‘Very risky’: Campaigners say development plans next to Hackney Marshes could increase flooding

A disused Thames Water depot would be broken up if the development goes ahead as planned. Photograph: Jonathan Perugia

Environmental activists are lobbying local councils to halt “shocking” plans that they claim would increase the risk of floods and “essentially rule out” East London Waterworks Park.

Waltham Forest’s local authority has proposed large-scale developments for residential blocks up to 30 storeys in height that could see 9,000 people housed in areas overlooking Hackney Marshes.

But campaign group Save Lea Marshes said the plans would divide parts of a disused Thames Water depot, ruling out the creation of East London Waterworks Park on the site.

It also argues that the proposals would threaten local ecology, with construction “adversely impacting the openness” of Hackney Marshes, while also increasing the risk of flooding.

Speaking to the Citizen, a campaign representative said “footfall on the marshes would massively increase” as a result.

While these plans are within the powers of Waltham Forest Council, elements of the plans would be subject to the approval of Hackney Council.

Waltham Forest states in its Local Plan that it would provide “ecological and biodiversity enhancements” to the setting, including the “verdant character” of Hackney Marshes.

But Save Lea Marches said residential development at New Spitalfields in Leyton would threaten the area’s flood resilience, as it is situated in Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“There are no low risk zones on New Spitalfields,” the group’s spokesperson said. “It’s very, very risky to build where the flood relief channel overflows, which it has been close to doing.

“You can’t just build multiple high rises on a floodplain next to a river in these times without putting future residents and current residents at serious risk.”

In January this year, Hackney Wick residents were affected when the River Lea’s banks burst after a torrential downpour.

Save Lea Marshes’ campaign page also states that people’s pets would pose risks to “sensitive and easily disturbed species”, a danger “not assessed” by the council in its plan.

A spokesperson for Hackney Council said at this stage no plans had been approved or agreed to, although the Town Hall had provided comments on planning guidance prepared by Waltham Forest during the statutory consultation period.

They added that the Environment Agency would also act as a consultee “on the matter of flood risks and mitigation”.

“As the Local Planning Authority, Waltham Forest will formally consult with the Town Hall on the application once it is submitted,” the spokesperson added.

“As a consultee, we will carefully assess the plans and their impact on Hackney once they are submitted.

“However, Waltham Forest will make the final decision on any planning application.”

The deadline for objections is today (9 October).

The campaign is asking residents who object to contact Waltham Forest council directly at localplanconsultations@walthamforest.gov.uk.