Following the recent Brent Scrutiny Committee discussion on preparation for a flood emergency (which incidentally resulted in no recommendations) it may be worth looking at Westminster Council's actions in Kilburn.
From Westminster Council:
SuDS targets
The council is committed to retrofitting SuDS in public spaces and strengthening requirements for SuDS in new developments. The goal is to reduce 15% of surface water above ground during a 1 in 30 year rainfall event by 2030, within designated SuDS catchments.
A wider approach to climate resilience
Westminster’s long term approach to flood risk management responds to climate change and aligns with major regional programmes such as the London Surface Water Strategy, whilst also contributing to wider environmental goals through Westminster’s Sustainable Transport Strategy, Cool Neighbourhoods Strategy and the Greening & Biodiversity Strategy.
SuDS have been identified as an important tool in managing surface water flood risk across the city. The council recognises that SuDS are only part of the solution and is also delivering other measures to tackle flooding, as is outlined in our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.
To ensure accountability and continual improvement, progress will be monitored annually with a full strategy review every six years, incorporating new data and community feedback.
Westminster City Council is seeking feedback on proposed Sustainable Drainage Systems (otherwise known as SuDS) in Carlton Vale.
The project team will use this feedback to shape design of the proposals.
This project is part of the Council’s wider SuDS Programme, which aims to reduce flood risk and make streets more climate resilient by introducing sustainable drainage in areas where they can provide the greatest benefits.
More detail on the SuDS Programme can be found here.
Have your say
Westminster City Council invites you to share your views on the Carlton Vale SuDS proposals. If you would like to comment on our proposals, please complete the survey here.
The survey will close at midnight on Monday 14 December.
If you would like to discuss the proposals with the project team, you can attend one of the following events:
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams (Please register here) | Tuesday 17 November | 6-7pm |
| Park Café, Paddington Recreation Ground, W9 1PD | Saturday 28 November 2026 | 1-5pm |
| Park Café, Paddington Recreation Ground, W9 1PD | Tuesday 1 December | 12-3pm |
The project team will be at the events to answer your questions, and you will also be able to view information about the scheme.
Hard-copy information and questionnaires are also available at Maida Vale Library, Sutherland Avenue, London W9 2QT.
Carlton Vale SuDS Proposals
To help reduce flood risk and manage rainwater more effectively, Westminster City Council is bringing forward proposals to deliver Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) along Carlton Vale. These measures are designed to improve the area’s resilience to heavy rainfall while also enhancing the local streetscape and environment.
