Wembley Matters had warned about potential threat from Tokyngton developments after July 4th floods

 

The current and proposed buildings for the area between the Bakerloo line and Harrow Road at Stonebridge Park station. Upper photo is Stonebridge Place and the lower the new Argenta House which replaces the two storey building opposite Stonebridge Park station (white roof on the Stonebridge Place image). Wembley Brook joins the River Brent here.

 

The floods at Tokyngton Avenue on July 4th were not publicised on other media but Wembley Matters reported LINK:

[Developments] will involve concrete aprons close to the brook area and contrasts starkly with the River Brent to the east on the other side of the River Brent where a flood plain has been retained as open space in Monks Park and St Raphaels Estate.

I am afraid Tokyngton residents may not have seen the last of the flooding.

A Brent Council spoksperson said they were not called to the incident but will be seeking to understand the causes. Meanwhile Chris Whyte of the Environment Department said,  'If there are specific and unusual causal factors, then we would be happy to look into these.'  Chris.Whyte@brent.gov.uk

 

EXTRACT FROM DRAFT LOCAL PLAN

 

Wembley Brook and River Brent are potential sources of flooding and the majority of the site is within Flood Zone 3. Part of the site is within including extensive flood zone 3b (functional floodplain). Development, other than water compatible uses, will not be acceptable within functional floodplain. Any flood modelling from applicants which seeks to justify a revision to the functional floodplain boundary will need to be agreed by the Environment Agency.

 

Questions are now being asked about the alleged rerouting of the Wembley Brook  by the developers of Argenta House and whether this had permission.

 

On April 23rd 2022 Wembley Matters asked, 'How many people know about the big (very tall) changes ahead for this corner of Tokyngton ward?'  LINK  

The early proposals for Argenta House were covered on August 14th 2019: 'Let's build a 24* storey housing block on a flood plain close to Brent's most polluted road...' LINK

 

 

Tokyngton Avenue Floods - update from Brent Council

 

The Fire Brigade, the council and the Environment Agency worked overnight to clear the flooding and support affected residents.

Five fire engines helped pump out floodwater and the council’s rest centre supported 20 residents.

This morning, Point Place, Tokyngton Avenue, and Argenta Way reopened and families affected by the flooding in Tokyngton Avenue were able to return to their homes. The rest centre has now closed.

With more rain expected this weekend, the Environment Agency, supported by the council, is working around-the-clock to bolster the flood preventative measures in the area, ensuring that three industrial pumps and more hoses remain in the area ready to deploy if required.

Brent Council announcement on new Tokyngton Avenue flooding - industrial pumps may be called in leading to road closures

 Tokyngton Avenue flooded again yesterday and Brent Council issues the statement below. They have promised updates on this LINK.

We are aware of the flooding in Tokyngton Avenue and are working closely with the Environment Agency to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

Over the coming days you may notice more noise outside as passageways are dug to make space for the water to flow away again.

This work is vital to reduce the risk of homes in Tokyngton Avenue being flooded again.

As rain is predicted to fall over the coming days, there is the possibility the Environment Agency will need to bring in industrial water pumps to help drain surface water. These are big systems so we may need to temporarily close some roads and pathways in the area to put this in place.

Thank you for your patience while we do everything we can to get this resolved.

If you experience any further flooding, please call the Environment Agency on 0845 850 3518 immediately and provide the reference number 2174690. You do not need to ring the council or any other agency.

• Provide your name, address, post code and contact telephone number
• Please describe what you are experiencing. For example, is the water level rising, has it flooded your garden, is it coming into you home?
• Please advise where you believe the water is coming from

Once you have contacted the Environment Agency, a Duty Officer will attend the scene if appropriate. They will then decide the best course of action to be taken. Do not let anyone without proper official identification into your home. Council officers and Environment Agency officials always carry identification and will show this when asked.

We are aware that the Environment Agency has provided properties that may be affected by flooding with sandbags for you to use when and if required.

In an emergency, if you need to leave your home because of water entering your property, please call the Fire Brigade on 999.

Brent Council 'were not called to ' Wembley Brook floods in Tokyngton Avenue - background to the flooding

Tokyngton Avenue residents are still clearing up the damage caused when the Wembley Brook burst its banks and flooded gardens and some homes on Tuesday, after heavy rains.

The flood comes after warnings on Wembley Matters about the danger of floods as a result of climate change and extreme weather events. The brook flows behind Tokyngton Avenue houses to the west and past Stonebridge Park station before joining the Brent.

Brent has a number of waterways including the River Brent, the feeder canal, Weladstone Brook, Wembley Brook and a number of streams now in conduits including Sladebrook, and Mitchellbrook that feed into the main water courses/

Five fire engines and 35 fire fighters attended the flood, pumping out water and cutting off electricity to ensure safety. 

Some residents feel the impact was worsened by the building works going on in the area.

 

 

Much of the area near the station has been built on and there are plans for new tower blocks right next to the Wembley Brook. 

 

https://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-many-people-know-about-big-very.html

 

 

https://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2019/08/lets-build-28-storey-housing-block-on.html

 

Stonebridge Place

Argenta House

This will involve concrete aprons close to the brook area and contrasts starkly with the River Brent to the east on the other side of the River Brent where a flood plain has been retained as open space in Monks Park and St Raphaels Estate.

I am afraid Tokyngton residents may not have seen the last of the flooding. 

A Brent Council spoksperson said they were not called to the incident but will be seeking to understand the causes. Meanwhile Chris Whyte of the Environment Department said,  'If there are specific and unusual causal factors, then we would be happy to look into these.'  Chris.Whyte@brent.gov.uk

EXTRACT FROM DRAFT LOCAL PLAN

Wembley Brook and River Brent are potential sources of flooding and the majority of the site is within Flood Zone 3. Part of the site is within including extensive flood zone 3b (functional floodplain). Development, other than water compatible uses, will not be acceptable within functional floodplain. Any flood modelling from applicants which seeks to justify a revision to the functional floodplain boundary will need to be agreed by the Environment Agency.