Background

Seasonal flooding remains a significant issue across the UK, particularly for communities located close to rivers and low lying land. In Garstang, Lancashire, flooding had become a growing concern for residents, prompting the formation of a Flood Action Group (FLAG) to explore long term protection measures for the area.

Floodsafe Projects, a specialist contractor with experience protecting over 600 properties from flood damage, was commissioned to deliver flood protection for a large detached riverside property, with a solution that could also form part of a wider, extendable village scale flood defence strategy.

The challenge

The scheme faced a number of complex requirements:

  • Protecting an individual property while enabling future expansion to defend the wider village
  • Coordinating with the Environment Agency (EA) and local authorities, resulting in extensive approval procedures
  • Delivering flood protection within a predominantly agricultural landscape
  • Balancing engineering performance with visual integration into the local environment
  • Securing funding from multiple sources, including the EA and local councils

Several flood defence options were assessed before a preferred approach was agreed.

The solution

Given the availability of space and the rural setting, the design team returned to the original proposal of constructing a flood defence bund, enhanced with a modular wall where the defence line approached residential boundaries.

The final solution provided over 600 metres of flood defences, comprising:

•    An earthen raised bund through agricultural land
•    A 1.5 metre high modular flood wall where space was restricted
•    Integrated gates and demountable flood barriers to maintain access

The wall element included a 70 metre long, 1.5 metre high structure, constructed using Marshalls’ latest modular flood wall system. Floodsafe Projects were among the first contractors in the UK to install this solution.

The flood blocks are based on the Redi Rock™ concrete walling system, supplied with a Ledgestone finish that creates a natural, random stone appearance. Installed on a reinforced concrete strip foundation, the hollow blocks allow for:

  • Steel reinforcement
  • Concrete infill

This approach enabled rapid installation, while delivering a structurally robust flood defence that also enhanced the appearance of the property and surrounding area.

The outcome

The completed scheme now provides effective flood protection for the property and forms a scalable model for wider community defence in Garstang.

  • Long term protection for a high risk riverside property
  • A solution capable of extension to protect the wider village
  • Successful collaboration between contractor, Parish Council, EA and local authorities

Rapid installation and high quality finish suited to a rural setting
Floodsafe Projects commented:

“This is the first time we have used the Redi Rock walling solution. We have been impressed with the ease of installation and the support from Marshalls, from design through to delivery.”

They added:

“The wall went in quickly and looks great – the property owners are very happy.”