2024/26 Biennial Review of the Camden Flood Risk Management Strategy

This Biennial Review provides an update on the implementation of Camden’s Flood Risk Management Strategy (FRMS) 2022/27 and assesses progress made since the last Biennial Review in 2024.

The Strategy was developed to support Camden’s role as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and sets out how the Council will work with partners, communities and infrastructure providers to understand, manage and 
reduce flood risk across the borough.  

Camden’s Flood Risk Management Strategy 2022/27 (FRMS) sets out 37 measures relating to the delivery of

• flood risk alleviation projects
• flood preparedness
• response and asset management
• monitoring and review

Of the 37 actions identified within the Strategy, 36 actions are achieved, partly achieved or on track, with significant investment secured for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) projects, improved flood modelling, community engagement and partnership working.  

Key achievements 2024/26 

Improving understanding of flood risk 

A significant achievement during this period has been the continued development of evidence to better understand surface water flood risk across Camden. Detailed hydraulic modelling of the Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak catchment has informed updates to the Environment Agency’s Risk of Flooding from Surface Water mapping, providing a more accurate representation of flood pathways and local vulnerabilities. The modelling has directly informed flood mitigation measures in the South End Green area and wider Heath 
Watershed catchment.  

In 2026, Camden successfully secured Environment Agency Levy funding to undertake a hydraulic modelling study and develop an Outline Business Case for the South Hampstead Local Flood Risk Zone (LFRZ). This project will provide a prioritised programme of interventions and strengthen Camden’s ability to secure future SuDS implementation funding.  

The Council has also continued to make use of strategic SuDS opportunity mapping developed through London-wide programmes, enabling flood risk considerations to be integrated into highways, greening and regeneration projects across the borough. 

Delivering flood risk alleviation projects in primary and secondary priority areas 

Camden has continued to deliver a range of flood mitigation and sustainable drainage projects within priority flood risk areas. 

Achievements include: 

• completion of the Goldhurst Terrace Phase 2 SuDS scheme in South Hampstead, introducing nine new tree pits with integrated underground storage to reduce surface water flooding 
• completion of Kilburn High Road entrance improvements and a new pocket park incorporating SuDS features 
• the introduction of natural flood risk management interventions on Hampstead Heath at East Heath car park as well as associated decompaction work on Parliament Hill to slow run off towards South End Green, during 2025 
• the introduction of new gullies at South End Green in collaboration with Thames Water in 2025 to help manage surface water flood risk
• delivery of 1,225 m2 of new highway SUDS and 77 street trees during 2025 through Healthy Streets projects, contributing to nearly 3,500 m2 of highways SUDS installed since the adoption of the Camden Transport Strategy
• securing £110,000 through the Flood Ready London programme for the Fairhazel Gardens SuDS scheme in Goldhurst LFRZ, which is proposed for delivery in 2027 subject to approvals and consultation outcomes
• securing £250,000 through Thames Water AMP8 programme for the Belsize Road SuDS scheme, which is proposed for delivery in 2027/28 subject to match funding, approvals and consultation outcomes  
• implementing over 1,450 m2 of new or enhanced green space delivered by Global Generation and Camden Council as part of the Somers Town Future Neighbourhood 2030 programme. These included 6 new trees at Levita House North courtyard, improved planting at Walker House courtyard, eight new growing beds at Hadstock House, and improved planting at Oakshott courtyard. Alongside increasing access to nature, these interventions increased vegetation and permeable surfaces, helping to support natural drainage and contribute to a cooler and more climate-resilient neighbourhood

Building community flood resilience 

A central theme of the Strategy has been strengthening community resilience to flooding. 

Camden has continued to work closely with the South Hampstead Flood Action Group (SHFAG) and South End Green Greening group which remain strong examples of community-led flood resilience.  

During the review period: 

• community flood planning and multi-agency engagement have continued to support local preparedness 
• community workshops have been delivered to improve residents’ understanding of flood risk and property protection measures 
• Camden supported SHFAG funding applications aimed at increasing neighbourhood resilience and encouraging property-level flood protection measures flood awareness materials have continued to be distributed in partnership with the Greater London Authority and local community organisations 
• close collaboration with the South End Greening group in relation to the natural flood risk management work on Hampstead Heath 

We have also embedded flood resilience within wider climate adaptation programmes. Climate resilience plans were developed for schools in Somers Town, and adaptation measures continue to be integrated through the Safe Air and Climate Friendly Schools Programme and Climate Ambassadors initiatives.

