Evidence was given to the Stag Brewery Public Inquiry on Thursday 7 November 2024 about flooding and drainage issues in the proposed development. John Ancock produced maps (see Documents Produced during Inquiry at INQ-21: https://gateleyhamer-pi.com/en-gb/stag-brewery/inquiry-documents/documents-during/ ) and expressed concern about whether the existing Thames Barrier (opened in 1982) would be adequate in the future. In his opinion there could currently be problems if the water level rose by 95 cm.

One has to note that Storm Bert produced a huge amount of rain, especially over the hills of southwest England and south Wales, 193mm of rain in Dartmoor, and 174mm near Bridgend. Tenbury Wells on the River Teme was flooded, with risk to life.

The developers are of course very confident that they have taken all necessary steps to ensure that their new site will not experience similar problems. They quoted the Environment Agency as confirming in two letters that they were satisfied with plans. Let us hope that complacency which appears to have been apparent in other parts of the country, does not visit itself on Mortlake.

The problem is not simply what might happen if there is a North Sea surge. In the current climate there is the possibility of excessive rainfall at the same time. The developers say that attenuation tanks, large underground containers that store excess water from storms and heavy rain, will provide protection. Their basement will not be threatened; the small amount of standing water among the tower blocks should run off.

What is less clear is how the river bank to the east and west of the development will be affected if there is simultaneous upstream and downstream high water. We have recently seen Mortlake High Street under water at times of high rainfall and the towpath flooded to the steps of the Ship.

The Inspector has been told that plans will be further discussed in the course of consideration of the s106 agreement, which provides for future work to be done to meet these needs. This area is currently scheduled for the end of next week.