The Environment Agency says it is progressing plans and designs for phase two and three of a £76m flood scheme.
The Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme is expected to protect 1,480 homes and 1,151 business from flooding along the River Kent catchment.
To inform the detailed design of the scheme in Burneside, Staveley and Ings, the Environment Agency and contractors, Volker Stevin need to understand the ground conditions and underground features by carrying out a number of intrusive surveys.
The surveys will include digging trial pits and exploratory boreholes. Teams will start work in a number of locations throughout Burneside from mid-March until late spring.
To help keep local residents informed, dedicated web-pages for phases two and three have also been developed. Key updates can be found at www.thefloodhub.co.uk/upperkent
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency in Cumbria said: “We are continuing to develop our flood scheme designs for Burneside, Staveley, and Ings and for the upstream storage measures ahead of a public consultation in summer 2021 and planning permission being submitted in winter 2022.
“The investigative works taking place in Burneside over the coming months will help us to determine the condition of the ground and are extremely important to minimise any underground risks or hazards, all works will be undertaken in line with current Government advice and once the works are complete, we will return the area back to how it was.
“In order to keep local residents informed of the works taking place, we have developed dedicated webpages on the Flood Hub, which will contain all key information moving forwards. We hope that these pages will help provide regular updates to the local communities.”
The Environment Agency has informed all landowners of where they need to undertake these investigations on land, and residents have been informed where access is needed to gardens or driveways.
Phases one, two and three of the Flood Risk Management Scheme will deliver a combination of linear defences, improved conveyance, upstream storage and complimentary Natural Flood Management measures to provide increased flood protection for the communities of Kendal, Burneside, Staveley, and Ings.
