Have your say on the Norton Road rain garden
Residents are being asked what they think about plans to build a small garden to help stop flooding in Norton Road, Hove.
We’re planning to install what’s known as a ‘rain garden’ at the junction of Norton Road and Eaton Road to absorb surface water.
The rain garden would extend out from the existing pavement edges, meaning traffic would still be able to travel in and out of Norton Road.
Find out more and have your say.
The project is supported by the council’s Carbon Neutral Fund.
We’re now asking for residents’ views on the plans, especially those who live in Norton Road. The consultation closes on Sunday 18 June.
Why are we doing this?
Brighton & Hove is ranked 8th in the top 10 Flood Risk Areas in England, with surface water run-off from heavy rainfall posing the biggest problems.
Over 30,000 properties in the city are at risk of flooding.
During a storm in July 2014, Norton Road was badly flooded by storm water.
Picture: Norton Road during a storm in July 2014
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a type of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) used to reduce surface water flooding.
Our initial plans would see a new kerb line created with small gaps, allowing the surface water to flow into the new rain garden.
The garden would include biodiverse planting, two new street trees using specialised 'stockholm' tree pits, and the installation of permeable paving underneath some existing car parking spaces.
Picture: Junction of Norton Road and Eaton Road
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “This is a fascinating project and something that could really make a difference to people on Norton Road who’ve experienced flooding in recent years.
“The rain garden concept is a great example of how innovation and nature can mix to find a practical solution to a real problem.
“I’d urge everyone, and particularly those residents in the area around Norton Road to have their say on the design.”
Watch a video about Sustainable Drainage Systems.
If you have further questions please email NortonRoadRainGarden@brighton-hove.gov.uk