FAQs

During heavy rainfall, more water can fall than the local drainage and river systems are able to carry away quickly.

No scheme can stop flooding entirely, but this project will significantly reduce the risk and severity of flooding  in the local area during heavy rainfall.

The London Borough of Harrow is proposing new features within the park that can safely store rainwater during storms and release it slowly afterwards.

The park sits alongside infrastructure that carries large volumes of stormwater. It also provides suitable open space where rainwater can be temporarily stored during storms without affecting nearby homes or businesses.

During heavy rainfall, stormwater will be diverted into storage areas within the park. The water will be safely held during the storm and then released slowly once rainfall levels reduce.

Yes. The Council manages a number of flood storage areas and other flood defences across the borough. Similar projects have recently been completed at Newton Farm Ecology Park and Headstone Manor Recreation Ground, which are helping to reduce flood risk locally.

The main storage tank will be located underground, meaning the park will remain open and available for normal use. The wetland area will occupy around 20% of the eastern end of the park, while the majority of the park will remain unchanged and available for recreation. The wetland will also provide new biodiversity and habitat benefits.

It is a large underground tank designed to temporarily store rainwater during heavy rainfall.

Only rainwater will enter the tank. It will not be connected to the sewage system.

No. The tank will store rainwater only and will be sealed underground. Vent pipes will allow air circulation, so the tank will not create odours or health concerns.

No. The tank will be located underground and will not affect the appearance or everyday use of the park.

The wetland is a shallow landscaped area designed to temporarily store rainwater during storms and release it slowly afterwards. It will also provide biodiversity and habitat benefits.

The wetland will retain around 300 mm of water under normal conditions. During heavy rainfall it will temporarily store additional water before slowly draining.

Wetlands naturally support wildlife, including insects. They are designed to avoid stagnant water, which helps prevent increases in pests.

Yes. By slowing and temporarily storing rainwater, the scheme helps improve water quality before the water re-enters the drainage system.

The wetland will be maintained by the Council as part of the park’s and infrastructure team’s asset management programme.

Some trees near the park entrance may need to be removed to allow space for the diversion pipe (around 4 to 9 trees). The exact number will depend on how the works are carried out.

Any trees removed will be replaced as part of the scheme. A detailed tree survey and arboricultural impact assessment have been completed to support the planning application, identifying suitable locations and types of replacement trees. Final details will be agreed with the Council’s Tree Officer.

Depending on the construction approach, parts of the park may need to be temporarily fenced during the works. Footpaths are expected to remain open where possible, although there may occasionally be short-term closures or diversions to allow for vehicle movements and ensure public safety.

If planning permission is granted, construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and is expected to take approximately 9–12 months, including landscaping works once the main construction phase is complete.

Yes. Once the works are complete, the park will be fully open, with additional environmental and flood protection benefits.

All plans and supporting documents are available through the planning application. Visit xxxx  and search using the planning reference number xxxx

If planning permission is approved, the Council will move forward with detailed design, procurement and construction. .

Updates will be shared on this page as the project progresses.

The ambition is for Byron Recreation Ground to achieve Green Flag status by 2027/28, one of the Council’s flagship actions, building on eight award winning parks already delivered across Harrow.

To get there, further improvements are being explored: a safer, modern playground, resurfaced footpaths, and upgraded entrances with new signage.

Support would also be given to a volunteer group to help keep the park clean, tidy and welcoming.

If the flood scheme goes ahead, reused materials could improve drainage, making the grass better for sports and recreation.

You can contact the project team at infrastructure@harrow.gov.uk.