited opportunity for a high degree of specialist conservation input, though conservation colleagues and HER have been consulted and will be consulted on any detailed intervention proposals that arise from Strategy implementation.

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Appendix B – Updated Review of Other Plans, Policies and Programmes

Plan, Policy and Programme

Main aims and objectives Implication for the Strategy

International Plans and ProgrammeEU Floods Directive - Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks, 2007

The aim of Directive 2007/60/EC is to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The Directive requires Member States to first carry out a preliminary assessment by 2011 to identify the river basins and associated coastal areas at risk of flooding. For such zones they would then need to draw up flood risk maps by 2013 and establish flood risk management plans focused on prevention, protection and preparedness by 2015. The Directive applies to inland waters as well as all coastal waters across the EU.

The Strategy will complement the requirements of the Directive.

EU Water Framework Directive - Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, 2000

Prevents deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetland by setting out a timetable until 2027 to achieve good ecological status or potential. The Water Framework Directive requires Member States to manage the effects on the ecological quality of water which result from changes to the physical characteristics of water bodies. It requires action in those cases where these “hydro-morphological” pressures are having an ecological impact which will interfere with our ability to achieve Water Framework Directive objectives. The Strategy should promote sustainable management of the water environment by carefully considering current land use and future climate scenarios, to minimise the effects of flooding and drought events and to facilitate long term improvements in water quality, including the protection of groundwater near landfill sites and minimise agricultural runoff.

The Strategy will need to consider the requirements of the WFD and ensure that it does not compromise its objectives, and, where appropriate, contributes to achieving its aims.

Convention on Biodiversity (since 1993)

The Convention has 3 main objectives: The conservation of biological

diversity The sustainable use of the

components of biological diversity

The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the

The Strategy should take account of biodiversity and the SEA should consider biodiversity impacts within their objectives.

25


utilization of genetic resourcesNational Plans and ProgrammesFlood and Water Management Act 2010

The Flood and Water Management Act places a duty on all flood risk management authorities to co-operate with each other. The Act also provides lead local flood authorities and the Environment Agency with a power to request information required in connection with their flood risk management functions. It requires flood and coastal erosion risk management authorities (that did not previously have such a duty) to aim to contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development

The key driver for the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Flood Risk Regulations, 2009 The Flood Risk Regulations implement the requirements of the European Floods Directive, which aims to provide a consistent approach to managing flood risk across Europe.

The approach consists of a six year cycle of planning based on a four stage process of:

• Undertaking a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA).

• Identifying flood risk areas.• Preparing flood hazard and risk

maps.• Preparing flood risk management

plans.

Lead local flood authorities are responsible for managing the flood risk caused by precipitation. The Environment Agency covers flooding from the sea, main rivers and reservoirs.

Key driver for implementing Local Flood Risk Management strategy.

National Planning Policy Statement, 2012

The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so.

The National Planning Policy Framework was published on 27 March 2012. This is a key part of Government reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the environment and to promote sustainable growth.

LPAs should avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding by directing development

The policy on development and flood risk is a key driver for implementing Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

26


away from areas at high risk. Local Plans should apply a sequential risk based approach to the location of development to avoid where possible flood risk to people and property and manage any residual risk, taking account of the impact of climate change.

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 The Regulations provide for the

designation and protection of 'European sites', the protection of 'European protected species', and the adaptation of planning and other controls for the protection of European Sites. Under the Regulations, competent authorities i.e. any Minister, government department, public body, or person holding public office, have a general duty, in the exercise of any of their functions, to have regard to the EC Habitats Directive.

The Strategy should avoid adverse impacts on SACs and SPAs and Ramsar sites.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (As amended) The purpose of the Act is to create

a new statutory right of access on foot to certain types of open land, to modernise the public rights of way system, to strengthen nature conservation legislation, and to facilitate better management of AONBs. Government departments are required to have regard for biodiversity in carrying out its functions, and to take positive steps to further the conservation of listed species and habitats. The protection of SSSIs, already established in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, is strengthened giving greater power to Natural England. Local Authorities have a statutory duty to further the conservation and enhancement of SSSIs both in carrying out their operations, and in exercising their decision making functions. The Act strengthens legal protection for threatened species and assists in bringing offenders to justice, and provides for stronger penalties.

The Strategy should have regard to the conservation of listed species and habitat.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) represents a national strategy for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. It contains 391 Species Action Plans and 45 Habitat Action Plans. It is further supported by Local Biodiversity Action Plans developed by local authorities.It has the following aims:

The Strategy will need to consider the relevant action plans within Knowsley.

27


To conserve, promote and enhance species and habitats

To develop public awareness and understanding

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provides for the statutory right of access to open country and registered common land, modernise the rights of way system, give greater protection to SSSIs, provide better management arrangements for AONBs and strengthen wildlife enforcement legislation.

The Strategy will have regard to the protection of neighbouring SSSI and maintaining the right to access the open countryside.

Natural Environment White Paper: The natural choice: securing the value of nature (Defra June 2011)

The White Paper outlines the Government’s vision for the natural environment over the next 50 years, along with practical action to deliver that ambition. The white paper recognises that the natural environment is sometimes taken for granted and undervalued, but that people cannot flourish without the benefits and services it provides.

The Strategy should aim to be consistent with the Government vision for the natural environment.

Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services

This new biodiversity strategy for England builds on the Natural Environment White Paper and provides a comprehensive picture of how the government is implementing international and EU commitments. It sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade on land (including rivers and lakes) and at sea. It builds on the successful work that has gone before, but also seeks to deliver a real step change.

The Strategy should have regard to the new biodiversity strategy and should assist with the aim to halt the decline in priority habitats and species.

Natural England’s Natural Area Strategy

Framework for setting nature conservation objectives in a wider setting and helping to achieve the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets.

The SEA will consider how the LFRMS can integrate and contribute to the creation and maintenance of biodiversity for habitats and conservation species.

The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (May 2011)

This strategy aims to help risk management authorities and communities understand their different roles and responsibilities and will be particularly relevant to Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) which have new responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010).

The strategy encourages more effective risk management to:

• Ensure a clear understanding of the risks of flooding and coastal erosion, nationally and locally, so that investment in risk management can be prioritised more effectively;

• Set out clear and consistent

Guidance document for the lead local flood authority.

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plans for risk management so that communities and businesses can make informed decisions about the management of the remaining risk;

• Manage flood and coastal erosion risks in an appropriate way, taking account of the needs of communities and the environment;

• Ensure that emergency plans and responses to flood incidents are effective and that communities are able to respond effectively to flood forecasts, warnings and advice;

Help communities to recover more quickly and effectively after incidents.

Future Water, The Government’s Water Strategy for England, 2008

Future Water sets out how it intends for the water sector to look by 2030. The vision of a sector that values and protects its water resources; that delivers water to customers through fair, affordable and cost-reflective charges; where flood risk is addressed with markedly greater understanding and use of good surface water management; and where the water industry has cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

The vision shows a sector that is resilient to climate change, with its likelihood of more frequent droughts as well as floods, and to population growth, with forward planning full in tune with these adaptation challenges.

The Strategy should consider water as a valuable resource.

Water for People and the Environment; Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales, 2009

This Strategy sets out how the Agency believe water resources should be managed over the coming decades so that water can be abstracted and used sustainably. The objective

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Reducing the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change

(which makes reference to flood risk management) Increasing the resilience of supplies

Protecting critical infrastructure (which

states that water supply infrastructure needs to be resilient to flooding)

The Strategy should have regard to the management of water resources within Knowsley so as not to have detrimental impact.

Making Space for Water – Taking forward a new Government strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England, 2005

The Strategy aims to implement a more holistic approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risks in England. The aim will be to manage risks by employing an integrated

This Strategy is a key driver for the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

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portfolio of approaches which reflect both national and local priorities, so as to:

Reduce the threat to people and their property; and

Deliver the greatest environmental, social and economic benefit, consistent with the Government’s sustainable development principles.

Directing the Flow: Priorities for Future Water Policy, 2002

Sets future water policy to implement the Water Framework directive. Highlights that considerably more emphasis needs to be put on integrating the different aspects of water policy, including between water quality, water resources and flood management, as well as greater integration of water policies with policies in other areas additional to health – especially with regard to: Agriculture and fisheries; Biodiversity Tourism and recreation; Land-use planning

Key driver for Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The Impact of Flooding on urban and Rural Communities, 2005

This document has two stated aims namely: Understanding the relationships

between urban/rural policies and flood risk management (FRM) policy such that opportunities for ‘win–win’ solutions could be explored;

Understanding the social impacts (e.g. economic, health, community) on urban

and rural communities from an empirical perspective (i.e. what evidence is there for differential impacts on urban and rural communities in terms of flooding)

The Strategy will need to take into account the findings of the report.

