Lamb Drove

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Lamb Drove is a residential development of 35 affordable homes on a one hectare site.
The aim of the Lamb Drove SuDS scheme was to showcase practical and innovative sustainable water management techniques (incorporating SuDS and property flood resilience and resistance) within new residential developments.

Question 2

SUD’s used

Answer 2

water butts, permeable paving, green roofs, swales, filter strips, detention and wetland basins, a retention pond

Question 3

How it works

Answer 3

Roofwater is collected in water butts, for use in gardens, or flows directly to grass swales or under-drained swales. Rain falling on roads or paths will pass through the permeable block paving, where it is filtered and stored in the permeable layer of crushed rock below, or flows into under-drained swales where water is treated and conveyed. Water then travels downstream through a series of swales, detention basins and wetlands till it reaches a final retention pond. Here it is stored before being released to a local drainage ditch outside the development site.

Question 4

Positives

Answer 4

Successfully incorporated a comprehensive SuDS scheme within a residential environment, with positive reactions
Demonstrates practical, innovative and cost effective drainage techniques, in both relatively low and high-density developments.
Substantial improvement in the biodiversity, ecology and subsequent quality of life at Lamb Drove compared to typical residential developments.
The sculptured swales and detention basins have resulted in a visually enhanced and attractive landscape. This provides increased amenity and social value to residents and the local community.
The use of SuDS has resulted in an improved quality of water leaving the site compared with traditional piped drainage systems.