Rainfall Update: A Very Wet November Shows SuDS in Action

We’ve just reviewed the latest rain gauge data from across the Stanley South study area – and November 2025 really stood out.

Our monthly rainfall graph shows that November 2025 recorded around 140mm of rain, compared with just 16mm in November 2024. That dramatic increase helps explain why we have seen surface water flooding, high river levels and standing water around the area over the past few weeks.

Despite this intense rainfall, we’re already seeing encouraging signs that the SuDS+ schemes are helping to manage water better.

Lenin Terrace Bunds Working to Slow the Flow

Over the recent wet period, the bund scheme at Lenin Terrace held water back instead of allowing it to rush straight down Durham Road.
This isn’t a complete solution to all flooding issues on its own, but it is proving its value as part of a wider water system.

Cheviot/Cleveland Terrace Scheme Already Reducing Flood Risk

Even though final touches are ongoing, the SuDS features at Cheviot/Cleveland Terrace are already up and running.
During the recent rain, the system:
• Diverted water into the new wiggly swale
• Stored water in the ponds
• Slowed surface flows through the area.
This is exactly the kind of performance we hoped to see in wet weather. Water then drains away slowly after the bad weather has passed, and when the drainage infrastructure has more capacity to cope.

Why This Matters

It’s now ten years since Storm Desmond brought exceptional rainfall and flooding across the North in 2015. Events like that were once seen as rare, but intense and prolonged rainfall is becoming more familiar, as this November has shown.
The recent wet spell highlights why schemes like SuDS+ are important:
• Storing more water locally
• Slowing flows to protect people and homes
• Reducing pressure on drainage and river systems

By investing in systems that hold, detain and redirect water, we’re building resilience so that the impacts of storms like Desmond aren’t repeated at the same scale. SuDS+ is also ensuring wider urban resilience by incorporating community-led techniques from the outset.
We’ll continue monitoring rainfall and SuDS performance across Stanley South, and will share updates as more results come in.