Securing the Future: Delivering the Sustainable Development Strategy, 2005

This Strategy sets out the Government approach to sustainable development and new shared priorities agreed across the UK. It sets out ways in which to adapt to climate change, one of which is to research the effects of climate change, particularly flood and coastal management sectors. It also sets out that in line with national planning policy guidance, there will be flood risk assessments for publicly funded developments and new flood defence schemes; and integrated water management studies.

The strategy needs to consider the approach set out in this Government Strategy.

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Water Act, 2003 Goals of this Act includes:

• Amending the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Water Industry Act 1991;

• Making provision with respect to compensation under section 61 of the Water Resources Act 1991;

• Providing for the establishment and functions of the Water Services Regulation Authority and the Consumer Council for Water;

• Making provision in connection with land drainage and flood defence;

Making provision about contaminated land so far as it relates to the pollution of controlled waters.

The Strategy should take account of the duties and powers resulting from the Act.

Land Drainage Act,1991 (As amended 2004)

Gives the operating authority (including the Environment Agency) authorisation to carry out works on watercourses for certain purposes. It also places environmental and recreational duties on the Environment Agency

The Strategy should take account of the duties resulting from the Act.

Localism Act 2011 The Act aims to move land use planning away from central government decision-making by introducing new powers, control and influence at a local level. The main of the act include: Presumption in favor of

sustainable development; Abolition of RSS; statutory duty for local planning

authorities and 'public bodies' to cooperate with each other;

Retention of the CIL; the introduction of

neighbourhood development plans and neighbourhood development orders;

The Strategy must have regard to the new requirements of the Localism Act. At the moment there are no Neighbourhood Plans within Knowsley that needs to be taken into account for the Strategy.

Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Sets out a national framework for the management of emergencies, including natural disasters such as flooding. Local Authorities are assigned a specific set of duties as ‘category 1 responders’.

The provisions of the Strategy must be in accord with the Authority’s statutory emergency response procedures under the Act.

Climate Change Act 2008 Provides a national framework for greenhouse gas reduction targets and introduces powers in respect of climate change adaptation planning for the effects of unavoidable climate change, such as may be reflected in flooding events.

The Strategy must have regard to the effects of climate change in planning for flood risk and must promote the principles of climate change adaptation where it is appropriate to do so.

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EA Policy: Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (2002)

The Environment Agency’s policy will be to promote SuDS as a technique to manage surface and groundwater regimes sustainably. The policy has two key objectives:

Primary objective: to establish SuDS as the normal drainage practice where appropriate for all new developments in England and Wales;

Secondary objective: retrofitting SUDS on those surface water drainage systems which have an adverse effect on the environment

The Strategy needs to consider how SuDS can be incorporated within management interventions where necessary and appropriate.

The Historic Environment: a Force for Our Future (2001)

This statement sets out the intention of the Government to protect the historic environment, recognising its major contribution to the economy in rural and deprived communities, as well as in economic centres.

The Strategy could influence the historic environment in several ways, including impacts upon townscape, historic structures and features and buried archaeology.

Our Towns and Cities, the Future- Delivering an Urban Renaissance. White Paper. DETR (2000)

Sustainable economic growth is based on thriving towns and cities, which are the economic hubs of large areas. To stop urban decline by taking a joined approach to policies on housing, planning, transport and education in and for cities and towns.

The Strategy should take into account the overarching aims of this document and consider the targets this White paper refers to.

Regional Plans and ProgrammesNorth West England and North Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2, January 2011

The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) provides a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with erosion and flooding at the coast. It presents policy options to manage these risks, which can impact people, development and historic and natural environments. SMPs are the equivalent of CFMPs within the hierarchy of strategy and plan documents that are used to plan the work to manage coastal risks. Although a non-statutory, high level policy document, regional and local planning authorities should consider SMP policies when developing their statutory land use development plans

The Strategy needs to consider these policies when developing local policies and measures for the management of flood risk.

North West River Basin Management Plan

Prepared under the Water Framework Directive, The RBMP emphasises on the pressures facing the water environment in the North West River Basin District, and the actions that will address them. It is the first of a series of six-year cycles of planning and action

The Strategy will need to consider the requirements of the RBMP and ensure that it does not compromise its objectives, and, where appropriate, contributes to achieving its aims.

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plan focuses on the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the water environment.

Local Plans and ProgrammesMersey Estuary Catchment Flood Management Plan, 2009

The Mersey Estuary Catchment Flood Management Plan was published by the Environment Agency and sets out policies for the sustainable management of flood risk across the whole of the Mersey Estuary over the long-term (50 to 100 years) taking climate change into account. The overall approach adopted is of reducing existing flood risk management actions (accepting that flood risk will increase with time).


Alt and Crossens Catchment Flood Management Plan, 2008

The Alt Crossens Catchment Flood Management Plan was published by the Environment Agency and sets out policies for the sustainable management of flood risk across the whole of the catchment over the long-term (50 to 100 years) taking climate change into account. The adopted approach is to take action to maintain current levels of flood risk.


Knowsley and Sefton Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, June 2009

The purpose of the Level 1 SFRA is to clarify and refine available flood risk information and to inform the planning decision making processes. The Level 1 assessment will enable robust and reliable decisions to be made on locations for development and growth. The information is firstly used by Local Planning Authorities(LPAs), in preparing their Core Strategies and other future Local Development Documents (LDDs). Itcan also be used by developers in their appraisal of potential development sites and the scoping of site specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRAs) should they be necessary.

The Strategy, in proposing measures and action to manage flood risk, needs to take account of the findings of the Level 1 SFRA.

Knowsley and Sefton Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, October 2012

The assessment builds on the findings of the Level 1 SFRA published in 2009. It has been produced in line with guidance within the NPPF and the supporting Technical Guidance. The purpose of this assessment is to provide more detailed information regarding the nature of flood risk at a number of sites being considered for allocation in Knowsley’s emerging Local Plan. It provides information on flood depth, velocity and hazard and identifies appropriate flood risk management measures that could be implemented to manage flood risk at these sites.

The Strategy, in proposing measures and action to manage flood risk, needs to take account of the findings of the Level 2 SFRA

Knowsley Preliminary Flood Risk The PFRA provides a strategic It will be a fundamental requirement for the

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Assessment, June 2011 overview of the flood risk from local sources through a review of historic flooding incidents and the predicted future extents of flooding. The production of the PFRA is required by the Flood Risk Regulations and is the first step in the management of local flood risk. The PFRA will be primarily utilised in developing the Knowsley Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Strategy to take account of the results of Knowsley PFRA.

Knowsley Replacement Unitary Development Plan, June 2006

Knowsley Replacement UDP is the adopted Local Plan for the Borough which comprises a broad range of policies including infrastructure, nature and heritage conservation, and environmental protection. A key policy relevant to the Strategy is policy ENV7 which covers flood risk and drainage.

The Strategy must ensure that the policies and actions compliment the policies within the Knowsley UDP until such time the Core Strategy is adopted.

Knowsley Local Plan Core Strategy, Submission Document , 2013

The Core Strategy part of the Local Plan will set the strategic framework for the growth and development of Knowsley up to 2028 and beyond. It sets out how and where new development and regeneration should take place and will therefore promote, guide and manage the future development of the Borough. The Core Strategy will also shape the investment plans of the Council and other public, voluntary and private sector organisations. It contains proposals for housing, economy and employment, community facilities, quality of life and accessibility are explained for an individual area and the Borough as a whole. Policy CS24 provides a policy approach to the management of flood risk and drainage in new development.

The Strategy must ensure that the policies and actions compliment the objectives and policies within the Core Strategy.

Climate Change Strategy for the Knowsley Partnership 2012-2016

Vision – by 2023 Knowsley will be a borough with low carbon emissions from its businesses, organisations, communities and homes, will have prepared for the effects of climate change and have in place a strong and thriving low carbon economy.

Objective 2 – Ensure that the whole community are prepared for the effects of climate change.

Reducing the risk of flooding will support the objectives of the Climate Change Strategy. The Flood Risk Strategy will feed into the Climate Resilience Plan in development.

Knowsley Green Space Strategy Vision – “a linked, preserved and enhanced network of good quality green spaces that excite and inspire communities and contribute towards the creation of vibrant, healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods across Knowsley.”

