Fillebrook Flood Mitigation Scheme Phase 1 - Leyton Sixth Form College

One of the key aims of our Climate Action Plan is to transform Waltham Forest into a more climate-resilient borough.

To achieve this, we are committed to building flood resilience by creating high-quality green spaces for our residents, characterised by tree planting and the promotion of local wildlife.

Our vision includes the development of wetlands and flood alleviation projects that incorporate Sustainable urban drainage systems.

These will enhance water quality, encourage biodiversity, and prevent flooding. 

Following the severe flooding in Waltham Forest during the summers of 2002 and 2021, which affected the Peterborough Road area and neighbouring streets, we carried out surveys and collected data from the Environment Agency. 

The findings highlighted significant benefits for the Fillebrook catchment area through the introduction of a scheme that increases surface water capacity in and around Whipps Cross Hospital and nearby roads. This initiative will help reduce flood risks for around 400 properties in the catchment area.

Proposals

The Fillebrook Flood Mitigation Scheme consists of two phases:

• phase 1 involves the installation of underground attenuation tanks at Leyton Sixth Form College
• phase 2 will create wetlands within the Whipps Cross Hospital site

We are currently working on the design of Phase 1, which includes installing underground attenuation tanks and creating habitats by planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants

The tanks will be buried underground within the Leyton Sixth Form College site, close to the boundary with Peterborough Road. A new combined drainage kerb on Peterborough Road will connect to the tanks to help reduce flood risks to local properties by creating an inlet for surface water build-up during heavy rain. The system will collect excess water, store it temporarily, and then gradually release it once the flood risk has passed via a new connection to the existing surface water sewer network.

Shallow swales will be constructed on the surface, creating damp planting areas to enhance habitat diversity. Surrounding the swales, shrubs, and trees will be planted to provide further habitat improvements. The selected plants have been chosen for their specific benefits in attracting wildlife and increasing climate change resilience. 

To further promote biodiversity, we will install insect hotels and bird boxes, providing safe habitats for insects, reptiles, and birds. These species play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil, recycling nutrients, pollinating flowers, and controlling pests. 

Residents in the area received a leaflet with information about the scheme and a survey to complete and return to us. If you would like a copy of the leaflet and survey, please email enjoy@walthamforest.gov.uk and we will send one to you. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a member of the project team, please attend our drop-in event at:

Location:
Leyton Sixth Form College
Essex Road, Leyton,
London, E10 6EQ
Date:
Wednesday 30 April 2025 from 5pm to 7pm

• Fillebrook Flood Mitigation Scheme Phase 1 Leyton Sixth Form College:  public consultation leaflet April 2025(PDF)