Levens, South Lakes

Riverbank stabilisation and retaining wall installation near protected historic structures in Levens, South Lakes, requiring close coordination with environmental and heritage authorities.
Levens, South Lakes
Civil Engineering & Highways
Slope Stabilisation

Sensitive Riverbank Stabilisation Near Historic Structures

Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd delivered a complex riverbank stabilisation scheme for Cumbria County Council in Levens, South Lakes. The 35-week Design and Build contract was undertaken in an area of high environmental and historical sensitivity.

The project involved constructing a new reinforced concrete retaining wall in close proximity to a Grade 2 listed medieval wall and nearby Grade 2* farmhouse, requiring a zero-vibration methodology and extensive consultation with Historic England, CCC archaeologists, and the Environment Agency. Flood Defence Consent and Water Framework permissions were secured, and a full Cultural Heritage Assessment and Wildlife Survey were commissioned.

Due to the discovery of extensive sub-surface boulders, the original contiguous piling design was abandoned in favour of a reinforced wall built on a cofferdam base within the river. Willow spiling was installed along the bank to form a living barrier, helping the structure visually blend with the landscape.

Client

Cumbria County Council

Project Completed

March 2015

Duration

35 Weeks

Value

£500,000

Contract

NEC 3
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Civil Engineering & Highways services delivered at Levens, South Lakes

Works Included

  • Design and Build contract with reinforced retaining wall
  • Close proximity to Grade 2 listed structures (3m from medieval wall)
  • Cultural Heritage Assessment and consultation with CCC archaeologists
  • Flood Defence Consent and Water Framework application
  • Pollution control and wildlife surveys
  • Substitution of original piling design due to site constraints
  • Installation of sandbag cofferdam for working platform
  • Willow spiling planted for embankment softening

Project Achievements

  • Zero-vibration methodology protected nearby heritage assets
  • Fully compliant with heritage and environmental regulations
  • Engineering design adapted successfully to complex site conditions
  • Visually softened outcome with willow planting on the riverbank

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