The strategy sets out standards for green space provision and management, sets targets for each type of space and monitors

The Strategy will need to have regard to the importance of greenspace and Knowsley’s objectives for its management and utilisation.

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progress.North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (NMBAP)

The North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan comprises a number of individual Species & Habitat Action Plans and a Business Plan to prioritise work for conservation over the next few years. There are a total of 44 habitat and species action plans; each one describing the current status of the habitat or species, issues affecting its wellbeing, conservation objectives & targets and actions to meet them.

The Strategy should have regard to the NMBAP and its objectives for priority habitats and species.

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Appendix C – Updated Baseline Information

The SEA Directive requires the consideration of likely significant effects on the environment, including on biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between these factors. The collection of baseline information is a legal requirement of the SEA Directive and is required to provide information on the characteristics of an area, including the current state of the environment, and identify trends that are likely to continue without the implementation of the Strategy.

The baseline information has been revised and updated in light of any new evidence obtained through development of the LFRMS and comments received from the statutory consultees. The information below set out the updated baseline information and any local trends that can be identified from a range of data sources in relation to each of the above topics. The ways in which the LFRMS could potentially affect that topic are set out at the end of each section. Note that some topics (such as population and human health and flora and fauna) have been grouped together as there is a significant amount of crossover between these topics in terms of the data sources and the key environmental issues.

Plan AreaThe administrative boundary of Knowsley covers an area of approximately 8620 ha of which 54% is designated as Green Belt. Knowsley is part of the Merseyside conurbation, between the city of Liverpool to the west and St. Helens to the east. Sefton and West Lancashire districts lie to the north while Halton district lies to the south.

Knowsley forms part of the Liverpool City Region's Northern Housing Market Area. It also plays a major role as a location for employment, and recreational opportunities within the City Region. It has good transport links, particularly in an east-west direction to Liverpool City Centre, the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester, and the wider national motorway and rail networks. The Borough has very high levels of commuting to and from the surrounding area, particularly Liverpool.

Biodiversity, Flora and FaunaKnowsley does not have any Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), or Ramsar sites. However, there are eight European sites that are considered to have links via pathway with development within Knowsley boundary. These are:

Mersey Estuary SPA / Ramsar site; Manchester Moss SAC; River Dee and Bala Lake SAC; Sefton Coast SAC; Dee Estuary SAC SPA and Ramsar site; Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar site; Ribble and Alt Estuary SPA and Ramsar site; and Liverpool Bay SPA.

Knowsley has a number of locally designated sites consisting of: 65 Local Wildlife Sites (formerly Sites of BiologicalInterest) including a new site designated in 2012 (Northwood Forest Hills); five Local Geological Sites (formerly Sites of Local Geological Interest), of which four overlap with Local Wildlife Sites; 13 Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) ; and 1 Local Nature Reserve.

Table 4 'Sites of Environmental Importance by Partnership Board Area' shows a summary of their general location. Appendix E contains a full listing of sites. Of the 72 sites, 22 (31%) have positive conservation management schemes in place.

Table 10 Sites of Environmental Importance by Partnership Board AreaSite Location: Local Wildlife Sites Local Geological Sites Local Nature ReserveNorth Kirkby 4 1 0South Kirkby 12 1 1Prescot, Whiston and Cronton

25 4 0

North Huyton 4 0 0South Huyton 5 0 0Halewood 15 0 0

During 2011, twelve sites were monitored by the North Merseyside Local Sites Partnership, coordinated by Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service. These were: Aker's Pits, Knowsley Village;

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Stadt Moers Q2; Huyton and Prescot Golf Course; Copse, south of A58, Prescot; Mill Brook, Netherley; Alder Brook, Cronton; Charley Wood, Kirkby; Grassland, west of Seth Powell Way, Huyton; Simonswood Brook, Kirkby; Knowsley Brook; Croxteth Brook; and Mossland west of St. Johnstons Cottage.

One site was recorded to have lost half its area to conversion to agriculture. The southern section of Mossland, west of St. Johnsons Cottage had been ploughed and converted to arable farmland since the last monitoring (2005). This is of concern as the habitat was relict raised mire and is one of only two relict raised mires in Knowsley.

Three of the sites are in Council ownership and have had management issues due to the presence of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Rhodedendron, as well as extensive scrambler bike activity at one location. However, steps are being taken to address these issues. Invasive species are being eradicated from these sites through a borough-wide contract for public green spaces. The Rhododendron affecting Acornfield Plantation is being cleared through a managed process of removal (as is the case on other affected sites). Recent infrastructure investment on Woolfall Heath Meadow (Grassland West of Seth Powell Way) has now stopped scrambler bike access to the site. Charley Wood is now a development site and been cleared for a major industrial development scheme.

The Phase 1 Habitat Survey undertaken for the North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) identifies a total of 44 habitat types in Knowsley. The survey found that the habitats which cover the greatest area of Knowsley were arable land accounting for 23% of the land cover in the Borough, amenity grassland which accounts for 10% and improved grassland (613 ha) which accounts for approximately 7% of Knowsley’s land cover.

A number of North Merseyside BAP priority habitats were particularly poorly represented within Knowsley. For instance, the Phase 1 Habitat Survey identified only 12 hectares of acid grassland in the Borough, 4.95 hectares of mire / bog habitat concentrated primarily around Kirkby Moss and just one lowland heath site, Pex Hill, which covers an area of 1.18 hectares.

The survey also established that species rich hedgerows in Knowsley are only found in short unconnected sections and are widely spaced across the Borough.

The 2008 North Merseyside BAP review contains action plans for 28 species. A significant proportion of these species are found within Knowsley. However, their conservation status varies widely. For example, water voles are known to be relatively common on canals, rivers, brooks and ditches in the Borough, arable farmland in Knowsley contains some of the highest densities of corn bunting in North Merseyside and there are notable densities of skylarks around Tarbock and on the farmland between St. Helens and Kirkby. On the other hand, species such as pipistrelle bats, brown hares, grey partridges and red squirrels are only found in very small numbers in Knowsley and there are only a handful of sites for common lizard and these are increasingly threatened by scrub encroachment on the under-management of grassland and heathland sites.

There are a number of trees in Knowsley which are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. All trees within Conservation Areas fall under this designation. Knowsley also contains a number of areas of ancient (all of which are Local Wildlife Sites) and historic woodland which are important components of the historic landscape in addition to providing valuable wildlife habitat.

Water Resources and FloodingKnowsley contains the River Alt and Prescot, Netherley and Ditton Brooks. The River Alt is the primary watercourse flowing through the north of Knowsley and it is fed by a number of tributaries. The Alt drains the north west of the Borough. Prescot Brook drains Prescot, Whiston and parts of the Huyton urban areas. Netherley, Dog Clog, Fox’s Bank and Ditton Brooks drain the rural southern parts of the Borough. Knowsley Brook is a significant tributary of the River Alt that drains the predominantly rural area to the west of the settlement of Knowsley Village, which includes parts of the Knowsley Hall Estate. A review of the Environment Agency’s National Flood and Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) indicates that within the Borough there are 51 culverts

Flood risk in Knowsley mainly relates to waterway sources including: The River Alt, Knowsley Brook, Croxteth Brook, Kirkby Brook, Court Hey Brook and Logwood Mill Brook. Flood risk is particularly prevalent in the following areas: the northern fringes of Kirkby and Tower Hill and through Kirkby town centre from Kirkby Brook; south of Kirkby, along Knowsley Brook, Croxteth Brook and the confluence of both with the River Alt, a rural area bordering the M57 is

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identified to be at fluvial flood risk. Also within the upper, northern reaches of the River Alt, at Woolfall Heath and Fincham; and the tributaries within the Mersey catchment i.e. Prescot Brook, Logwood Mill Brook, Fox ’s Brook, Ochre Brook, Dog Clogg Brook, Mill Brook, Netherley Brook and Ditton Brook form the majority of fluvial flood risk to the central and southern parts of the Borough.

Past floodingFor the recording of past local flood risk, the “indicative flood risk” criteria of 200 people in a 1km grid square, established by DEFRA at the national level, was reduced to 20 people (or approximately 8 houses) in a 1km grid. To ensure a consistent Merseyside approach, this method for establishing past local flood risk was discussed at the Merseyside Drainage Group meeting on 17th January 2011 and on 21st February 2011 adopted across the region as the accepted way forward.

Flooding record data collected to inform the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment does not have enough detail included to allow full assessment of the impact and consequences on the residents of the properties flooded. The limited available evidence suggests that none of the past flooding events are considered to be significant, with associated harmful consequences.

