Church Lane Rain Gardens

The London Borough of Waltham Forest has successfully secured Central Government funding to upgrade planting in Church Lane. This work responds to feedback from Leytonstone residents who have requested more greening in the town centre to create a more welcoming space.

We are planning to replace the existing planted barrels and stone features with three permanent rain gardens. The plants chosen for the rain gardens include a range of pollinators to increase the area's biodiversity and attract insects, helping to create a thriving ecosystem. We will be reusing the existing feature stones in the new rain gardens and, if possible, replanting the existing plants.

As this is an area at medium risk of surface water flooding, the new rain gardens will play a crucial role in managing stormwater. They will collect the rainwater runoff from the  road and pavement, reducing flood risk by increasing the capacity of the drainage system and reducing the amount of hard landscaping at the location. The planters will then release the water slowly back into the subsoil and the sewers. 

The barrels were originally introduced in December 2020 across six parking bays. At the time, these bays not formally removed. As part of the planting upgrades, we will be finalising the removal of these bays, which have been out of use for many years.

Statutory consultation took place in December 2024 and January 2025. As no objections were received, a decision was made to progress the scheme.

Construction work in Church Lane is scheduled to begin week commencing 1 September 2025 and is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

To complete the works safely, it will be necessary to install temporary traffic control measures in the area. We do not expect to suspend any existing parking in conjunction with these works, but we would be grateful if you could please ensure your vehicle is parked well away from the works areas which will be clearly marked with signs and cones. Any parked vehicle causing an obstruction may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice and may also be removed.

Some disruption and noise is inevitable with this type of work, however, every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum. We thank you in advance for your patience while the works are being carried out.

Church Lane rain gardens – statutory consultation leaflet – December 2024

If staff members are unavailable for any reason at 020 8496 3000, you may leave a telephone message requesting a call back from the Enjoy Waltham Forest Team.