Myatt’s South estate to benefit from new Sustainable Drainage Programme

One of Myatt’s Fields largest estates will benefit from a share of a £6 million investment programme aimed at improving drainage systems using sustainable techniques across Lambeth.

Myatt’s Fields South has been included in the new plan announced by Lambeth Council, in partnership with Thames Water, as part of the borough’s climate change action plan.

In particular, the council, acting in consultation with residents, wants to set up nature-based solutions, including “rain gardens”, to help deal with problems in locations targeted following a range of investigations.

The aim is to relieve pressure on the ageing sewage system by mimicking natural drainage features including trees and wetland areas. The Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) scheme will provide new green infrastructure on the borough’s streets and open spaces, reducing flood risk and offering wider benefits, such as cooling areas during heatwaves, storing carbon and supporting mental health and wildlife.

You can read more about the project here.

Cllr Paul Gadsby and Cllr Annie Gallop said:

“We are very pleased that after lobbying by local councillors, Myatt’s Fields South has been included in this programme, especially as the estate has long suffered from drainage and flooding issues. This is a great green and innovative way of helping to address the problems of climate change while at the same time enhancing habitats for wildlife. Myatt’s Fields South already has a strong community of residents working on a range of environmental improvements of which this will be a welcome addition.

“Of course it itself these proposals won’t completely solve all the drainage issues on the estate and councillors are continuing to lobby the Council for further action there.”

Example of a SUDs planting option