An estimated 1% rainfall event (an event that has a 1 in 100 chance of happening in any one year) occurred on 20 July 2011 and the records from both United Utilities and Knowsley only show internal flooding to 12 residential properties and 3 non-residential properties (shops). It should be noted that these flooded properties are dispersed throughout the borough and do not form any significant cluster. Data provided by United Utilities covering recorded surface water flooding incidents from 2008 to date was reviewed and Table 5 shows the location of surface water and combined sewers that have been identified to be hydraulically inadequate.

Table 11 Drainage Infrastructure with Restricted CapacityDate Flood reported

Location Sewer type Chance of rainfall happening in any year

Consequences No of properties affected

11/05/2008 Huyton Surface Water 1 in 20 External Flooding 311/05/2008 Huyton Surface Water 1 in 20 Internal Flooding 310/07/2008 Huyton Combined Sewer Not known Cellar Flooding 129/07/2008 Huyton Combined Sewer Not known Cellar Flooding 129/07/2008 Roby Combined Sewer Not known External Flooding 105/09/2008 Huyton Surface Water Not known Highway Flooding 106/09/2008 Huyton Combined Sewer Not known Highway Flooding 120/07/2010 Roby Combined Sewer Not known External Flooding 520/07/2010 Roby Surface Water 1 in 20 Internal Flooding 320/07/2010 Roby Surface Water 1 in 20 External Flooding 220/07/2010 Roby Surface Water 1 in 20 Highway Flooding 103/10/2010 Whiston Surface Water Not known External Flooding 6

Future FloodingThe Environment Agency has produced two national datasets showing predicted surface water flooding namely ‘Areas Susceptible to Surface Water Flooding (AStSWF)’ and ‘Flood Map for Surface Water (FMfSW)’. The data for both national datasets was reviewed against Knowsley locally agreed surface water data including the effects of an estimated 1% rainfall event (an event that has a 1 in 100 chance of happening in any one year) that occurred on 20 July 2011. Following the review it was agreed that the FMfSW was more representative of the flood risk.

The Environment Agency has used the information within the national receptor Dataset to count the number of properties at risk of flooding identified on the FMfSW. The data is based on the assumption that a rainfall event with a 1 in 200 chance of happening in any one year is equivalent to the chance of flooding on the ground in the order of a 1 in 100 chance in any given year.

Table 12 Properties in Knowsley at Risk of Surface Water Flooding1 in 200 Rainfall – Flooding greater than 0.3M depthAll properties Residential properties Non-residential properties3000 2400 600

The Environment Agency dataset “Detailed River Network” and United Utilities sewer records have been used to establish the location of ordinary, non-main river watercourses. Currently, there is only one known issue of flood risk associated with ordinary watercourses in Knowsley.

Table 13 Areas in Knowsley at risk of Flooding from Ordinary Watercourses38


Date flooding reported

Sewer Type Outfall Chance of rainfall happening in any year

Consequences

Nov 2000 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingFeb 2005 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingJan 2008 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingOct 2010 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingJan 2011 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingFeb 2011 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Internal flooding

to one propertyJan 2012 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingJune 2012 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway FloodingSept 2012 Culverted Watercourse River Alt Not Known Highway Flooding

There are four national datasets providing information on groundwater flooding. Due to the lack of local information in relation to groundwater flooding in Knowsley, the Environment Agency’s “Areas Susceptible to Groundwater Flooding (AStGWF)” and DEFRA’s Groundwater Emergence Map (GEM) dataset has been used to inform the evidence base.

DEFRA GEM, identifies areas where, in exceptionally wet winters, groundwater may be expected to rise close to or at the ground surface. It also indicates that the lower lying areas of the Alt floodplain extending into Kirkby Brook, Knowsley Brook and Croxteth Brook are at risk, as well as areas of the River Alt within Stockbridge Village extending southwards towards Huyton. There are also large areas shown to be potentially at risk in the upper reaches of Netherley Brook within Bowring Park, a small area within the floodplain of Fox’s Bank Brook and extensively along Netherley Brook and Ditton Brook from Netherley to Ditton. Also it should be noted that the GEM dataset reflect the findings of the Mersey and North Merseyside Water Resources study closely, which gives some confidence with respect to its use to assess the source of groundwater flooding. As a result of the above and despite the absence of information that confirms groundwater flooding to have been a cause of historical flooding or to be a significant risk, groundwater flooding is considered to be a potential source of flooding in some locations within Knowsley

There are a number of sources of data with respect to sewer flooding. United Utilities maintain an incident reporting system of flooding events associated with its assets. Prior to April 2008 this was referred to as the Sewer Incident Recording System (SIRS), though following changes to the data that was recorded this became the Water Incident Recording System (WIRS). Records are kept of the location of flooding and the causes and effects, including whether there is internal or external flooding, basement flooding etc. A review of the WIRS data indicates that there are 76 records of surface water flooding within the WIRS datasets between 1st April 2008 and 3rd May 2012. The causes of these incidents include blockage, collapse and hydraulic inadequacy. Additional influences include exceptionally severe weather, siltation and tree roots. Of these 76 records, 7 records were of property flooding, 6 were of cellar flooding, 7 were of adjoining property flooding, 29 were of garden flooding, 25 were of highway flooding and 2 were of flooding of public open space. United Utilities also maintains a register of properties that are known to be at risk from sewer flooding, known as the DG5 Register. The DG5 register contains properties that are at risk based on previous internal or external flooding from various causes, though most often hydraulic inadequacy, and which occurs in events more frequently than one every 20 years. The DG5 register for Knowsley has been provided by United Utilities and it indicates the following: A property within Knowsley Village at risk of flooding with a frequency of 2 in 10 years; Various properties across Huyton at risk from flooding with frequencies ranging between 2 in 10 and 1 in 20 years; Various properties across Prescot at risk from flooding with frequencies ranging between 2 in 10 and 1 in 20 years;

and Isolated properties within Halewood at risk from flooding with a frequency of 1 in 20 years. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal flows through the Borough for approximately 10m, west of Kirkby (NGR 339190 398710), the canal is not raised at this point and it is located within farmland / golf course. Although there remains a residual risk of canal failure it is concluded that the probability and the resulting risk would be low within Knowsley, particularly as the topographical gradient would channel flow away from the Borough along the route of the River Alt.

Water Framework DirectiveIn the North West River Basin District 30 per cent of surface waters meet good ecological status or better; 70 per cent do not meet good status (512 water bodies). 22 per cent of groundwater bodies are at good overall status with the rest being poor status.

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Table 14 Status of Waterbodies in the North WestRiver and Lake Waterbodies Now 2015% at good ecological status or potential 0 0% assessed at good or high biological status (25 waterbodies assessed) 0 4% assessed at good chemical status (6 waterbodies assessed) 100 100% at good status overall (chemical and ecological) 0 0% improving for one or more element in rivers 48

The catchment drains an area of 4680 km2 and consists of Liverpool and several other major key towns and cities. Many of the rivers in the catchment have been modified through channelisation, culverting and flood protection schemes. These modifications may be barriers to fish migration and impact on the overall condition of the watercourse. The catchment has a rich industrial past and is home to much of the North West region’s heavy industry and major ports and has one of the most thriving economies in the region.

In implementing the River Basin Management Plan, the Environment Agency will work with partners to improve our waterbodies through;

Supporting and funding River Mersey Fry Refuge Project for creating suitable juvenile habitats in downstream reaches of modified rivers within the catchment;

Undertaking research or targeting local investigation to find the origin, cause and solutions to pollution; Investigating contaminated land issues and possible remediation; Implementing practical measures to tackle oil pollution in ports, harbours and docks and apply pollution prevention

campaigns to improve water quality and reduce sedimentation; and United Utilities improving their assets at Widnes and Warrington Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW).

These improvements are expected to lead to 4% of rivers and lakes improving to good biological status. Overall, 135km of rivers in the catchment will improve by at least one element by 2015. The number of rivers at bad or poor status will be reduced from 12 to 10.

Table 15 Status of Waterbodies Alt Crossens CatchmentRiver and Lake Waterbodies Now 2015% at good ecological status or potential 0 0% assessed at good or high biological status (11 waterbodies assessed) 18 18% assessed at good chemical status (3 water bodies assessed) 0 0% at good status overall (chemical and ecological) 0 0% improving for one or more element in rivers 14

Much of the At Crossens catchment contains rivers designated as artificial or heavily modified. Table 9 shows that the waterbodies within the Alt and Crossens catchment fail to achieve good ecological status, mainly due to failing to achieve a good chemical status. However, the improvement schemes planned as part of the River Basin Management Plan which includes building on our work with partners to investigate and deliver solutions, should lead to environmental improvements in the water environment.

