Council Explains Why Lammas Park is Being Dug Up
Project will see installation of drainage system to reduce flood risk
Excavators at work in Lammas Park
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June 11, 2024
Speculation that a major archaeological dig was taking place in an Ealing park have proved to be unfounded.
The excavation work that began last month is, in fact, part of a joint project between Ealing Council, Thames Water and the Environment Agency to provide extra flood protection for residents living around Lammas Park.
The sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) project will see the creation of 2 new dry ponds/water storage basins and 2 water channels (known as swales). This aims to reduce the risk of properties around the park being flooded during heavy periods of rainfall.
The ponds will also help reduce the pressure on local storm sewers as the rainwater will be stored in the pond and then slowly released into drains. At the moment, the drains can become quickly overwhelmed with water which results in an overflow and localised flooding.
The new water channels will connect to an existing swale in the northwest corner of Lammas Park that already receives overflows from the Thames Water storm sewer.
The Lammas Park area has been identified as a Critical Drainage Area in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act 2010, with up to 2,700 properties being vulnerable. The construction of the SuDS aims to substantially reduce this number.
Work on the project was delayed, ironically by heavy rainfall but it is now expected that it will be complete in mid-autumn.
Once the work is complete, it is hoped the park’s biodiversity and ecology will be given a boost. The swales and ponds will be complemented by wetland plants creating a range of new habitats for wildlife surrounded by new areas of meadow. Ponds can help store carbon through natural processes and the wetland planting will improve the quality of storm water by providing ecological filtering before it returns to local rivers.
As part of the project, a small number of trees will need to be removed. Any removal will be kept to a minimum and the council says that three new trees will be planted for every tree that is removed. There are also plans to use boulders and logs from trees that are removed to create natural play areas.
The flood prevention work is expected to be completed by September with landscaping, meadow planting and community activities continuing into March the following year.
The park will remain open throughout the work, with some areas being fenced off for safety.
Due to the works access needed on site, one of the park’s entrances on Elers Road will be closed. Residents are being asked to use the other entrance on Elers Road adjacent to Walpole Close, which is 150 metres away.
The football courts and playground will remain open throughout the project.
For more information about this work visit the Ealing Planning Portal (Reference –232947FUL) or email highwayservices@ealing.gov.uk with any questions.
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