Stanthorpe Close Estate
The scheme is part of the ‘Soak Up Lambeth’ programme which aims to reduce flood risk to the Boroughs residents and businesses. It is recognised that Stanthorpe Close is mostly covered by roofs and hard paving. This creates a lot of water when it rains, but also makes the surrounding area hotter during the summer. The proposed work looks to address this while also creating:
- Improved outdoor spaces to relax in and enjoy
- Opportunities for outdoor play
- New habitat for wildlife
- Cooling surrounding areas during heat waves
- Promoting good physical and mental health of residents
The rain gardens would be planted and will receive surface water run-off from the surrounding hard surfaces. These areas will be designed as ‘damp gardens’, but when it rains they will not have standing water on the surface.
Phases
Initial proposals
In May, representatives of the council and Breeze Landscape Architects, who are designing the SuDS scheme, met with local residents at a drop-in session on the estate. Thank you to all who attended and gave us valuable input.
Following this consultation, the council have listened to the feedback received, and revised the rain garden proposals as follows:
• The rain garden proposed adjacent to Stanthorpe Road within the existing car park area has been removed from the updated design.
• Additional pedestrian routes across the rain gardens proposed in the central courtyard have been added.
• The layout of the rain gardens in the central courtyard have been developed to include seating areas, making use of the existing raised brick plinths.
The council are now developing the detailed designs, and propose to construct the works in Spring 2025.