Letter: Where Will Run-off from New Police HQ Go?

Published on: 14 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 14 Sep, 2025

From P Bray

In response to: Police HQ Plans Approved Again Following Fresh Flood Risk Modelling

I am getting increasingly concerned about flood risk and our approach to it.

Yes, I’m pleased that the the site can be developed to meet the needs of the force but, what concerns me is the statement that the drainage is sufficient. That’s fine in itself but where is that water going?

Whenever issues like this are discussed the answer is often increased drainage, with seemingly little thought regards where to?

As someone living on the banks of the River Tillingbourne I worry that the water will end up either in the Wey or a tributary. The response to the Guildford flood modelling reveals similar thinking, often supporting higher defences thus passing on the problem.

Perhaps we need to start thinking about dealing with surface water where it appears, increasing soakaway where possible and setting aside floodland for the purpose of temporary storage during surge conditions.

Until recently, I thought that we were slowly improving our approach to planning and managing the environment for the benefit of all. The recent ripping up of planning legislation in the name of NIMBY beating is dismaying.

The only glimpse of hope is that the public seem to place much greater importance on their environment now that it’s threatened. Even if our voices are to be ignored they can still be heard, just maybe that will return us to more sensible ways in the future.

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