Update on schemes to reduce flooding in Plymouth
It follows a deluge of rain in recent weeks
Flooding in two areas of Plymouth are being given top priority by Plymouth City Council.
It follows a deluge of rain in recent weeks.
The council is running a four week consultation on outline plans to reduce flooding in St Levan Park and is progressing work on the Trefusis Park Flood Scheme.
St Levan Park floods multiple times a year, with flooding lasting between a few hours and a day, and some areas are often over a metre deep.
To reduce the risk of flooding in St Levan Park and the surrounding roads during heavy rainfall, the council is seeking to improve the surface water drainage in the surrounding streets.
New proposals include new rain‑garden build‑outs in nearby streets to capture and slowly release surface water.
A second phase would reshape the park to safely store rainfall through features such as swales, rain gardens, and an underground storage system capable of holding at least 10,000m³ of water, while also improving biodiversity and play facilities.
These plans build on ground investigations, drainage surveys, and public consultation carried out between 2022 and 2025.
More details on the scheme can be found on the council’s website under St Levan Park Flood Relief scheme or email [email protected] with any questions for feedback.
The council has also updated residents on “an important period” in the Trefusis Park Flood Scheme.
In the next few weeks, the final earthworks will be completed and the site compound will stay in the same place but be made smaller.
Meanwhile, work on the footpaths around the top of the bund is ongoing.
As part of the works, the kerbs and pavement at the entrance of Trefusis Gardens are set to be replaced, said the council.
To do this, two-way traffic lights will be required on Old Laira Road while the works are ongoing. Traffic from Trefusis Gardens will be able to exit the road when it is safe to do so.
The council said: “We had hoped that this would take place in January but it has now been pushed back until March. We’ll keep residents locally in the loop.”
Other work this month will include the installation of the new half-sized basketball surface and net and the continued installation of the fencing and handrails around the park.
Plymouth City Council thanked residents for their patience during the construction in the park.
Weather permitting, the council’s contractors Kier are still scheduled to be off site by the end of March.