Data on river quality in Knowsley comprise the Environment Agency Biological River Water Quality and chemical River Water Quality. In Knowsley (2006), 26.1 km of river was tested to compile Biological Water Quality data, of which 50.1% was in fair condition and 49.9% in poor condition. This is an improvement on the previous year when 41% was in fair condition and 59% was in poor or bad condition. This is a considerable improvement on two years ago when 25% was in fair condition and 75% was in poor or bad condition.

Table 10, Biological River Water Quality, shows an assessment of the quality of biological life in the River Alt. It is produced by comparing the number of small animals and insects in a sample of water with water from an unpolluted river. It shows that, since at least 2000, the biological quality of the river has been "Poor". It has a very high level of nitrates and excessively high levels of phosphates.

Table 16 Biological River Water Quality2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Overall Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor PoorNitrates Very

HighVery High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Very High

Phosphates

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

Excessively High

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Table 11 'Chemical River Water Quality' shows an assessment of the amount of ammonia and oxygen in the River Alt.

Table 17 Chemical River Water Quality2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Ammonia Fairly Good

Fairly Good

Good Good Good Good Good Fairly Good

Fairly Good

Fairly Good

Dissolved Oxygen

Fairly Good

Fairly Good

Good Good Good Good Very Good

Very Good

Very Good

Very Good

In 2006, 7.5% of the length of rivers in Knowsley could be described as “Good”, 57.4% as “Fair” and 35.1% as either “Poor” or “Bad”. Overall the condition of the chemical content has continued to improve. Between 2005 and 2006 the “Bad” category reduced from 32.9% to 22.6% and increased in the “Good” category from 0.4% to 7.5%. The level of dissolved oxygen in the River Alt has increased significantly since and is now in the highest classification. The level of Ammonia in the water is described as "Fairly Good".

Population and Human HealthThe Borough saw a large decline in population in the 1970s and 1980s. In order to stem this decline the Council embarked on an ambitious “stabilisation strategy” which included the building of over 6,000 dwellings up to 2002. This contributed to a smaller loss in population in the 1990s and a stabilisation of population since 2000, although the population has shown a slight decrease in the last three years. It is estimated that the population of Knowsley in June 2010 was149,100 and this is used as the basis for the table below. However, subsequently Knowsley’s Local Plan has used a 2011 estimate of 149,230 while the 2011 national census returned a figure of 145,900.

The number of persons aged 60+ rose by 25.3% between 1981 and 2010 while the number of persons aged under 20 fell by 36.8%. In 1981, 34.6 % of the population was aged under 20; by 2010 this had fallen to 25.5%. The proportion of persons aged 60 plus rose from 14.4% to 20.9%.

Table 18 Age Profile of Population1981 1991 2001 2010

Age under 20 60,100 46,100 43,000 38,000Age 20 – 44 years 58,500 57,300 52,600 49,000Aged 45 – 60 years 29,700 23,900 25,800 30,900Aged 60 + years 24,900 27,600 29,800 31,200Total 173,500 154,900 151,200 149,100

The Borough's population is expected to increase by 4,100 between 2008 and 2027(2). This is due to it being projected that there will be 10,700 more births than deaths and that there will be a net migration loss of 6,500 people.

Knowsley is ranked high in all measures of deprivation and is among the most deprived Boroughs in the Country. An important measure of deprivation is the percentage of the population who live in SOAs that are in the upper 10% most deprived in the country. In Knowsley’s case, 45 of the Borough's 99 SOAs are in the most deprived 10% of England's SOAs. This accounts to 67,089 people; 44.6% of the Borough’s overall population. Most deprived areas of the Borough can be found in Kirkby, Stockbridge Village and North Huyton

Climatic FactorsIn the future flooding will be influenced by climate change. Whilst we do not know exactly what will happen in the future, climate change projections produced by DEFRA shows that climate change is likely to result in:

More frequent and intense storms causing more widespread flooding from drainage systems and some rivers; and Wetter winters increasing the likelihood of large-scale flooding.

Table 13 shows the Borough’s CO2 emissions per capita for energy use in domestic properties, industrial / commercial premises and transport (excluding motorways). Emissions decreased in Knowsley from 2005 to 2011. The most significant source of CO2 emissions in Knowsley is the industrial / commercial sector (48%).

Table 19 Knowsley Per Capita CO2 Emissions 2005-2011Year Per capita CO2 emissions (tonnes) Percentage reduction from baseline2005 8.1 N/A2006 7.9 3%2007 7.6 6%2008 7.0 14%2009 6.5 20%2010 7.0 14%

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2011 6.5 20%

Knowsley has a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 31% from 2005 levels by 2020.

Climate change projections for the United Kingdom published as part of the UKCP09 programme1 provide detailed probabilistic projections of climate change based on quantification of the known sources of uncertainty. Projections are available for the North West region for a number of variables in relation to climate change projections including change in mean air temperature, precipitation rates and relative humidity based on three emissions scenarios (Low medium and high). The emissions scenarios represent the future development of greenhouse gas emissions and are based on a coherent and internally consistent set of assumptions about driving forces (such as demographic and socio-economic development and technological change) and their key relationships.

Projections show that the change in annual temperature for the North West region for the time period 2010-2039 for both medium and high emissions scenario will be approximately 2.0 degrees celsius increasing to 4.5 and 5.5 for the medium and high emission scenario up to 2099.

Projections show that the average winter precipitation rate for the North West region for the period 2010-2039 for the medium and high emissions scenario will increase by approximately 14% and 11% respectively, increasing to 35% and 45% up to 2099. Predictions for summer precipitation show a steady decline of approximately 30% and 35% for the medium and high emissions scenario respectively up to 2099.

Air QualityUnder the Environment Act 1995, Local authorities have statutory duties for local air quality management (LAQM). The Act requires the UK Government and devolved administrations for Scotland and Wales to produce a National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS) containing standards, objectives, and measures for improving ambient air quality and to keep these policies under review. Since December 1997 each local authority in the UK has been carrying out a review and assessment of air quality in their area. This involves measuring air pollution and trying to predict how it will change in the next few years.

Knowsley monitors air quality through specialist equipment, examining planning applications and regulating certain industrial sites to ensure that all Air Quality Objectives are met. Air quality is generally good and there are no Air Quality Management Areas within the Borough.

Soil, Landscape and GeologyThe Borough’s natural environment and network of greenspaces is one of its greatest assets. The urban areas contain a network of open spaces of various types, which contribute hugely to the quality of life and health of Knowsley's residents and the image of the Borough. Around half (4,644 ha) of the Borough is designated as Green Belt. Its quality varies significantly, ranging from high-grade agricultural land to scrub vegetation.

The landscape in Knowsley ranges from urban centres to rural landscapes containing many important features such as areas of mossland landscape, ponds, streams and small lakes, and other areas of ecological importance. The Countryside Character Appraisal concludes that the landscapes in Knowsley fall into 4 different typologies, listed below.

The Merseyside conurbation – which includes Kirkby and Huyton, comprises principally of urban landscapes associated with growth that has taken place in several phases. There is a limited amount of open countryside within this area. Knowsley’s urban settlements of Kirkby, Huyton and Halewood are included in this Character Area. The remaining areas within Knowsley tend to be concentrated along the M57 to the north of Huyton and consist mainly of Grade 2 agricultural land. The topography of this area is flat and low-lying and there is limited tree cover;

The Mersey Valley – which includes the southern part of the borough which comprises principally of a broad, flat linear valley with limited trees and woodland. The landscape in this area tends to be badly degraded at the periphery of urban development;

The Lancashire Coal Measures – Which includes the east of the Borough which consists primarily of a fragmented landscape created by a complex pattern of mining and industrial activity intermixed with housing. Tree cover in this area is largely restricted to isolated trees, small woodland clumps and tree planting along tracks and the boundaries of dwellings; and

The Lancashire and Amounderness Plain – This is a relatively flat and rolling plain in the north east of the borough. It is predominantly highly productive arable land with large fields and woodland cover is generally sparse outside of the historic estates such as Knowsley Park.

There are five Sites of Local Geological Interest in Knowsley – Stadt Moers Park (Quadrant 4), Knowsley Park Moss, Little Brook, Kirkby Brook and Cronton Mineral Railway Line. There are also 13 Regionally Important Geological Sites.