Flood preparedness, partnership working and strategic influence 

Camden has continued to strengthen partnership arrangements with the Environment Agency, Thames Water, the Greater London Authority, City of London Corporation and neighbouring Boroughs.

In early 2026, Camden participated in a workshop organized by Network Rail related to flooding along their rail line from Euston, which has developed into an ongoing collaborative partnership. Throughout the review period, Camden’s partnership with Thames Water has supported the installation of flood mitigation devices, such as non-return valves and sewer flaps, to protect 45 properties. 

Since 2025, Camden has been an active member of Flood Ready London’s (established following publication of the London Surface Water Strategy) Central London Catchment Partnership, helping to develop innovative, cross-borough approaches to flood resilience. This includes exploring future de-paving initiatives and opportunities to attract external investment into flood risk management projects. 

The Council is exploring partnership opportunities with local Business Improvement Districts, such as the Central District Alliance, to undertake a SuDS sponsorship pilot. This would encourage businesses and local organisations to take ownership of flood resilience initiatives, contribute corporate volunteering hours on maintenance, ensuring these measures function to their full capacity. This pilot is still in development, with aims to get off the ground in 2027.  

Flood response and recovery arrangements have also been maintained and reviewed. The Multi-Agency Flood Plan is currently undergoing review, while procedures for warnings, incident response and recovery coordination remain in place and tested. Camden continues to receive and disseminate information from the Environment Agency flood warning services, the Met Office and London Resilience partners. 

The Council has additionally continued to lobby central government regarding flood insurance challenges faced by residents who remain excluded from the Flood Re scheme, while providing information and advice on alternative resilience measures. 

Challenges and areas for improvement 

While substantial progress has been achieved over the past 2 years, several challenges remain as we move into the final years of the FRMS.  

Securing funding continues to be the principal constraint on delivery. Although Camden has successfully attracted external investment, some proposals have been delayed or are awaiting funding opportunities.  

The review also identified that a borough-wide assessment of Camden-owned residential properties at flood risk has not yet been completed. While flood risk is routinely considered at neighourhood and project level, this strategic review remains outstanding and represents an area of future focus.  

Following the success of the Parliament Hill SuDS project completed in 2023 as part of an innovative collaboration between Camden, Cadent Gas and other partners using a Dig Once approach, similar coordinated works opportunities have not been identified. The Council continues to work closely with the GLA and stay up to date with their Infrastructure Mapping Application to identify future opportunities for collaboration. 

Priorities for 2026/28 

As the current Strategy approaches the end of its lifespan, the Council’s priorities are to: 

• complete the South Hampstead hydraulic model and Outline Business Case 
• progress delivery of the Fairhazel Gardens SuDS scheme, subject to consultation
• progress delivery of the Belsize Road SuDS scheme, subject to match funding 
• continue integrating SuDS and flood resilience measures into highways, greening and regeneration programmes  
• strengthen community resilience through awareness campaigns, de-paving initiatives and collaboration with local Flood Action Groups
• continue identifying and securing external funding opportunities for flood risk alleviation projects 
• complete the review and preparation of Camden’s next Flood Risk Management Strategy, due by 2028. 

The 2024/26 review demonstrates that Camden has made strong progress delivering the objectives of its Flood Risk Management Strategy over the past 2 years. Significant advances have been made in flood risk modelling, project delivery, partnership working and community engagement, while flood resilience is increasingly being embedded across wider climate adaptation, transport and public realm schemes.

Although funding and delivery challenges remain, the borough is significantly better positioned to understand and manage flood risk than at the start of the strategy period. The focus over the remaining years of the strategy will be on translating improved evidence into investment and delivery, while laying the foundations for the next generation of flood risk management in Camden. Despite this work, human-induced climate change means that the frequency and severity of flood events is increasing. Flooding will sometimes occur despite the best efforts of Camden and its statutory partners to prevent it. That is why raising awareness of these risks and building community resilience to a changing climate remain key aims of this strategy, and Camden’s Climate Action Plan 2026/30.

We will next review the FRMS in 2028, when it is up for renewal.