Greenway Avenue Flood Mitigation Community Project

One of the key aims of our Climate Action Plan is the transformation of Waltham Forest into a more climate resilient borough. To achieve this goal, we are aiming to create high-quality green spaces for our residents, characterised by clean air and flourishing local wildlife.

Our vision includes the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) with the primary objectives of enhancing water quality, encouraging biodiversity, and preventing flooding. Implementing SuDS is a way of managing rainfall that imitates the drainage process found in nature. Features such as swales and detention basins are part of this and play a key role in mitigating the risk of flooding by slowing, directing, and temporarily storing surplus water.

Following the serious flooding in Waltham Forest during summer 2021, we have since undertaken surveys, collected data from relevant agencies and engaged with specialist water and environmental consultants.

Greenway Avenue & Forest Rise

The scheme will include a number SuDS interventions within the lane at the rear of Greenway Avenue properties and within the grounds of Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis and Squash Club.

Greenway Avenue lane will be resurfaced with reinforced gravel, sloping to a central reinforced grass area to provide a channel to direct the flow of water in significant rainfall events. Where space is available, a swale will be added to the edge of lane to provide additional capacity for stormwater. Within the grounds of Walthamstow Cricket Tennis and Squash Club, a swale and detention basin will also intercept and store surface water runoff. Similarly at Forest Rise, an area of grass will be excavated to form a swale and detention basin.

Swales

A swale is a shallow grassed or vegetated channel used to collect and/or move water. It is normally dry, except during and immediately following storm events.

Detention basins

A grassed or vegetated depression used to store surface water run off. It is normally dry, except during and immediately following storm events.

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 on Tuesday 6 May 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at:

Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis & Squash Club

48a Greenway Avenue

Walthamstow

E17 3QN