1 http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/content/view/868/531/

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Eastern parts of Knowsley contain some of the oldest rocks in Merseyside. These are represented by Carboniferous Pennine Coal Measures (Westphalian), alternating sequences of mudstones, siltstones, sandstone and extensive coal seams laid down some 300 million years ago.

There are several areas of lowland raised peat bogs in the northern parts of Knowsley that represent the southern end of the southwest Lancashire peat plain. Clay is currently extracted from the Carboniferous Etruria Formation at the Cronton pit for use in brickworks in St. Helens.

Material AssetsFor the purposes of the assessment material assets will include buildings, infrastructure (Physical and Social) and resources that could potentially be affected by flooding. Therefore, it is important to recognise these assets to understand the impact of the Strategy within Knowsley.

HousingThe total number of dwellings within Knowsley during the 2010/11 reporting period was 62,629.

EducationKnowsley has 49 primary schools including Catholic, Church of England and Community School, 7 secondary schools, together with 6 special schools. Knowsley has seven Centres for Learning, which are new secondary schools, having been remodelled as part of the Knowsley Future Schooling programme (part of the national Building Schools for the Future programme). These are: All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning, Christ the King Joint Catholic/Church of England Centre for Learning, Halewood Centre for Learning, Huyton Arts & Sports Centre for Learning, Kirkby Sports College, a Centre for Learning, Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, serving Prescot, Whiston and the wider community and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning.

HealthThe Knowsley Primary Care Trust (PCT – also known as NHS Knowsley) currently operates NHS health care facilities in Knowsley. These include 40 GP practices (including 113 individual GPs) and 21 dental practices. There are also 8 opticians and 36 pharmacies in the Borough. Whiston Hospital is located in Knowsley, with many services including Accident and Emergency and a Maternity unit within the hospital.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in Knowsley are operated by Merseyside-wide agencies for fire, police and ambulance services.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are the fire service for Knowsley, as well as the wider Merseyside area. Community Fire Stations are located in Huyton, Whiston and Kirkby in Knowsley, as well as various other stations across Merseyside, which also serve parts of Knowsley.

The local police force is Merseyside Police, operational across Knowsley, with neighbourhood teams for North Kirkby, South Kirkby, North Huyton, South Huyton and Prescot, Halewood and Whiston

Knowsley’s ambulance service is run by the North West Ambulance Service operates across the Knowsley area, as well as the wider North West region. Ambulance stations are located in Huyton, Kirkby and Whiston, as well as elsewhere in the Merseyside area close to Knowsley.

Community facilitiesKnowsley has seven libraries, in Huyton, Kirkby, Whiston, Stockbridge Village, Prescot, Page Moss and Halewood. The Council also operates a mobile library to reach other communities in the Borough. The Council operates four One Stop Shops for Council services. These are: Huyton One Stop Shop, Kirkby One Stop Shop, Prescot One Stop Shop and Halewood One Stop Shop. There are 16 Council-run centres, as well as several run by voluntary organisations and by the Town Councils. There are also a large number of post offices within the borough.

Green InfrastructureKnowsley has 29 established parks and gardens offering various formal and informal recreational opportunities. These are identified and sub-divided within the Council’s Green Space Strategy, as follows:

Borough Parks: Court Hey Park, Halewood Park, Stadt Moers Park, Mill Dam Park. High Level Parks: McGoldrick Park, Henley Park, Eaton Street Park, The Pasture, Millbrook Park Millennium

Green, Jubilee Park, King George V Playing Fields (Huyton), King George V Playing Fields (Prescot), Huyton Wetland, Webster Park, Saxon Green, Grace Park, Halewood Doorstep Green, Memorial Park, Old Rough, Whitestone Millennium Green, Frensham Park, St. John’s Millennium Green, Alt Park, Field Lane Park, Bowring Park, Knowsley Village Recreation Ground.

Local Parks and Gardens: St. Chad’s Gardens, Sawpit Park and Wastlebridge Park. Additionally, however, there are the following other green space sites within the borough:

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Natural & Semi-Natural Sites (34): Ten Acre Pits, Court Farm Woods, Little Wood, Acornfield Plantation,

Northwood Forest Hills, Woolfall Heath Meadow, New Hutte Woods, Dumbrees Wood, Pinfold Wood, Syders Grove, The Sanctuary, Finch Wood, Cyril Cook Park, Penny Wood, Spring Wood, Homer Wood, Howard’s Pit, Rabbit Wood, Carr Lane Woods, Meakin’s Pits (East), Meakin’s Pits (West), Mercers Dell, Church Road Wood, Bluebell Wood, Oak Plantation, Field Lane Woodland, Clint East Wood, Cross Hillocks Woods, Fluker’s Brook Wood, Hillsborough Oaks, Hilton Grace Woodlands, Shop Road Wood, Charlotte’s Pagsy. Knowsley Council additionally manages over 30 hectares of natural/semi-natural land along the Knowsley Expressway. Further Natural/Semi-Natural Land is contained within ‘Parks & Gardens’ and ‘Amenity Green Space’ Typologies.

Allotment Sites (9): Cuper Crescent, Delaware Crescent, Glendevon, Molyneaux Drive, Northwood Community Allotments/Garden, Stadt Moers, Bowring Park, Holland Road, Quernmore

Sports Typology Spaces: numerous sites including Halewood Leisure Centre, Lord Derby’s Memorial Playing Fields, Arncliffe Sports Ground, Broad Lane Playing Fields, Bowring Park Golf Course, Roby Playing Fields, Mill Lane Recreation Ground, Pool Hey Playing Fields, Windy Arbour Road Playing Fields, Two Butt Lane Playing Fields, Frederick Lunt Playing Fields, Hollies Recreation Ground as well as many more associated with Knowsley Council’s Leisure and Educational Facilities. Some sports facilities also contained within ‘Park & Garden’ typologies.

Green Corridors (4): linking with numerous other green space typologies along the way, the South Alt Greenway, Whiston Greenway, Valley Corridor and Transpennine Trail are Knowsley’s main Green Corridors.

Cemeteries and Church Yards (4): Knowsley Council owns Knowsley Cemetery, but also manages a range of church yards and cemeteries across the borough (St. Chad’s (Kirkby), St. Michael’s (Huyton Cemetery) and St. Mary’s (Prescot Cemetery).

Play Areas: 39 play areas are managed by Knowsley Council across the borough, many of which fall within the ‘Park & Garden’ typology sites, though some being stand alone sites such as Foxshaw Close Playground, Bryer Road Playground, Stockbridge Village, Lickers Lane, Halewood Leisure Centre MUGA, Pingwood MUGA and Play Area.

Amenity Green Space: there is also a further network of smaller scale open spaces identified as amenity green space. These vary significantly in size and quality.

In July 2013, Knowsley Council was awarded 12 Green Flag Awards for the following sites (Court Hey Park (Huyton), McGoldrick Park (Huyton), King George V Playing Fields (Huyton), Halewood Park Triangle (Halewood), Sawpit Park (Huyton), St. Chad’s Gardens (Kirkby), Millbrook Park Millennium Green (Kirkby), Jubilee Park (Huyton), Knowsley Cemetery (Whiston), Henley Park (Whiston), Eaton Street Park (Prescot) and The Pasture (Cronton). Further public green spaces are being considered for future Green Flag Award Applications, including Acornfield Plantation (Kirkby) and a range of sites that have seen recent investment in their public infrastructure, landscaping and habitat management. The Council’s Green Space Strategy identifies key objectives for the protection and enhancement of public green space within Council ownership/management.

TransportKnowsley is well connected with the M62, M57, A580 (East Lancashire Road) and 4 rail lines passing through the Borough, while the M58 lies just outside the northern boundary. There are also numerous bus routes serving the Borough's townships, although the services tend to be less frequent for north-south linkages in the Borough. There are also difficulties in accessing, by bus, some services only available in adjoining districts. The A5300 Knowsley Expressway junction with the A561 has been identified as a congestion hotspot.

The Borough contains seven rail stations on four rail lines going to and from Liverpool City Centre. Huyton, Roby and Whiston stations are located on the Liverpool to Manchester Victoria line while Prescot station is on a branch of this line which terminates at Wigan.

Proposals to electrify the Liverpool to Manchester railway line is anticipated to come forward. Creation of a new railway station at Headbolt Lane in Kirkby and proposed Merseytram Line 1 scheme are long term priorities identified in Local Transport Plan 3. The planned expansion of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, including the proposed Eastern Access Transport Corridor is supported by the Council.

