Flooding

[The Baron]

Where I live they are building and have built 3 phases all separate but within a couple of hundred yards of each other and they all have a large pond built which looks like it is to take drainage water from the low lying houses. Some of the house on one side of the main road are lower than the road level which means it is going to run towards them when there is severe rainfall and the road drains can not cope. I and the wife pass these house on a regular basis and can not believe they got planning permission for them, whats with all the ponds they are creating somebody on here must have a good idea if this is standard practice nowadays. May I say the ponds are at the front of the small estates and to me look unsightly and dangerous for children

 

[Richie_asg1]

I know of a recent development near here and you are right it also has a pond area on the lowest side, planted with reeds etc. There is also a dry bridge to a field area that it would overflow onto.
I think it is to do with the road drainage as they must realise the pumps can only cope with normal sewerage on a good day, so if it rains they are fooked.

We had minor flooding in this house within 2 years of moving in. Although there is a downhill from here the water decided to pool in the estate behind us and exit in this direction on it's way downhill. Fortunately it only just made it into the back of the house as most bypassed via the back gate.
I have since installed a perimeter raised bed all around the garden - so is my own flood defence.

 

[Dutto]

.........
I have since installed a perimeter raised bed all around the garden - so is my own flood defence.

It's worth everyone taking a good look at their property.

At out house in Scotland, a drain collapsed and the water ran straight down the road, jumped a 50mm high grass verge and flowed into our barn. Everything in there of any value was well off the ground, but I still had to wait a few days for the water to drain away. A couple of hours with a spade and some sand built a 100mm high barrier that guided the water past the barn into a nearby field.

Here's a useful link if you think your home can possibly flood ...

https://www.ukflooddefencealliance.com/personal-flood-plan/

When using the template, I recommend that you remember Murphy's First Law ...

"If it can happen it will happen!"

 

[An Ankoù]

I feel really sorry for anyone who has been flooded out due to the recent heavy rains; especially those who are suffering on the second, third or even more occasions!

However, the number of new houses that have been built in the UK in obviously unsuitable locations is legion; yet they all had Planning Permission!

Many years ago I saw three photographs that demonstrated this foolishness only too well. They were:

1. Photograph of a small road sign with a duck-pond in the background.
2. Photograph of the same road sign with the duck-pond drained and houses built on the site.
3. Photograph of the same road sign with the newly built houses surrounded by water.

The name on the road sign was "Pond Lane"!

It sort of gives the game away, doesn't it. And I'll bet they've still got a hosepipe ban in force fro last summer!