What we need to do
The map provides a bird’s eye view of the existing site in Redbridge where we need to carry out the following maintenance and improvements:
Replacement of some equipment on our main Redbridge Lane West site: including various modifications to mechanical equipment and pipe supports amongst others.
Modification of smaller adjacent Cadent site: we need to carry out modifications to this site as the metal ladders and platforms within the valve pits have corroded over the years, hindering safe access and egress for our personnel and therefore need to be replaced.
Noise: our work will aim to mitigate noise created by our above ground equipment. During construction, the team will have the lates technology, including noise-reducing elements, that will make our operations much quieter for our neighbours. Additionally, during construction we’ll monitor noise levels throughout our activities at site and do all we can to keep them to a minimum.
Fencing: to improve the safety of the site, we will be replacing the perimeter fence with higher specification fencing.
In order to facilitate this work, we will need to carry out the following:
Some vegetation/tree removal: to ensure that we can keep the required safety clearance to the fence. We’ve carried out ecological surveys and are working with the Redbridge Neighbourhood Street Scene Team as well as a specialist Consultant to ensure that we carry out the work as safely and practically as possible, with minimal environmental impact. We will replace 5 trees for every 1 tree removed.
Temporary site compound set up: this will need an area of a minimum of 2,500m2 and will only be installed temporarily whilst construction takes place. We need to establish a temporary compound with good access for construction vehicles so we can carry out our work safely. The compound will include a main project office, welfare facilities for our employees, space storage of some of the plant, machinery and equipment, parking for HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and enough space for these to manoeuvre around the compound area.
Minimal Impact Strategy
As a result of valuable feedback received by Redbridge
Proposed Wanstead Park compound Redbridge Lane West Allotment compound
We have redesigned the area to use the least amount of space possible and have been able to reduce the size of the initial proposed compound set up at Redbridge Lane West Allotments. We will only need to use 9 allotments.
Existing site layout
Area required for the project work This compound will only be used for:
To provide safe access to the construction area (One way system)
Minimal welfare facilities required by law
Storage of necessary machinery and construction equipment
Safe turning space for deliveries
How the work will impact your allotment
Redbridge Lane West Allotments
The disruption of our works to individual allotment holders will vary according to their plot’s location; we have arranged these plots into various groups according to the level of impact.
The allotment holders whose plots are situated in the area of our proposed compound will be asked to temporarily vacate their plots while the works are carried out – these plots are marked as orange and pink on the above map. There are some points for the allotment holders occupying the plots outlined in orange or pink to consider.
For some, on your return we may need to adjust plot boundaries to ensure that we allow enough space to fulfil the minimum safety clearance requirements to the new fence. We have tried our hardest to minimise the number of plots whose boundary may be affected, and have managed to bring the number of affected plots down to five, these are shown on the above map in orange.
For those being asked to temporarily vacate their plot, we want to work closely with you to come up with a strategy that works best for all involved. We will offer an array of possibilities: from moving to an alternative plot temporarily or permanently to requesting a two-year holiday from the allotment. If allotment holders would like to work with us to come up with a plan which works best for them, we will be conducting one to one sessions to discuss next steps.
We are pleased that the remainder of the allotment holders will be able to stay at their plots throughout construction. Some allotment holders may be affected by, for instance, by being closest to the construction zone hoarding that will be in place to screen our work. These are indicated in purple on the Redbridge Lane West allotment map. We are pleased that the plots indicated in green will not be affected directly by the works.
We know that those allotment holders who will be able to carry on using their plot during the work will still be able to see and hear the works taking place; we strive to be a considerate neighbour at all times and will share our plans on how we will reduce this impact during construction post Detailed Design, which is being undertaken now. We also welcome any ideas allotment holders may have for how we can make the construction time a more pleasant experience.
Allotment area after construction
Options for the nine allotment holders We understand how much time and effort has gone into caring for the allotments; that’s one of the reasons we’ve started talking with you so early in the process of upgrading the gas site, to give you as much time as possible to let us know your requirements.
Here are the four options for affected plots:
Option 1 - requesting a two-year break from your allotment
Option 2 - requesting an alternative plot for the duration of our work, and then returning to your original plot once we have reinstated the area
Option 3 - requesting to move to an alternative plot permanently
Option 4 - requesting to terminate your lease permanently
N.B. These are examples only, using indicative timeframes to help demonstrate how the options might work.
At this stage, construction for the upgrade is expected to start in Summer 2023.
Options 1-3
Under options 1 to 3, you could move off your plot in Winter 2022/23 or Spring 2023 before we start construction, and return (if desired) after construction finishes – expected to be in Autumn 2024.
The exact timing of your move may depend on where you go, and the crops you grow – your move could be earlier or later depending on your plot requirements.
