Work in Lammas Park, to protect homes and businesses from flooding has resumed after the revised design for its flood management scheme was approved by Ealing Council.
The sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) in Lammas Park, Ealing, will have 2 new basins and water channels (known as swales) designed to capture and temporarily store excess water during heavy rainfall. The rainwater stored in the basin is then slowly released into drains.
Work had been paused in late 2024 to allow for further feedback from residents on the original plans and an updated planning application to be considered. Planning permission on the revised plans has now been granted. The new design includes feedback from residents, including making the open grassed area close to the basin flatter so that people can still use it for recreation.
Not only will the SuDS reduce the risk of flooding, but the work will also improve biodiversity by creating a new home for wildlife such as birds, insects and frogs, and will have a wider variety of plants.
The basin banks are designed to reduce the risk of accidental slipping and will have wildflower plants acting as a buffer around the edges. Safety features recommended following a review by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents will also be put in place. Although the ponds will only have water in after heavy rain, the council will have a long-term water quality monitoring plan in place.
Next steps
Next steps over the coming weeks will involve levelling the ground, sowing grass, planting and carrying out safety inspections.
Once the grass, plants and wildflowers have had time to grow – weather permitting – and the project team is satisfied with safety inspections, that section of Lammas Park is expected be reopened in late summer.
More trees and plants will be added in the autumn.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action said, “As the climate changes, we need to do all we can to protect homes and businesses from flooding. Not only will this flood management scheme provide vital protection, but it will enhance the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity and become a home for lots of wildlife.
“I’m pleased that we’re moving forward with the work and want to thank the community for their patience.”
