Reducing flood risk case studies and innovation

Flooding is a growing challenge in urban areas due to climate change and reduced permeable surfaces from development, making Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) essential for managing surface water and reducing flood risk. The London Borough of Redbridge has made SuDS a cornerstone of its flood risk management strategy, investing over £1 million since the devastating floods of 2021. In January 2024, Redbridge adopted its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Surface Water Management Plans, emphasising SuDS to enhance infiltration and ease pressure on sewer systems. Collaboration with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and partners like Thames21 has secured over £500,000 in additional funding, enabling innovative SuDS projects that have attenuated over 380,000 litres of water—equivalent to 15,200 showers. These efforts showcase Redbridge’s commitment to building a flood-resilient and sustainable borough.

Redbridge Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Jo Blackman, said: “Flooding has a devastating impact on residents and can also present a risk to life. Due to climate change we are getting more incidents of extreme weather. We are therefore committed to reducing flood risk across the borough, through projects in flooding hotspot areas and work with partners. We may not be able to prevent all future flooding incidents, but we are delivering on our funding commitments, as well as securing external funds, and installing more rain gardens and flood alleviation schemes across Redbridge reducing the risk of surface water flooding.”

Dhiresh Bhatt, Head of Highways and Transportation at Redbridge Council said “Redbridge has made remarkable progress in delivering Sustainable Drainage Schemes, and this success is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. Collaborating with Kensons, the Environment Agency, Thames Water, the GLA, and Thames21 has been instrumental in ensuring our borough becomes more flood-resilient. While we recognise there is still much work ahead, these achievements represent an impressive start in safeguarding our community against the challenges of flooding and climate change."

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Redbridge Council, in partnership with Kenson Highways, SANDS, Bluesky Landscaping, Thames Water, and the Department for Education, has successfully delivered a vital flood alleviation scheme for Caterham High School, a historically flood-prone area in the Clayhall catchment. Funded by Thames Water, the Department for Education, and Redbridge Council, the project enhances flood resilience for the school and surrounding community. The scheme includes innovative Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), featuring an attenuation tank capable of storing 160 cubic meters of water, rain gardens, and planters to capture and manage surface water. Collectively, these measures equate to managing water from 2,333 five-minute showers or 9,722 minutes of continuous garden hose usage which is about 6.75 days, underscoring the Council’s commitment to flood mitigation and community safety.

Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, stated, “Redbridge Council is committed to proactive flood management, investing in vital flood alleviation measures that help protect our communities. By leveraging our own resources and securing grants from partners like Thames Water and the Department for Education, we’re fulfilling the goals outlined in our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan.”

Dhiresh Bhatt, Head of Highways London Borough of Redbridge, commended the collaborative effort, saying, “The success of this project is a testament to the strong partnership between Kensons, SANDS, Caterham High, Thames Water, and the Department for Education. Completing the work on time and on budget highlights the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.”

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Redbridge Council, in partnership with Kenson Highways and SANDS, has piloted an innovative Hydrorock system on Seven Kings High Road to tackle surface water flooding, a recurring issue exacerbated by heavy rainfall and overburdened drainage systems. This sustainable solution uses highly permeable stone wool blocks made from natural basalt rock to absorb and store up to 52.6 cubic meters of water, gradually releasing it to prevent sewer overflow and road flooding. Covering a catchment area of 1,223 square meters, the system has the capacity to hold water equivalent to 701 five-minute showers. Enhanced by permeable surface materials, the project improves flood resilience while maintaining vital road functions on this busy high street.

Redbridge Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Jo Blackman, said: “Redbridge Council is always looking to be at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to address challenges. We’re proud to be working with partners like Kenson Highways and Hydrorock to deliver this scheme. By integrating easy to install and low maintenance technology to tackle surface water flooding, we are not only improving the safety and accessibility of our roads but also enhancing our resilience to the growing impacts of climate change. This project is a great example of our commitment to protecting our borough while being forward-thinking.”

Dhiresh Bhatt, Head of Highways and Transportation at Redbridge Council said “Innovation is key to adapting our borough’s infrastructure to the challenges of climate change. The installation of the Hydrorock system on Seven Kings High Road is a prime example of how we can use new technology to tackle long-standing issues like surface water flooding. We are very happy with the results so far, and the positive impact it has had on the local area. This project demonstrates that with the right approach, we can reduce flood risk while preserving the functionality of our roads and supporting our local businesses.”

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