Renewable EnergyDECC provide quarterly statistics on current numbers of feed in tariffs (FIT) for small scale generation in place across the borough. There are currently 978 installed measures claiming FIT payments in Knowsley and all of them except one are for Solar Photovoltaic installations. The one exception is for a 6KW wind turbine installed in 2011. The current total installed capacity for small scale generation in Knowsley is 3.1MW (Table 14). This data is only available from 2011 onwards.

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Table 20 Renewable Installations Utilising the Feed-in Tariff

Year No. of installations2011 1982012 4742013 (to June) 306Total 978

A major project for Knowsley is the development of a district heating network at the Knowsley Industrial Park (KIP). This was identified as a potential project in Knowsley’s Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Study and was subsequently included in the Strategic Framework for the re-development of the Industrial Park. MineralsKnowsley has a long history of minerals exploitation such as the mining of coals and clay extraction for brick making. With the exception of Cronton clay pit, the operations have now ceased.

WasteWaste facilities in Knowsley are operated by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, and through publicly and privately owned facilities and contracts.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority / Veolia operate a number of household waste recycling centres, including those Huyton and Kirkby Household Waste Recycling Centres within Knowsley. The amount of household waste being disposed of via landfill continues to decline (down by 1,612 tonnes to 45,053 tonnes in 2009/10). The proportion going to landfill, however, is significantly greater than for England as a whole (72.2% compared with 46.9% nationally).

The Waste Local Plan identifies a requirement for four sites in Knowsley to accommodate built facilities for waste management, in addition to those already operational and with consent. The Plan also seeks to allocate land for a proposed expansion of the Cronton Claypit landfill, for backfilling with inert waste materials only.

Historic EnvironmentKnowsley has a varied built environment from the historic town of Prescot and a number of other smaller settlements through the typical 1920s and 1930s suburban developments to the more recent municipal and private sector estates. The rural villages within the Borough, including Knowsley Village, Cronton and Tarbock are notable for their more rural character, comprising a higher proportion of historic properties than elsewhere in the Borough. Some of the older parts of the Borough have a strong local sense of place based, for example, on the use of local red sandstone and red brick in buildings.

Listed BuildingsKnowsley contains 103 listed buildings of which 1 is Grade I, 4 are Grade II*, and 98 are grade II. The listed buildings range from large buildings of grandeur such as Knowsley Hall to places of worship and railway bridges. There are no listed buildings in Knowsley on the national buildings at risk register.

Conservation AreasKnowsley has fifteen conservation areas of which two, Prescot Town Centre and South Park Road, Kirkby, are considered by English Heritage to be at risk. Their condition is described as "Very Poor" and "expected to deteriorate". Prescot Town Centre has been awarded a development grant through the Townscape Heritage Initiative. This will be used to develop a 5 five year programme that will involve building refurbishments and reinstating architectural detailing together with an educational programme and community activities.

List of Conservation AreasPrescot Town Centre;Old Hall Lane, Kirkby;Ingoe Lane, Kirkby;Ribblers Lane, Kirkby;South Park Road, Kirkby;North Park Road, Kirkby;Huyton Church, Huyton;The Orchard, Huyton;Victoria Road / Church Road, Huyton;Roby, Huyton;Halewood Village;Knowsley Village;

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Tarbock Village;Tarbock Green; andTown End, Cronton.

Scheduled Ancient MonumentsThere are currently no designated ancient monuments in Knowsley.

Historic Parks and GardenKnowsley Hall is situated within a landscape park with gardens near the Hall. The immediate estate covers about 1000 hectares of which 950 hectares registered as a Historic Park and gardens. The park originated in the 13th century and was landscaped during the late18th century. The Park and Gardens is the only Historic Park and Garden in the Borough. It is not considered to be at risk. The Borough contains a number of other undesignated sites of similar character that are of historic significance, including Bowring Park and Golf Course, Court Hey Park, St. Chad’s Gardens, Little Wood, Homer Wood, Howard’s Pits and Bluebell Wood, among others.

LimitationsAt the time of preparing the LFRMS and SEA the available baseline data for the historic environment was limited to national datasets. This was due to the temporary closure of the Merseyside Historic Environment Record (HER) service which is to be resolved during 2014, though there will be to be limitations in HER data for an interim period while a data digitisation and enhancement programme is implemented. However, for the purposes of this SEA it has not been possible to include detail of non-designated heritage assets within the baseline. This is a limitation that will be addressed for any future iteration of the Strategy.

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Appendix D - SEA Objectives Compatibility Test

+ Where the objectives are compatible? Where it is uncertain the objectives are related0 Where there is likely to be no relation- Where the objectives are incompatible

Table 15 Compatibility Matrix for SEA objectives12 +3 ? ?4 ? ? +5 + + + +6 ? ? + ? +7 ? ? 0 0 + +8 + + ? ? + ? 09 + ? ? ? 0 ? 0 +

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Objective 1 with 3, 4, 6 and 7 - There is the potential that any development / measure required to ensure that the impact of flooding on existing and future development is minimised could result in adverse impact to water quality, existing biodiversity, soil resources, geodiversity and heritage depending on the nature of the measures proposed. For example, flood alleviation works could result in the mobilisation of land contamination into the water column or the construction of flood defences could adversely affect the setting of important heritage sites;

Objective 2 with 3, 4, 6 and 7 – Given the scope of the Strategy, many measures to adapt development to climate change will involve minimising flood risk and therefore could have similar impacts as Objective 1;

Objective 3 with 8 and 9 – Minimising flood risk to existing infrastructure, businesses and important heritage sites could potentially affect water quality depending on the nature of the measures being adopted;

Objective 4 with 8 and 9 - Minimising flood risk to existing infrastructure, businesses and important heritage site could result in adverse impact to biodiversity, flora and fauna depending on the nature of the measures which are adopted;

Objective 6 with 8 and 9 - Minimising flood risk to existing infrastructure, businesses and important heritage site could result in adverse impact to soil resources depending on the nature of the measures which are adopted.

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Appendix E – SEA Matrices for the KNOWSLEY LFRMS

LFRMS Objective 1: To clearly define who is responsible for identifying and managing flood risk Measures associated with this LFRMS objective

engage and educate the public prioritise actions and investment inform long-term planning work with natural processes to protect and improve the environment, balancing economic and social needs work with our partners to co-ordinate flood risk management.

SEA Objectives SEA Score Justification

1. To minimise the risk of flooding ?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on flood risk, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

2. Reducing the contribution to climate change and enabling adaptation to climate change which is already locked in.

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on adaptation to climate change, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective integration of adaptation issues into flood risk management planning. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

3. To protect and maintain the ecological condition of water resources

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on water quality, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

4. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity, including both habitats and species, and maintaining and enhancing nationally, regionally and locally designated wildlife sites and priority habitats.

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on biodiversity, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

5. Maintaining and enhancing human health, including enhanced health from access to green spaces and improved equitable access to a healthier, happier and more

?+ The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on health and wellbeing, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

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sustainable lifestyle6. To protect best quality soil and

enhance the quality and character of the landscape. ?

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on soil and landscape, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

7. Conserving and enhancing geodiversity

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on geodiversity, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty..

8. To minimise adverse impacts of local flood risk on existing and future key infrastructure, properties and businesses

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing infrastructure and property. This will not in itself have a direct impact on infrastructure and property, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

9. To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of Knowsley historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings

?+

The LFRMS Objective will not involve the LLFA carrying out any direct intervention or physical work to manage flooding in the community. However, it does involve identifying and explaining the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in respect of managing flood risk. This will not in itself have a direct impact on heritage assets, but improved clarity is likely to facilitate more effective planning and response to the issue. However, the extent and magnitude of this effect, expected to be beneficial, is subject to considerable uncertainty.

LFRMS Objective 2: To ensure that the development planning process and other policies take the management of flood risk into account to avoid further risk

Measures associated with this LFRMS objective engage and educate the public prioritise actions and investment inform long-term planning work with natural processes to protect and improve the environment, balancing economic and social needs work with our partners to co-ordinate flood risk management

SEA Objective SEA Score Justification

1. To minimise the risk of flooding ++The LFRMS objective will directly influence the implementation of planning and other regulatory mechanisms that have a role to play in managing flood risk. This will ensure that new development in particular is designed effectively to reduce flood risk.

