Local weather emergency means Southwark wants sturdy flood danger administration technique , say Lib Dems

The Southwark Liberal Democrats have known as for an improved flood danger administration technique to guard towards native results of the local weather emergency.

That is the newest within the Southwark Liberal Democrats’ combat for local weather resilience and pushing the setting additional up the political agenda.

With local weather change already contributing to extra excessive climate patterns, getting ready for the whole lot from flash floods to excessive warmth is extra necessary than ever.

As an city space, Southwark is especially in danger because of the lack of drainage alternatives the fashionable constructed setting gives. Arduous surfaces equivalent to asphalt and concrete stop water draining into the soil inflicting flooding and overwhelming sewer techniques.

The Liberal Democrat response, submitted by Deputy Chief Cllr Rachel Bentley, known as for the next commitments from Southwark Council to enhance the flood danger administration technique:

• Joined up pondering with how this interacts with different components of the local weather technique, particularly in relation bike lanes the place even low-level floor water can stop protected and comfy biking.
• Utilizing planning to place better stress on builders to combine sustainable drainage techniques, in addition to capturing developer contributions to fund off-site SUDS
• Working proactively with residents, faculties, and TRAs to speak particular person stage actions to mitigate flood danger, and what to do in an emergency. Southwark has 75% of its residents dwelling in flats (in comparison with 22% in England), and the technique ought to mirror this distinctive housing inventory.
• Council property to make use of drainage-friendly surfaces the place attainable, for instance utilizing grass as an alternative of astroturf in faculties.

Southwark Liberal Democrat Deputy Chief Cllr Rachel Bentley stated, “A sustainable drainage technique may sound like a distinct segment subject, however it’s important to how we adapt to the altering local weather in an city context like Southwark, in addition to the knock-on results on journey and nature.

“Along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I’ll maintain the council to account to make sure prime quality supply of tasks, and encourage sturdy use of planning to get builders to play their half.

“Our dedication to sturdy local weather motion is obvious, and our particular geography requires pressing adaptation measures to maintain the borough and its residents protected.”