This timeframe is indicative and may be subject to change, pending the outcomes of our detailed design and planning process which is due to start in February 2022 and take around 12 months to complete.
Suggestions for packages to support options 1 to 3
Here are some examples of what could be included in a benefits package to support your move(s). The package would be dependent upon your preferred option and the requirements for your plot:
Covering the costs associated with your lease
Covering the costs associated with transporting and/or storing existing items such plants, seeds, gardening infrastructure and equipment
Providing new and improved items for the plot
Providing experts to help with soil, planting, landscaping, making an inventory, and matching the conditions of plots as closely as possible (e.g., soil pH)
These options are available for new plots and for those returning to their original plots after construction
We would like to meet with you to confirm a timeframe specific to your plot.
Option 4: requesting to terminate your lease permanently
A final option is to consider terminating your lease and permanently vacating your plot. If you would like to take up this option, you would need to let us and Redbridge Council know by a specified time – likely to be in Summer 2022. You could continue to use the allotment up until the date deemed by the lease conditions, in consultation with us and Redbridge Council.
Suggestions for a package to support option 4
We would provide you with a package of benefits that could include covering the costs associated with moving items off the plot.
At the end of construction, the plots will be reinstated or improved, and made available again via Vision to a new leaseholder.
N.B. These are examples only, using indicative timeframes to help demonstrate how the options might work.
Please contact us for more information
We would like to work with you to create a support package specific to your plot, incorporating an option that best meets your needs while ensuring everyone’s safety throughout construction and operation of the upgraded gas site.
Together with Redbridge Council, we will meet with each affected plot holder to finalise a plan tailored to the plot.
If you have any questions or feedback, we encourage you to contact us via Cadent’s Community Relations Team – available via RedbridgeAGI@communityrelations.co.uk and 0800 0687925.
More information is also available at our website for the project: www.cadentgas.com/Redbridge.
Our main project compound will be in Wanstead Park, behind Wanstead Park Road Allotments and screened by the tree line.
As a result feedback received we have identified an alternative location for our main compound set up. The proposed area is just behind Wanstead Park Allotments behind a screen of trees. We are liaising with the allotment holders who are located near the proposed compound.
This compound will be used for:
Main project office
Welfare facilities
Store equipment needed for construction
Park and ride to the construction site
Storage of HGVs and plant
Close up of main compound site
Wanstead Park There will be no direct impact on the allotments at Wanstead Park Road Allotments as our compound will be located behind the allotments and screen of trees. We want to be a considerate neighbour, therefore we will actively minimise disruption during our time at this location.
We need to make improvements to the existing access road in order to make it safe and practicable for the duration of our works. Making it into a more robust road will allow our vehicles to transport equipment safely. We expect this road to be temporary and our vehicles to be governed by speed restrictions.
We are aware of the presence of beehives on the Wanstead Park Road Allotments. We know the important role that bees play in pollinating plants and how beneficial they can be to allotments, so we are working with the owners and Redbridge Council to ensure their proper safekeeping.
We are committed to benefitting the community we are affecting during these works in the long term. Therefore, we will carry out improvements to the allotment facilities, such as installing a new toilet facility and provide a new communal water supply.
We will be continuing to engage with local stakeholders regularly as we develop and refine our designs and plans throughout all stages of the project lifecycle, to ensure that we can minimise our impact and make the project work best for the local community. Consultation dates:
Thursday 13th January 2022 from 4-5pm for councillors, ward members, Vision representatives - virtual session
Thursday 13th January 2022 from 6-7pm for allotment holders from Wanstead Park Road - virtual session
Thursday 20th January 2022 from 6-7pm - drop in session for any allotment holder - virtual session
Wednesday 26th January 2022 from 6-7pm at Wanstead Golf Club (Subject to COVID-19, if a face to face meeting is not possible, this meeting will change to a virtual meeting.)
Wednesday 9th February 2022 from 6-7pm for Redbridge Lane West allotment holders at Wanstead Golf Club
Thursday 24th February 2022 - 6:30-7:30pm for Redbridge Lane West allotment holders at Wanstead Golf Club
Wednesday 23rd March 2022 - 6:30-7:30pm open to all allotment holders at Wanstead Golf Club
Wednesday 27th April 2022 - 6:30-7:30pm open to all allotment holders at Wanstead Golf Club
These meetings are for allotment holders only.
If you would like to attend please contact us at
redbridgeagi@communityrelations.co.uk or
0800 0687925 and we will be able to send you joining instructions for the virtual sessions.
Further meetings with the allotment holders will be held throughout the project. Please check these pages for updates.
COVID-19 measures are put in place for all face to face meetings, following the latest Government guidelines. If you have any COVID symptoms please do not attend a face to face meeting. Contact us when you are well and we will be happy to update you with the latest information.
