Religion and Ethics Forum

General Category => Politics & Current Affairs => Topic started by: Nearly Sane on May 20, 2024, 09:24:11 AM

Title: Should London become a 'sponge city'?
Post by: Nearly Sane on May 20, 2024, 09:24:11 AM

Sponginessaboundsnot, it would appear. Interesting article but it feels like one of those discussions that in 5 years time will have produced a couple of drainage ditches, 5 flowerbeds, and a lot of reports.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c51ngn55gz4o

Title: Re: Should London become a 'sponge city'?
Post by: Steve H on May 20, 2024, 09:52:54 AM

Good idea.
One thing which exacerbates flooding is the paving or tarmacing over of front gardens, reducing the area of porous ground. It should require planning permission, which should not automatically be granted.

Title: Re: Should London become a 'sponge city'?
Post by: Aruntraveller on May 20, 2024, 10:36:21 AM

They tried this in parts of Nottingham a few years ago.

It ended up with blocked drainage and flooding on the streets. They didn't think it through properly.

I hope London fares better, but systems like this need proper maintenance, they can't be left to their own devices.

Title: Re: Should London become a 'sponge city'?
Post by: Steve H on May 20, 2024, 10:56:35 AM

As I said above....

Quote

In London, alongside the wealth of SuDS options, sponginess can be boosted by de-paving driveways and patios...