The scheme is part of the council’s Soak Up Lambeth programme, which aims to improve drainage using natural processes to reduce the impact of surface water flooding using a series of SuDS schemes for estates, schools, highways, and parks.
The scheme in Norwood Park will improve rainwater management, reduce flood risk, and boost biodiversity in the area. It is funded by Lambeth’s Capital Investment Programme and supported by Thames Water Utilities and is scheduled for completion by March 2025. Under Lambeth’s Climate Action Plan theme of Adaptation, the council has committed to sustainably managing 10 per cent of rainwater on impermeable surfaces by 2030. This addresses the increasing risk of surface water flooding due to increased rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events.
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “As the climate continues to change, flood risk is increasing, and we know how devastating it can be for residents and businesses. We’re working hard to tackle the issue now to protect people from this risk.
“We have worked closely with Thames Water to bring their funding to the borough for schemes like this that will benefit our residents, including new landscaping in the park that children and all other park users can enjoy.”
The locations for these SuDS interventions have been chosen based on flood modelling assessments, which highlighted key rainwater capture areas that will have the most impact on reducing flooding further downstream of the Victorian drainage and sewer system that Lambeth relies on.
SuDS are designed to mimic the water cycle, slowing down the infiltration and flow of water using planting, landscaping and trickle drainage. These ‘greener’ approaches to flood prevention also improve:
- Air quality
- Biodiversity
- Water quality
- Access to green spaces
- Shading and cool spaces
Incorporating SuDS across the borough helps us build neighbourhoods that are fit for the future so that residents can lead healthier, happier lives in a clean, vibrant, climate-resilient Lambeth. You can read more about all the SuDS schemes planned on the Have Your Say Website.
