Hounslow Council has successfully completed its five-year Strategic Partnership with Thames Water to deliver nine Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS).
Facing increasing challenges from heavier rainfall, overwhelmed drains, and more built-up urban areas, the partnership secured £3 million in investment to implement SuDS across the borough that provide lasting benefits for residents, communities and the environment. These nature-based solutions catch rainwater where it falls, slow its flow, allow it to soak into the ground, and reduce pressure on the sewer system — significantly lowering the risk of surface water flooding.
Originally targeting improvements to just over three hectares of land, smart design and delivery expanded the impact to five hectares, offering extra protection to homes, schools, public spaces, parks, residential streets, and school sites.
The schemes have made these areas greener, more resilient to extreme weather, and richer in biodiversity through new plant species and attractive features — including a popular pump track at Beaversfield Park that has become a hit for scooters, bikes, and running circuits.
Despite major hurdles including the COVID-19 pandemic and record levels of inflation, the programme was completed on time, preserving the full grant funding and ensuring residents receive the maximum benefit from this investment.
Cllr Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said:
We’ve all felt the impact of heavier rain and flooding risks in our built-up borough — that’s why this partnership with Thames Water has been such a big win for Hounslow. It’s a brilliant example of what happens when we work together properly: real, lasting protection for our communities now and for years ahead.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, and huge thanks go to our fantastic local groups like Friends of Parks and Heston Action Group, every resident who joined planting days, workshops, and shared ideas, and especially Thames 21 — Toby and the team were outstanding at engaging locals and helping turn these into valued green spaces.
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, added:
Completing this strategic partnership is a testament to strong collaboration and forward-thinking delivery.
These SuDS schemes not only tackle flooding head-on but also create greener, more biodiverse spaces that everyone can enjoy. We did this together as a borough, and it shows what we can achieve when we invest in sustainable solutions for our residents and our future.
The projects, delivered in partnership with Thames Water and community engagement led by Thames 21, mark a significant step forward in building a more flood-resilient and environmentally friendly Hounslow.
