Ealing Council has announced that it will submit a new planning application on the Lammas Park flood management project after receiving 'constructive feedback from local residents' on the current works.

Back in May 2024, the council began the project in the park which is meant to capture and temporarily store excess rainwater during heavy rainfall.

However, the works have paused due to local residents raising concerns over the excavation and redistribution of its soil, which now requires a new application.

A poster of the council's flood plan can be seen at Lammas Park (credit: Nub News).

Ealing Council say the new planning application will be submitted sometime this month and that a decision is expected by February 2025.

Meanwhile, some local residents and users of Lammas Park have expressed their frustration with the council over the delay in completing works, which has seen a section of the park out of use for the past 15 months.

Martin Loat told Ealing Nub News: "Half of Lammas Park has been fenced off since the Spring and it looks awful.

"Many local residents were concerned by the lack of consultation and also argued that mounds of earth left after the 'SUDS' drainage digging were intrusive and failed to meet the council's own planning application. 

"The council signs that went up in Lammas Park a few days ago seem to acknowledge this point. 

"They now say 'a further planning application is needed' for 'ground levelling work'. 

"This means the park won't be fully useable again until after grass has grown back in summer 2025. Meaning the whole thing could last 16-18 months!

"It's left locals asking why didn't the council consult properly and get it right first time?"

Some residents have expressed disappointment over project delays, as it means waiting longer to fully access the park (credit: Nub News).

At least one other unnamed resident is understood to have lodged a complaint with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. That process is ongoing.

Depending on the decision of the new application and weather conditions, the council say that levelling works, seeding and planting and further safety inspections will take place between March and June 2025.

In its update to residents, Ealing Council said: "Essential drainage connection work that does not require further planning approval will be completed in November 2024.

"This will entail connecting the basins and ponds to the Thames Water surface water drains to ensure these features remain functional and minimises the risk of local flooding.

"We appreciate and regret the inconvenience that this has caused our residents and other park users, for which we apologise. Should you have any further questions please contact [email protected].

"Please be reassured that the new planning application will incorporate feedback that we have received from residents."

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