Stanley School
The Brief
RIDA Reports Ltd was appointed to undertake a detailed flood risk assessment for Stanley School, located on Strathmore Road, Teddington (TW11 8UH). The proposed development involves the rebuilding and extension of the site’s existing indoor swimming pool. The objective of the assessment was to ensure this ‘Water compatible’ facility would remain safe over its estimated 20 to 50-year design life without increasing flood risk elsewhere.
Why the Client Chose RIDA
Navigating the planning requirements for educational and leisure facilities demands a comprehensive understanding of national policy and local flood risk strategies. The client required a specialist consultancy capable of delivering a robust, detailed assessment to evaluate site-specific constraints in accordance with local planning frameworks. RIDA was selected for its proven expertise in evaluating environmental hazards and providing the necessary technical evidence to support planning applications for community infrastructure.
The Challenge
The site presented specific geological and hydrological constraints that required careful evaluation. While fluvial flood risk was low, with the River Thames located approximately 1,100 metres away, the site sits over a principal aquifer and is underlain by the London Clay Formation, which has inherently low permeability. Because of this geology, mapping data identified a potential risk of groundwater flooding occurring at the surface. The primary challenge was safely managing the surface water runoff generated by the extended swimming pool footprint on this impermeable clay to ensure the development would not exacerbate off-site flooding.
The RIDA Difference
RIDA conducted a detailed flood risk assessment, thoroughly evaluating the site against Environment Agency data, British Geological Survey records, and local flood maps to pinpoint the exact level of risk. To address the surface water constraints associated with the impermeable clay geology, the team formulated a strategy to implement Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). This mitigation approach was specifically designed to accommodate the necessary attenuation volume and closely replicate the site’s existing drainage regime, directly offsetting the risks posed by the expanded building footprint and ensuring compliance with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
The Outcome
The detailed assessment successfully demonstrated that the swimming pool rebuild and extension could be safely accommodated on the site. By outlining appropriate SuDS mitigation measures tailored to the site’s clay geology, RIDA ensured the development would effectively manage surface water runoff and mitigate groundwater vulnerabilities without increasing flood risk to neighbouring properties. The comprehensive report provided the robust, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) compliant technical justification required to support the school’s planning application.