2. Reducing the contribution to climate change and enabling adaptation to climate change

+ The LFRMS objective will directly influence the design of engineering and construction projects and will play a beneficial role by promoting adaptation to climate change. The Strategy cannot realistically influence the mitigation of climate change, but can ensure that allowance is made for anticipated climate change effects in the design of

49


which is already locked in. buildings and infrastructure.3. To protect and maintain the

ecological condition of water resources

+0By ensuring that the Strategy deals effectively with the control of flood risk in new development, it will indirectly ensure that water quality is maintained and enhanced. Limiting uncontrolled run-off and flooding will help to prevent uncontrolled discharges to water and reduce erosion and the effects of silt and sediment on watercourses.


+0

By ensuring that the Strategy deals effectively with the control of flood risk in new development, it will indirectly ensure that water quality is maintained and enhanced and the damaging effects of flooding on habitats and species are reduced. Limiting uncontrolled run-off and flooding will help to prevent uncontrolled discharges to water and reduce erosion and the effects of silt and sediment on watercourses.

5. Maintaining and enhancing human health, including enhanced health from access to green spaces and improved equitable access to a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle

+0

By ensuring that the Strategy deals effectively with the control of flood risk in new development, it will indirectly ensure that risks to human health and wellbeing are addressed appropriately through the design and layout of new development. Effects on access to greenspaces and their quality are more uncertain

6. To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape. +0

By ensuring that the Strategy deals effectively with the control of flood risk in new development, it will indirectly ensure that uncontrolled run-off and flooding will be controlled, which will limit the damaging effects of erosion and waterlogging and sedimentation in watercourses in places where this is not desirable. This will help to preserve and potentially improve landscape and soil quality over time.

7. Conserving and enhancing geodiversity +0

The LFRMS Objective will have an indirect positive effect on the protection of features of geological interest from the adverse impacts of flooding mainly in respect of reducing the risk of negative effects caused by uncontrolled run-off and waterlogging.


+0The LFRMS objective will directly influence the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will play a beneficial role by promoting engagement with business and property owners on flood risk issues. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.

9. To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of Knowsley’s historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings

+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will play a beneficial role by promoting engagement with the owners of historic assets on flood risk issues. This is of particular relevance through the planning system including the listed building consent procedure. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective. The overall effect is likely to be indirectly beneficial.

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LFRMS Objective 3: To set out clear and consistent plans for risk management so that individuals, communities and businesses can make informed decisions about their own responsibilities



1. To minimise the risk of flooding ++

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Overall this will play a significantly beneficial role in reducing flood risk by promoting engagement with public bodies, business and property owners on flood risk issues. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.


+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters, including successful adaptation to the anticipated effects of climate change. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.


+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding, including effects on water quality associated with uncontrolled run-off, pollution and sedimentation. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.


+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding, including effects on habitats and species. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.

5. Maintaining and enhancing human health, including enhanced health from access to green spaces and improved equitable access to a healthier,

+ The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding, including effects on human health and well-being arising from sewer flooding and the traumatic effects of property damage, among other things. The

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happier and more sustainable lifestyle

communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.

6. To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape.

+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding, including effects on soil and landscape associated with erosion by uncontrolled run-off, pollution and sedimentation. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.


+0

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will help to protect geologically significant sites from the effects of flooding, including erosion and waterlogging. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.


++

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding to business, infrastructure and property by reducing the incidence and severity of flooding and also by improving the response to flood events when they do occur. This will have a significantly beneficial effect on business continuity, the resilience of utilities and the delivery of public services. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.

9. To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of KNOWSLEY historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings

+

The LFRMS objective will directly influence a range of policies, plans and organisations with relevance to flooding. This will help to integrate good practice into both the design of engineering and construction projects and the infrastructure associated with them and will promote improved maintenance and co-ordination on flood matters. Promoting good practice in this way will reduce the risk and effects of flooding, including effects on the historic built environment. In general it should also benefit below ground archaeological remains, though there may be some exceptions to this in circumstances where existing wet conditions aids preservation. However, Knowsley has no Scheduled Ancient Monuments and effects on these sites are not therefore a consideration. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of private stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective and deliver appropriate adaptation measures.

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LFRMS Objective 4: To raise awareness of the impact of flooding on individuals, communities and businesses



1. To minimise the risk of flooding +0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on flood risk as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.


+0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on the implementation of climate change adaptation measures as individuals and organisations increasingly factor the issue into their decision making. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.


+0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on water quality as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those that result in decreased water quality. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective..


+0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on habitats and species as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those on natural habitats and biodiversity. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.


+0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on habitats and species as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those on human health and wellbeing. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.

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6. To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape. +0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially effected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on habitats and species as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those on human soil and landscape. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.


+0

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially effected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on habitats and species as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those on geodiversity. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.

8. To minimise adverse impacts of local flood risk on existing and future key infrastructure, properties and businesses ++

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will have a strong direct beneficial effect on infrastructure and property as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those affecting the resilience of the built environment and its infrastructure. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.

9. To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of Knowsley historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural interest and their settings

+

The LFRMS objective will increase knowledge of the effects of flooding among those potentially affected. This will help to promote consideration of flooding in the public arena and promote improved responses to and co-ordination on flood matters. Over time this will indirectly have a beneficial effect on habitats and species as individuals and organisations increasingly integrate awareness of flood risk into their decision making and take action to mitigate its effects, including those on the historic environment, which will benefit generally from improved management of the built environment and specifically from better management of individual historic sites, assets and structures. The communications plan will play a key role in the education and empowerment of stakeholders to contribute to the delivery of the objective.

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Appendix F – Strategic Environmental Assessment Framework

SEA Objective Sustainability Issues Potential Indicator1. To minimise the risk of flooding


Historic record of flooding events;

Significant infrastructure;

Surface water flooding incidents;

Residential properties at risk of fluvial flooding from 100 year event;

Flooding from Sankey Brook and its tributaries;

Culvert / Sewer Blockage;

Impact of development on neighbouring authorities of Halton and Warrington

Number of new developments permitted in areas of flood risk;

Number of developments permitted contrary to EA advice;

Number of flood defences developed;

Number of SuDS implemented since the publication of the Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Mitigation measures and actions implemented by the Strategy which takes account of the impact of climate change.


Chemical and Biological status of waterbodies;

Contaminated Land.

Ecological status of waterbodies;

Chemical status of waterbodies.


KNOWSLEY’ rich habitats and species;

North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan;

Tree cover.

Habitat creation and compensation resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures;

Loss of habitat resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures;

Achievement of North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan targets and Mersey Forest Plan.


KNOWSLEY aging population;

Residential and Commercial properties at risk of flooding;

Accessibility countryside, attractions, services, naturalgreenspace

Number of flood related injuries;


Change in area / number / quality of public open spaces, recreational and amenity facilities resulting from the Strategy policies, actions and measures.

6. To protect best quality soil and enhance the quality and character of the landscape.


High grade soil resource ;

Landscape Character;

Geological Sites

Area / number of incidences where Grade 1, 2 or 3 soil is lost due to need for flood alleviation / defences;

Number of flood alleviation / defence developments to be located within the Green Belt.


Wide range of physical and social infrastructure;

Properties at risk of flooding;

Population Circa 177,100


Number and severity of incidents leading to disruption or damage KNOWSLEY social and physical infrastructure.

9. To minimise the impact of flooding on the character and physical attributes of KNOWSLEY historic environment and heritage assets of historic, archaeological and architectural

Rich heritage including a number of Schedule Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas Listed Buildings and other heritage assets.

The number of Strategy policies, measures and actions developed and implemented to protect KNOWSLEY’ heritage sites from flooding;

Flood alleviation / defences developed that affect the integrity and settings of St Helen’s heritage sites.

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interest and their settings

56


Appendix G – List of References

1. A Practical Guide to Strategic Environmental Assessment, Former ODPM, September 2005

2. Guidance for risk management authorities on sustainable development in relation to their flood and coastal erosion risk management functions, DEFRA, October 2011

3. Mersey Estuary Catchment Flood Management Plan, Environment Agency, December 2009

4. Merseyside Mineral Resource, British Geological Survey, October 2005

5. North West River Basin Management Plan, Environment Agency, December 2009

6. Agricultural Land Classification Map, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1988

7. KNOWSLEY Annual Monitoring Report, KNOWSLEY Council, 2011

8. Liverpool City Region Ecological Framework, Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, October 2011

9. KNOWSLEY Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Atkins, June 2009

10. The Mersey, Mersey Basin Campaign, undated

11. Draft LDF Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, Scott Wilson, May 2010

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