The River Eye and its floodplain, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is home to a wide array of habitats. With construction of the proposed North and East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road scheme crossing the River Eye and its SSSI, we helped gain consensus for a solution that would overcome many constraints.
Following extensive planning, environment-led assessments, and stakeholder engagement we worked with statutory bodies to divert a section of the river to alleviate pressures. We also demonstrated that the SSSI was severely degraded by flood protection measures, structural impacts and water pollution. This diversion avoided relocating high-voltage power lines and enhanced the environment around the river and improved its SSSI conservation status.
Creating a natural meander
Our radical solution created more favourable SSSI conditions and reduced the road’s impact by moving the river towards the centre of its flood plain in a more natural meandering form. All parties agreed this option provided an opportunity to restore the river in line with the aims of Natural England’s River Eye Restoration Strategy. Our solution won a ‘Planning for the Natural Environment’ award from the Royal Town Planning Institute in the East Midlands. The award is particularly notable because it is unusual for road schemes to be recognised for improving the natural environment.