Benton's Lane Estate
Drop-in session 13th July, 11am-2pm, large green space on Hobbs Road
This scheme is part of Lambeth Council’s “Soak Up Lambeth” initiative, where the council has partnered with Thames Water Utilities to help reduce the current and future impact of climate change on flood risk. This work is needed because when it rains in Lambeth, water from our roofs and paved surfaces enter the same sewer pipe as our toilets, sinks and washing machines.
During heavy storms, rainwater overloads the sewers, causing flooding to those that live downstream. This can also stop local drains from working. We are looking to install Sustainable Drainage Systems on Benton's Lane Estate to store the rainwater from the roofs and paved surfaces, and then slowly release it back into the sewer.
This will help to reduce the risk of flooding in the borough. Sustainable Drainage can come in many shapes and sizes, and can also help to improve the local environment and recreational space. The team will be organising a drop-in session for residents to discuss the scheme.
Phases
Concept design
This is the second round of engagement for this scheme. We have taken on board feedback from the first drop-in session in March and explored different locations and possibilities for SuDS features across Benton's Lane Estate. The designers we have commissioned, Civic Engineers, have drawn up some ideas and we will be conducting another drop-in session on Saturday 13th July to see what residents think of these designs. These ideas are focused on four locations around the estate:
1) Hobbs Road
Raingardens could be incorporated into the existing planted space between Chaucer House and Bushell House to collect rainwater from the roof and surroundings of Chaucer House, slowing it down as it runs downhill or to the sewer.
2) Benton's Lane
Similar to the example above, raingardens could be incorporated into the existing green space at the corner of Benton's Lane and Gipsy Road. The garden would be a small depression in the ground designed to capture rainfall from the roof of Bligh House, slowing it down on its journey to the sewer.
3) Hogarth House
The area in front of Hogarth House could be made more welcoming by de-paving the area within the cobblestone border and adding planting. This could include a raingarden area with engineered soil and flood- and drought-resistant plants. This section would be positioned slightly away from the front wall of the building.
4) Goodbehere House
SuDS planters are proposed for the paved area (near the bins) at the front of Goodbehere House. The raised beds would be planted with flood- and drought-resilient plants.
