Next phase of flooding defence work in Hornsey and Muswell Hill to start next week

As part of a major package of flood defence work, a new Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) will be installed to reduce the impact of flooding in Hornsey and Muswell Hill.

By working with residents and businesses, the council were successfully awarded a £100,000 grant from Thames Water for the scheme at the junction of Muswell Hill, Alexandra Palace Way, Priory Road, and Park Road, the borough’s busiest junction. 

As climate change increases the flooding risk in London, the council is working with residents and local businesses to ensure we are prepared and build resilience. 
 
Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and Resident Services, said: 

It’s clear that climate change is producing extreme weather conditions. The rainfall seen in London over the past couple of years and the damage it caused is a wakeup call of how big the threat is.

The Hornsey and Muswell Hill area is specifically problematic given topography. It’s clear we need to take bold proactive and preventive measures to safeguard our borough as this threat grows.

The new SuDs scheme is a huge step forward in ensuring we have good flood defences in the borough. This is part of a package of works to improve our resilience in Hornsey and Muswell Hill

It’s been fantastic to work with residents and businesses to develop the programme, it’s enabled us to fight the case for much needed investment in the boroughs flooding and drainage infrastructure.

SuDS slow down the flow of rainwater from an area by filtering, storing and slowly discharging back. This reduces pressure on the overstretched drainage system and therefore reduces the risk of flooding, especially after heavy rainfall.  
 
The proposed features in Hornsey and Muswell Hill will reduce surface water flood risk to homes and businesses with rain gardens at the junction of Priory Road, Park Road, and Alexandra Palace Way, and fast draining paving laid at the southbound parking lay-by on Priory Road. 
 
Modelling indicates that this could reduce the existing surface water runoff rates by over 70% during a 1 in 30-year storm event. It will also improve ecology and biodiversity in the area. 

The work is expected to start the week beginning 27 March and take16-18 weeks to complete. 

More information here.