Clapham Common: First look at Windmill Drive landscape design as trial closure to cars formalises

Local residents are invited to comment on the plan to landscape Windmill Drive on Clapham Common as plans to permanently close the road to vehicles solidify.

Windmill Drive has been closed to vehicles since spring 2020, when Lambeth Council put a traffic filter in place during the country's first Covid-19 lockdown.

Although it was introduced on a trial basis, the council subsequently developed plans for Windmill Drive to remain permanently closed to vehicular traffic and in May teamed up with Street Space and a transport design consultancy, Phil Jones Associates (PJA), to create "an ambitious vision for the space".

Following a collaborative re-design Windmill Drive workshop in July, local residents are now invited to comment on the design proposed by PJA.

Windmill Drive design by Phil Jones Associates

A spokesperson for Lambeth Council said: "The design aims to compliment the wild nature of the common, whilst providing a space which is safe for people to walk and cycle.

"The semi-circular rain gardens provide sustainable drainage and greenery, whilst the road surface, allows water to travel through and into the soil, both of these things help prevent flooding.

"The position of the rain gardens and planters aims to slow cyclists and create a shared space for all, seating is provided to allow people to enjoy and use the space in a way they couldn't before, spaces for nature to flourish have been included helping the areas biodiversity and Logs and posts giving children a natural space to play."

Consult on the Windmill Drive design

Local residents are invited to share their thoughts on the final proposal by November 7. Click here to Lambeth Council's consultation page.

Following this period of community engagement, cabinet members will make a final decision for the space.

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