Dam embankment flood works at The Dam Embankment Of Poynton Pool Reser Park, Poynton

What was proposed

The application proposed removing low points along about 480 metres of dam embankment and slightly raising the crest with a kerb and enhanced footpath.

“OFFICIAL Application No: 23/4152M Application Type: Full Planning Location: The Dam Embankment Of Poynton Pool Reser Park, London Road North (B5092), Poynton, Proposal: The proposed removal of low points along approximately 480m of the Poynton Pool dam embankment and slightly raising the level of crest to increase the flood resilience of the reservoir. A kerb alongside an enhanced footpath will create the crest level.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site formed part of the dam embankment beside a reservoir, within woodland, Poynton Park, a Local Wildlife Site and protected open space.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND CONTEXT The application site comprises part of the dam embankment along the western side of Poynton Pool. Poynton Pool reservoir is an ornamental lake within the grounds of Poynton Park and it is understood that it was constructed around 1750. The dam embankment comprises a footpath along its crest set within broadleaved woodland and ranges between 1.2m and 1.8m higher than the adjacent London Road North.”

“OFFICIAL is allocated within the Cheshire East Local Plan as an Area of Protected Open Space and a Local Wildlife Site and is located within the Settlement Boundary of Poynton.”

Officer report

Earlier consideration and changes

The application was deferred, after which the proposal reduced potential tree removals from 78 to between 17 and 34 and removed two wide clearance areas.

“The application was deferred from the April 2024 SPB meeting. There remains some disagreement between the parties on the stated inaccuracies, but it is considered that there is sufficient information available in order to make an informed decision on the application. Similarly, there remains disagreement regarding the impact of trees on the dam.”

“There has been no formal independent review of the application proposal, however an updated S10 report has been published since the deferral from SPB in April 2024, and its findings are similar to those identified in the 2016 S10 report. The Inspecting Engineer for the 2024 S10 Inspection was independent (not associated with the applicant) was also present at some of the meetings between the parties where the proposals were discussed.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, considering the information sufficient and the alternative scheme insufficiently certain to outweigh the application’s benefits.

“The information and details associated with the reasons for deferral are set out above. There remains some disagreement between the parties on the stated inaccuracies, but it is considered that there is sufficient information available in order to make an informed decision on the application. Similarly, there remains disagreement regarding the impact of trees on the dam, which appears to align with published information on this matter, that being inconclusive.”

“The weight to be afforded to any material consideration is a matter for the decision maker. Whilst the alternative scheme (Option 1D) does meet required standards, the full impact of it is not currently known. Whilst FoPP state that only one tree stump will require removal, this is not supported by detailed arboricultural impact information.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Several technical consultees raised no objection, while the Town Council and Friends of Poynton Pool objected over modelling, tree loss, ground investigation, mitigation and alternatives.

“Volume and depth of water • Survey shows a significant reduction in reservoir volume from 130,000m³ to 75,600m³ at Low Water Level. From 175,800m³ to 96,680m³ at the dam’s crest. • This represents a 41.8%–45% reduction, which the Town Council argues is significant and warrants a review of flood risk modelling. • 40% of the pool’s volume is silt, especially in the southern sector.”

“Poynton Town Council December 2025 – Object on following grounds: • Information identified as outstanding in previous submissions by Town Council still missing • The 2024 s10 report requires the input data and methodology for the 2019 Flood Study to be reviewed. But Hydrology and Modelling report does not model the 1 in 100 year event and does not comply with the recommendations of the S10 report.”

Officer report

What people said

Large numbers of representations opposed the works because of tree and ecological harm, disputed flood evidence, cost, consultation concerns and alleged less damaging alternatives.

“FoPP’s review revised the total cost of Option 3C to £6.9 million (including all associated scheme costs), while Option 1D remained at £1.9 million, consistent with previous QS estimates presented to the Strategic Planning Board in April 2024. • FoPP maintains that the cost evaluation lacks transparency and accuracy, undermining the integrity of the decision-making process.”

“Approximately 790 further letters of representation have been received from interested parties, including the local MP, objecting to the proposal on the following grounds: • Other options available which are less destructive – FoPP scheme • Harm to landscape character and visual amenity • Loss of trees • Ecological impact • Impact on visual amenity • Heritage and community value of Poynton Pool • Disproportionate works compared to extent of flood risk • Public Access and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers included ward and neighbouring ward councillors, two objectors, a representative for the applicant and the agent.

The committee vote

The Strategic Planning Board resolved to refuse the application, contrary to the officer recommendation.

“That the application be REFUSED, contrary to officer recommendation for the following reasons:”

Minutes