Lammas Park Drainage Scheme Meets Widespread Opposition
Nearly 200 objections to latest planning application
The project has left large sections of the park unusable
January 9, 2025
An application (244565FULR3) for the next stage of the drainage project in Lammas Park has drawn significant opposition from local residents.
Project Centre, which has been appointed by the Ealing Council to design the Northfield Avenue and Lammas Park Flood Alleviation Scheme, is seeking approval for revised proposals for the storage of surface water and the landscaping of the park after project completion.
There has already been substantial criticism of the lack of notice and communication about the scheme which has led to the digging up of the park and this increased due to the consultation for the application taking place over the Christmas holidays.
Despite this there have been over 200 comments about the application, 184 of which were objections.
The council disputes claims that consultation on the project has been inadequate.
Before and after photos of Lammas Park from the planning documents
Those opposed to the application argue that the scheme is not necessary as flooding in the park was never particularly severe, that the location of ponds next to playgrounds is potentially dangerous and that the landscaping has made it a less attractive place to visit. Some objectors suggest that the project is required to facilitate new high-rise housing planned for the area.
There is disagreement about how severe the flooding in the park was. Photo from planning documents taken before project commenced
A petition calling for the abandonment of the project has been signed by 580 people and objectors are hopeful that the scale of oppostion will mean that the application will be considered by a full meeting of the planning committee rather than being determined under delegated authority by a council officer.
The project already had been given permission in September 2023 (232947FUL) but as work proceeded it became apparent that changes needed to be made outside of the area approved.
This latest application sets out a new red line boundary, area of works boundary and related proposals for the storage for surface water in Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) along with landscaping. All material will be used on site with the soils from the ponds redistributed across the park as part of the landscaping.
Once the infrastructure is in place it is proposed to put in place wetland plants to increase biodiversity in the park. For every tree that had to be removed to make way for the ponds, three will be planted in their place.
A new drainage pond in Lammas Park
Despite the number of objectors, it is anticipated that the council will grant permission for the application and work will resume on the site in the spring. The council has said previously that it hopes that areas of the park can be reopened by summer.
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