Plans for glass panel walls to prevent city flooding

The Environment Agency wants to install permanent glass panel walls to prevent flooding along the southern bank of the River Wye near the Old Bridge in Hereford.

The agency has submitted plans to replace the demountable flood defences currently in place along the footpath in front of the homes next to the Saracens Head and also on a section next to Greyfriars Bridge.

The proposals, which include floodgates, aim to reduce the whole life cost of the defences and reduce the risk of failure to deploy during flooding.

The new passive defences will be located entirely within the footprint of the existing wall and will be designed to fit into the existing supports.

When open, the floodgates will maintain current access for pedestrians and maintenance.

Architects working on the scheme say a self-cleaning glass is being proposed to reduce maintenance costs and because graffiti on glass panels has not been a problem at other similar projects.

“The flood defence height will be no higher than column supports and adjacent flood walls,” a consultant said in the design and access report submitted to the council.

“The glass panels along river side walk and flood gates at Bishops Meadow will be 600mm high, and the panels 3m long.

“The pedestrian gate along river side walk will tie into the top of the glass panels.

“At Greyfriars bridge the defence will be an 8m infill panel, with brick clad lower wall 350mm high and 700mm high glass panels above.”

However, one objector believes the plans will create a ‘barrier effect’ which will affect the view from the south bank.

Jeremy Milln said: “The infrastructure is barely 10-years-old, erected at considerable cost and has proved effective.

“The applicants stated reasons for changing his mind are unconvincing.

“The glass panels would be distracting and reflective and while the admired modern Left Bank building opposite has this effect, views from the Old Bridge and the north bank would be adversely impacted.

“Also the barrier effect of such panels could diminish visitor’s enjoyment of the River Wye from the south bank downstream of the bridge.”

Residents have until February 21 to comment on the proposals which are expected to be considered by March 8.