Flood alleviation scheme at Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme, Hebden Bridge

The site and its setting

The works cover seven areas around Hebden Bridge, including its conservation area, rivers, public spaces, listed structures and scheduled Packhorse Bridge.

“Hebden Bridge can be accessed by road using the A646, a single carriageway road connecting Halifax to the east and Burnley to the northwest, which provides local connectivity to Mytholmroyd and Todmorden. Within Hebden Bridge the A646 provides both local access and access beyond to the Upper Calder Valley.”

“Due to the extent and nature of the works proposed, the application site has been divided into seven areas: • Area 1: Hebden Bridge Town Centre (from approx. 50m west of Hebble End bridge, including the A646 bridge to approx.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and approvals

Earlier applications covered environmental assessment, an overflow weir and intrusive survey works, while several related listed building applications remained to be determined.

“Application 25/01093/LBC Mayroyd Weir Description Removal of 18.5m central section of the weir, retaining 5.4m and 4.2m on south- western and north-eastern banks. Exposed ends will be clad using salvaged weir blocks to maintain a stone-faced appearance. Rock mattresses will be placed upstream of the retained sections for scour protection. (Listed Building Consent) Decision To be determined…”

“Application 25/01117/LBC Bridge Mill Description Replacement of nine windows with flood protection windows, blocking up of two windows and strengthening works, including partial rebuilding of masonry walls. (Listed Building Consent) Decision To be determined…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found that long-term flood protection, community, environmental and economic benefits outweighed temporary disruption, heritage harm and other limited conflicts.

“Objectors including locally residents and businesses are concerned about the impacts on heritage assets, amenity, health and the local economy and the use of Calder Holmes Park as a contractor's compound during the works.”

“This is expected to bring major benefits to the town, including improved mental health due to reduced risk of flooding and better protection for homes and businesses, the reduced disruption from future flood events would enable quicker recovery and greater confidence for investment in the local economy, protecting the fabric of the town from further damage thereby protecting the character of the Hebden Bridge Conservation Area and its important listed and non-designated…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection, subject to conditions, while heritage consultees identified less than substantial harm and parish councils raised local concerns.

“Conservation (Built Environment) – In consideration of the significance of all heritage assets which have the potential to be affected by the proposed scheme, the scheme is considered to result in less than substantial harm to the historic environment, most notably the Hebden Bridge Conservation Area and to the Scheduled Old Bridge by virtue of changes within its setting.”

“Each of the designated heritage assets, including the contribution of non-designated heritage assets to the significance of the conservation area, have been assessed individually, the overall level of harm caused by the proposed scheme is considered to be a moderate level of less than substantial harm. Sport England – Does not object to the application as the short-term impact on sport is considered mitigated while in the long term (i.e.”

Officer report

What residents and businesses said

There were 182 representations: 44 supported the scheme, 132 objected and 6 made general comments about its impacts and need.

“Publicity / Representations The statutory public consultation period of 30 days took place between 23/09/2025 to 19/11/2025 by 19 site notices, press adverts, and neighbour letters. In compliance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and the EIA regulations. During the public consultation, a total of 182 representations were made.”

“The key points raised as GENERAL COMMENTS: • Understand the need for flood defence work, and in principle support the scheme, we reject the plans in their current form due to the use of Calder Holmes Park as a base for the construction period. We urge that a more appropriate space is located for this purpose, and that plans do not proceed until it has been identified. • On balance I am in favour of the scheme going ahead but by a very fine margin.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

An objector, the applicant, two Hebden Royd Town Councillors, a Wadsworth Parish Councillor and two ward councillors addressed the committee.

The committee decision

The committee permitted the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Regeneration and Strategy.

“The Planning Officer presented a written report of the Director, Regeneration and Strategy which had been submitted in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and reported orally that it was recommended to Permit by the Director, Regeneration and Strategy, for the reasons set out in the report.”

“RESOLVED that the application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Regeneration and Strategy.”

Minutes