Ealing Council is set to review its Lammas Park Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) project following concerns raised by residents regarding its planning and execution. The opposition group has called for an independent review, citing inadequate communication and a lack of trust in the council's handling of the project.

The opposition group motion for debate at the council meeting on 15 July 2025, calls for an independent review into the planning and execution of the Lammas Park SuDS project. The motion highlights the need for improvements in public consultation, due diligence in contractor assessment, and the incorporation of expertise in hydrology and other relevant technical specialities.

Residents have voiced specific concerns about the scheme, including the proximity of the SuDS to the playground, the safety of deep ponds, and potential water contamination. The motion also notes that ongoing communication with residents on the progress of the scheme has been inadequate, allowing exaggerated rumours to fill the information void.

The motion also seeks recommendations on how to avoid similar time and cost overruns in future schemes. The Lib Dem Motion for Debate 15 July 2025 notes that delays and a change of construction company have meant that parts of the park will have been closed off to the public for almost two years by the time they reopen in 2026.

The review aims to address concerns raised during public consultation and their potential impact on further planning steps or amendments to the plans. It will also examine the due diligence process used to assess the initial contractor and the need for hydrological and other technical expertise, whether internal or external.

The Council meeting on 15 July 2025, will also cover a range of other topics, including the renewal of its licensing policy1, proposed changes to the council's petition scheme2, and the scrutiny annual report 2024-25. These items will be covered in separate reports.

  1. See the Licensing Act 2003 - Licensing Policy Renewal for more information. ↩

  2. Details on the proposed changes can be found in the Ealing Council Petition Scheme. ↩