A SCHEME to strengthen the flood defences along a 14km stretch of the River Aire is set to benefit over 1,000 homes and nearly 500 businesses.
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) is a combination of traditional engineering that stretches for 14km along the River Aire between Leeds City station and Apperley Bridge, as well as catchment-wide natural flood management measures from Leeds to Malham.
Due to be completed in spring 2024, Leeds FAS2 hopes to reduce the flood risk to a 0.5 per-cent probability of occurring in any given year - equating to a one-in-200-year level of flood protection.
It will benefit 1,048 homes and 474 businesses between Apperley Bridge and Leeds City station.
This level of protection includes an allowance for climate change up to 2069 and will be effective for similar events to the Boxing Day floods in 2015.
The works in Apperley Bridge include engineered flood defences downstream from the entrance at Bottom Farm to Woodhouse Grove School, flood walls, embankments and a pumping station in the area around the Apperley Lane, Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane/Waterloo Crescent.
There are also some minor works to Carr Beck.
The most recent success in the area was the reopening of Apperley Lane Bridge to road users on August 24.
The Grade II listed bridge has been reinforced to protect it in high river conditions, whilst protecting its listed status.
The ongoing phase of Leeds FAS2 works in the area includes the construction of a pumping station, high-capacity drainage and flood walls near the George and Dragon pub.
This requires various levels of traffic management measures in the area between now and February 2024.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “The Leeds FAS2 will increase the resilience of thousands of homes and businesses as well as key infrastructure in Leeds and Bradford from devastating financial, environmental and emotional impact of flooding.
“The works in Apperley Bridge are an important part of this scheme. We have been working closely with Bradford Council for several years to make them happen.
“The Boxing Day 2015 flooding was devastating for the region.
“We would like to apologise for any disruption caused and thank everyone in the area for their support and patience as we make progress towards a more climate-resilient Leeds and Bradford region.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “It will mean more effective protection for residents in the Apperley Bridge area which, with the changing climate and higher levels of rainfall, is vital for this community.”
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