Ealing Council has resumed work on its flagship flood management scheme in Lammas Park, following approval of a revised design that incorporates community feedback and prioritises both safety and biodiversity.
The project centres on a sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) designed to protect nearby homes and businesses from flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Once complete, the system will feature two new basins and swales — shallow water channels — that capture excess rainwater and release it gradually into the drainage system, helping reduce surface water flooding.
Work had been temporarily paused in late 2024 to allow time for a revised planning application to be assessed and for further input from local residents. The updated plans, which have now secured planning permission, include changes aimed at improving access and usability of the park — notably flattening the open grass area near the basin to ensure it remains suitable for recreation.
Ealing Council says the revised design not only improves flood resilience but also delivers environmental benefits by enhancing biodiversity. The basins and surrounding green spaces will become a haven for wildlife, with habitats for birds, insects and frogs. Native wildflower planting will help create a more diverse and ecologically rich environment, while also acting as a safety buffer around the basin edges.
To further improve safety, the scheme incorporates design recommendations from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, such as gently sloped banks to reduce the risk of slipping and a long-term water quality monitoring plan. Although the basins will only contain water during and after significant rainfall, the council is committed to ensuring their safety and maintenance.
Next Steps
Over the coming weeks, contractors will level the ground, sow grass, plant vegetation, and carry out final safety inspections. If weather conditions allow, and once safety standards are met, the affected section of Lammas Park is expected to reopen by late summer. Additional trees and planting are also scheduled for autumn.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, welcomed the project’s progress. “As the climate changes, we need to do all we can to protect homes and businesses from flooding,” he said. “Not only will this flood management scheme provide vital protection, but it will enhance the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity and become a home for lots of wildlife. I’m pleased that we’re moving forward and want to thank the community for their patience.”
The council’s approach reflects a growing trend in urban planning to integrate natural solutions into public spaces — offering not just protection from extreme weather but long-term ecological and recreational value for residents.
