Stewartby Way Flood Mitigation Scheme, Bedfordshire
Design of surface water attenuation measures in conjunction with engineers, as part of flood mitigation measures to compensate for future development further downstream.
Proposals included a balancing pond, an attenuation basin to accommodate seasonal flood waters, and two permanently wet ponds to also provide ecological and amenity benefits for the local landscape without compromising water storage. Additional wetland, rough grassland habitats and tree planting were established, and the shape and gradient of the basin designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding landscape.
A public footpath follows a line between the existing watercourse and the flood mitigation facility, so the development provided an opportunity to enhance the experience of pedestrians walking though the former arable field.
