£1.6million flood defence proposal for Leeds

A proposal to invest £1.6million to help protect an area of Leeds from flooding by developing a new natural greenspace is to be discussed by senior councillors.

The Killingbeck Meadows Natural Flood Management Scheme in east Leeds will be considered by Leeds City Council’s executive board, and, if approved, will see an area of open land developed using natural improvements such as tree and vegetation planting to enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the area as well as incorporating footpaths to make for an attractive public space.

Killingbeck Meadows, close to the Wyke Beck, would be designed to help control river levels during heavy rainfall, with capabilities to store almost 25,000 cubic metres of water. The scheme would also help protect approximately 2,000 new homes which are expected to be built in the area.

Initial discussions about Killingbeck Meadows have already taken place with a range of stakeholders including the Friends of Wyke Beck, the Dunhills Flood Action Group, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “This is exactly the kind of regeneration we want to see in Leeds, with new housing delivering real benefits for everyone; especially the local residents. It brings everything together and comes to a practical, forward-looking solution. The additional flood protection will help to give people confidence in terms of moving into the area to live and also for businesses to invest in, while the new footpaths will make walking through the area even more enjoyable.”

Lucinda Yeadon, the council’s executive member for the environment and sustainability, added: “The Killingbeck Meadows plan is a really exciting idea of protecting property and also creating an attractive new public greenspace in the city for everyone to enjoy, so it has a wide range of benefits and we look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”