Wet and windy wintry weather conditions have arrived across the region and, say weathermen, there’s more to come with rain expected in most parts of the country over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

But as people across the Peterborough region prepare to batten down the hatches, residents in one local community can rest assured that their homes, at least, are safer than most during prolonged periods of heavy rain and snowfalls.

The Hampton community on the outskirts of the city benefits from a cutting-edge surface water drainage strategy that protects homes from the risk of flooding and increases the area’s importance as a nature conservation area.

The design and development of Hampton Hargate, Hampton Vale, lakes and other areas in the community includes sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to provide long-term protection against flooding together with water management systems to cope with everyday surface water issues. Residential areas need drainage systems to deal with excess water, especially from roads, roofs and other surfaces where the water may be polluted by oil or other substances.

By 2017 more than 7,000 homes will have been built at Hampton, the region’s fastest-growing community. Well over 4,400 properties are completed already and therefore managing surface water through effective drainage systems is crucial for existing residents as well as visitors and people walking around the lakes and wildlife areas.

SuDS uses cost-effective solutions with low environmental impact to drain away dirty and surface water run-off through collection, storage and cleaning before releasing it back into the environment through water courses.

Structures used to deal with surface water issues include:

• Permeable surfaces.
• Traps and filters to collect potentially polluting substances.
• Wetlands and ponds where excess water can be channelled.
• Soakaways and swales which allow water to gradually seep into the ground.

Flexible water management systems can handle very large and unexpected volumes of storm water, with extra capacity to allow for predicted climate changes. Pumping can be used to increase or decrease water flows as required. Lakes covering an area of 116 hectares across Hampton include SuDS features.

“Efficient water management reduces the risk of flooding to properties,” said Roger Tallowin, general manager of O&H Hampton (www.ohhampton.co.uk), the company behind the development of the 2,500 acre site.

“The reduced risk of flooding and pollution increases the value of properties as well as their appeal to potential buyers.”

SuDS also provide biodiversity, ecological and landscaping benefits and ensure there is sufficient water during periods of drought to support local eco-systems which are being established in Hampton.

The water levels of the lakes are normally a few inches below the footpaths. Lakes are designed to fill with water so that during prolonged wet weather the footpaths will submerge but the banks are designed to withstand floods caused by extreme conditions.

Boards around Sunset Lake in Hampton Vale give more information about how SuDS works and the important benefits for local residents.

Notes to editors:

1. O&H Hampton Ltd is part of O&H Properties Ltd, a national leading property management and development company.

2. Since original planning permission was granted for 6,900 homes, additional development has been approved and built at nearby Hempstead which is also being developed by O&H Hampton.

3. Hampton lies three miles to the south of Peterborough with a direct link into the city centre, to the mainline rail station and by bus or car via the A15. The area is also easily accessible from the A1(M) and the A1139 Fletton Parkway.

4. Under O&H Hampton management, up to 500 new homes are delivered each year with as many as 20 construction companies providing a variety of design choices for residents.

5. SuDS feature one or more structures built to manage surface water run-off. They are used in conjunction with good site management to prevent flooding and pollution. There are usually four methods of control:

• Filter strips and swales
• Permeable surfaces and filter drains
• Infiltration devices
• Basins and ponds.

6. SuDS can be designed to function in most urban settings, from hard-surfaced areas to soft landscaped features. A variety of drainage design options allows planners to consider local land use, future management and local people’s needs.

7. The drainage systems used at Hampton comply with Environment Agency and drainage authority regulations.

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