Currently, Sustainable Drainage Systems or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are based on a planning-led approach and encourage all major developments. Moving forward, the decision to mandate Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) will make SUDs a policy requirement in the UK.
SUDs legislative facts:
- From 2024 SUDs will be mandatory in new construction sites, legislation from Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010).
- Applications for SUDs will need to be approved by the SUDs Approving Body (SAB) located within each County Council or Unitary Authority.
- SAB approval will be separate from planning permission. Applications for approval may be made to SAB directly or combined with the planning application.
- Exemptions to be the construction of properties covering under 100m² and single properties.
To create successful SUDs systems the scheme should be designed from early stages jointly between engineers and landscape architects to ensure the following requirements are delivered-
- Design, depression depths and layout should be clear and visible.
- Swales and attenuation basins should be visually and physically accessible. Surrounding land use to be designed for public use with high amenity value and easily accessed into depressions for future management.
- The design of SUDs should include well thought out hard and soft landscape to create attractive green spaces, boost site aesthetics and provide large open spaces for amenity.
- Engaging the public with the drainage design through early consultation and the creation of information boards on site allowing engagement and knowledge to be passed on.
- The inclusion of ecological enhancements, providing additional habitats and food sources.
If you have a site that has an integrated SuDS requirement and would like our team of landscape architects to work alongside your drainage engineers please contact ACD Environmental.