Work finishes on £4.5m wetland to cut flood risk
BBCA project to tackle "longstanding flooding issues" in a Plymouth park has been completed.
A new £4.5m sustainable drainage system was installed in Trefusis Park, which Plymouth City Council said should reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses in Lipson Vale by safely storing water during heavy rainfall.
It said the seasonal wetland basins would "temporarily hold water during storms before releasing it slowly back into the drainage network when capacity becomes available".
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve said it would provide "greater reassurance to local households, businesses and the wider community" who have been continuously affected by flooding.
The council said the Trefusis Park Flood Relief Scheme had also provided new habitats and community facilities as part of a partnership with both the Environment Agency and South West Water.
Work began in April 2025 following extensive public engagement and consultation, the council said.
It said intense rainfall over the years had led to run-off exceeding the capacity of the combined sewer system in the area.
When heavy rainfall coincided with a high tide, the authority said drainage water exits could become tide-locked, leading to a back-up in the system that floods the road, homes, and businesses.
The council said 21 nearby homes would be "better protected", which would increase to about 150 after South West Water complete further works upstream.
The city council said the scheme would help improve water quality in the River Plym, by reducing the number of combined sewer overflow spills during periods of heavy rainfall.
The park has also been upgraded with new paths, seating, enhanced cycling provision, new planting and habitats designed to support wildlife, as well as a new half-sized basketball court.
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