Making space for water
Urban flood risk and integrated drainage
Poringland (South Norfolk District Council)
Pilot Summary
Poringland and Framingham Earl is a conurbation of two villages about five miles to the south of Norwich covering an urban area of approximately 120ha potentially increasing to 200ha with anticipated development indentified by the Local Development Framework. The villages are at one of the highest points in Norfolk where glacial sands and gravels overlay chalky boulder clay. The Study area has seen an increase in piece-meal and ad-hoc development over the last 50 years with inadequate planning of infrastructure, placing drainage and flooding burdens on the whole community.
A complexity of drainage and flooding issues across a range of stakeholders has resulted in problems with surface water and foul water systems surcharging, localised flooding to roads, land and property and high ground water levels giving rise to persistently boggy or flooded gardens over prolonged periods. The Pilot Study has enabled investigations of the local geology and hydrology to guide more informed decisions for appropriate sustainable drainage facilities and drainage improvement schemes.
The integrated approach has identified the issues and encouraged all stakeholders to work together to manage flood risk looking for long term, holistic solutions. The Study has recognised the constraints on creating sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDs) and the need for responsible rainwater management around the home by encouraging permeable surfacing and rainwater recycling facilities.
Investigations have been carried out to identify the sources of flooding incidents, proposals put forward for long-term holistic solutions where possible and the proposed development of Local Supplementary Planning Guidance (LSPG). Mutual respect and understanding the constraints of other stakeholders has strengthened partnership working.
The Base Map has provided an invaluable tool with an overview of drainage infrastructure and problem areas. This will enable more informed decision-making when looking at addressing existing drainage problems as well as planning for future development. Local involvement has raised awareness of how individuals can play their part by emphasising the importance of regular maintenance and by encouraging greater respect for the water environment through sustainable drainage management and water recycling.
The Ground Water Drainage Report produced by Millard Consulting has provided a document to help understand and identify causes of groundwater flooding. The findings of the Report suggest that infiltration may not be the best option in some areas of the Study and has provided guidance through the mapping of the geology of the area of how the extensive use of soakaways may contribute to flooding elsewhere in the catchment. The document will advise and inform future development and will form the basis of the proposed Local Supplementary Planning Guidance.
The Pilot Study has provided an open forum enabling stakeholders to work together constructively towards better management of surface water drainage extending this approach beyond the timescale of the Study and to take forward to other areas.
Outputs
Page last modified: 25 June 2008
Page published: 5 March 2007