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Hampton is one of the most attractive communities in Peterborough to live and work - and is gaining a reputation as being among the safest and most environmentally-sustainable locations in East Anglia.
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Hampton is one of the most attractive communities in Peterborough to live and work - and is gaining a reputation as being among the safest and most environmentally-sustainable locations in East Anglia.
Over 4,000 homes have already been completed in the region's fastest-growing community and a further 3,000 properties will be built by 2017. It is being built on the brown field land of several former brickworks to the south-west of the city.
The need to manage surface water through effective drainage systems is crucial to the entire development and the comfort and well-being of local residents, walkers and visitors to the lakes and other areas in Hampton Hargate and Hampton Vale.
Developers and key stakeholders have worked together "creatively and collaboratively" to deliver a cutting-edge surface water drainage strategy that protects homes from the risk of flooding and increases Hampton's importance as a nature conservation area.
Built-up areas need drainage systems to deal with excess water in residential areas, especially from roads, roofs and other impermeable surfaces where the water may also be polluted, for example, by oil.
Since Hampton's concept in the 1990s, the design has included sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to provide long-term protection against flooding, and water management systems to deal with everyday surface water issues.
SuDS uses cost-effective solutions with low environmental impact to drain away dirty and surface water run-off through collection, storage and cleaning before releasing it back into the environment through water courses.
The system is easily managed, resilient and both environmentally and visually attractive. For example, reed beds and other wetland habitats collect, store and filter dirty water while providing an ideal setting for wildlife.
Structures used to deal with surface water issues include:
• Permeable surfaces.
• Traps and filters to collect potentially polluting substances.
• Wetlands and ponds where excess water can be channeled.
• Soakaways and swales which allow water to gradually seep into the ground.
Water management systems are flexible and designed to handle extremely high and unexpected volumes of storm water, with extra capacity to allow for predicted climate changes.
Systems allow for pumping when necessary to increase or decrease water flows as required. Efficient water management reduces the risk of flooding to properties and ensures there is sufficient water during periods of drought to support local eco-systems which are becoming established in Hampton.
Lakes covering an area of 116 hectares include SuDS features. A further 100 hectares are designated as Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) nature reserves.
Apart from reducing the risk of flooding and pollution, there are also biodiversity, ecological and landscape improvements. This also increases the value of properties on the Hampton development and makes them more attractive to buyers.
"The SuDS network provides areas of open space as well as peace-of-mind for residents in this growing community," said Roger Tallowin, general manager of O&H Hampton, the company behind the development of the 2,500 acre site.
"In addition to facilities promoting health and well-being, SuDS also provides protection from flooding and pollution. It's helping to increase awareness and understanding of plants and animals that live in and around Hampton within the nature reserves, lakes, green corridors and landscaped areas.
"The water management system is very efficient. Hampton as a whole puts less water back into local streams than if it was farm land."
Residents and visitors can now read more about SuDS and how it benefits the area on new information boards along paths around Sunset Lake in Hampton Vale.
The lake is an important part of the community's water management system. It is linked to Serpentine Lake and others in Happy Hollows by a series of underground pipes which help to control water levels.
Shallow, sloping gradients have been created below the water's edge around all lakes across Hampton. The gradients have been recommended by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and allow anyone standing or falling into the shallow water to get out safely and easily.
The water levels are normally a few inches below the footpaths. Lakes are designed to fill with water so that occasionally footpaths may disappear during prolonged wet weather but the banks are designed to withstand floods caused by extreme conditions.
"The use of the footpath areas and sloping banks significantly increases the holding capacity of lakes as the water rises," said Roger.
"We want to share information about SuDS with residents and visitors to Hampton. It's important to encourage a wider understanding of what has been done and why. On one level everyone can enjoy the Hampton Lakes and their wildlife; on another level these spaces have a functional benefit not only to the local area but also to the River Nene as a whole.
"The information boards are intended to help open people's eyes to the environment around them."
Additional boards highlight walking routes, provide information about health benefits (including the number of calories used on specific routes) and news about wildlife.
Contact Information
Tammy Norris
63 Park Road
Peterborough
PE1 2TN
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