We have driven this project timeline, in consultation and agreement with The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), to complete the works at this site, during the regulatory period 2021-2025, as part of a wider business strategy to secure our customers future energy demands.
You can find out more about our works by downloading the leaflet below. Feedback forms for the respective groups can also be found below – please submit any feedback to us by the 28 January 2022 . You can submit these to redbridgeagi@communityrelations.co.uk or by sending them to FREEPOST COMMUNITY RELATIONS TEAM. Leaflet
If you have any questions, we have a dedicated community relations team who can be contacted onredbridgeagi@communityrelations.co.uk or 0800 0687925 on weekdays between 9am-5:30pm.
Why do these works need to be completed in a specified timeframe?
We have driven this project timeline, in consultation and agreement with The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), to complete the works at this site, during the regulatory period 2021-2025, as part of a wider business strategy to secure our customers future energy demands.
When will definitive details around the start/end date of the works be given?
We are still at the critical early design & procurement stages of this project, however our key focus will be our engagement with you at every step of the way, keeping you informed of our progress throughout. We are working towards a construction start date of 2023.
What are you doing to minimise inconvenience?
We are liaising closely with Redbridge Council and expert Consultants to plan our work. We will engage with the affected stakeholders in advance to discuss what we are doing so that we can plan a scheme which considers the needs of local people and the environment.
How are we protecting local wildlife and ecology during the proposed works?
We have carried out a thorough review of the site and conducted a series of ecological and environmental surveys to help us understand the local ecology and potential habitats on site. These surveys identify the measures we need to take to protect the environment, including any protected species.
We have a dedicated team who work hard to protect areas of local amenity value. These include important existing habitats and landscape features such as historic hedgerows, surface and ground water resources and nature conservation areas. There will be a 5:1 replanting policy in place for any trees we need to remove, and clearance work will be under the watch and guidance of an appointed ecologist.
We are liaising with Redbridge Council and the Neighbourhood Street Scene team to ensure that we carry this work out as effectively as possible. We always aim to leave the environment where we undertake our work in a better condition than before.
Will construction affect air quality in the local area - how do you monitor this?
We follow the requirements of the local authority set out in our planning conditions and government guidance relating to vehicle movements, cyclists, noise, pollution etc.
Who are you working with?
Most importantly, we engage with the local communities that we are likely to impact. We will continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the project.
We are engaging with the London Borough of Redbridge including local politicians, Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, leisure and planning officers from the Regeneration, Property and Planning department, the principal arboricultural and horticultural officer from the Neighbourhood Street Scene and the Highways Safeguarding Adult Board Team (acting as Lead Local Flood Authority).
During our maintenance works we use experienced and qualified contractors to carry out the work on our behalf. We manage our contractors and monitor their performance closely.
What hours would you be working?
Working hours would be 7am until 6pm weekdays. If weekend work is necessary, we’ll agree this with the local authority, and write to you to inform you.
Would these works have any effect on local traffic?
We are at early stages of our traffic management plan, however, our traffic management plans consider the local area, road network and speed limits and avoids residential areas where possible. It’s designed to minimise disruption whilst we’re working on our sites.
All heavy vehicle deliveries will call us in advance to discuss the best route to site and arrange dates and times to avoid a queue on local roads. We’ll make a passing point for vehicles in the site compound/ access road, and we’ll install traffic signage at the proposed site entrance to keep access entrances clear at all times.
Traffic management will be agreed with the local authority. As soon as we have more detailed information, we will ensure that we communicate this out to the local community.
Do you need any sort of permission to do this work?
As an essential infrastructure provider, Cadent benefits from permitted development rights for gas transporters under Part 15 Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. Most of our works fall under these rights with the exception of the works to upgrade the security fencing which will require planning permission.
Cadent has already engaged with the London Borough of Redbridge through a pre-application enquiry and will continue to liaise with the planning team, other consultees and stakeholders throughout the planning process as the detailed design is developed. We are committed to working closely with the council to submit this planning application.
What will happen to the drainage ditch at Redbridge Road West allotments during construction work?
We hope this diagram will explain what are propsed plans are for the drainage ditch.
The plans for the drainage ditch next to Cadent's site during construction
What are the options for the nine allotment holders who are being asked to move during construction?
We have proposed four options for allotment holders:
To take a two year break from your allotment
To move to an alternative plot temporary
To move to an alternative plot permanently
To terminate your existing contract
When will these options have to be taken?
The timing is up to the indiviual allotment holders. We will work with these allotment holders to discuss the best timing for them in line with the construction period. This is the reason why we need to have direct conversations with these specific nine allotment holders.
We have given examples below to explain why the timings may vary depending on an individual's decision.