Beyond stormwater management: Exploring the social aspects of retrofitting raingardens for deprivation alleviation in Gloucestershire, UK

Abstract

In the face of climate change, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) emerge as key components of urban resilience. These systems offer a multifunctional and holistic approach, aiming to address both environmental and socioeconomic priorities concurrently. While the environmental benefits are clear, the impact of SuDS on socioeconomic disparities is a nascent area of inquiry. This paper aims to address this gap by evaluating the extent to which raingarden (bioretention) retrofit - as a flexible SuDS solution - may alleviate areas of urban deprivation through the host of amenity benefits they afford. Thematic and statistical analysis of survey data completed by residents of Gloucestershire reveals that the dual benefits of enhanced neighbourhood aesthetics combined with flood risk mitigation is most valued. Although there is limited scope to address physical health and crime deprivation, the perceived benefit to wellbeing through the mitigation of anxieties relating to flood risk is poignant. Matters of maintenance and distrust in the systems and authorities responsible for their upkeep are the most apparent obstacle to support for raingardens which must be addressed for the success of retrofit projects.