This month the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced plans to implement the need for sustainable drainage systems to become a requirement for new developments by 2024. For developers, this will mean they’ll no longer have the automatic right to connect to existing drainage systems unless they have a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) in place.
Permeable surfaces such as grass and soil help prevent flooding. The implementation of this new policy will mean that features like soakaways, grassy areas, permeable surfaces, wetlands, water tanks and water butts are to be put in place, aiming to tackle surface water flooding and sewage pollution.
What are SuDS?
Sustainable drainage systems are nature based solutions that capture stormwater and filter it slowly into the ground. SuDS can vary from installing permeable surfaces to creating rain gardens and building attenuation ponds. They aim to reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the environment, making places greener and more attractive.
Defra is proposing that the requirement for SuDS to be fitted in new developments is broadened. At present, it only applies to developments of more than ten homes. A broadening would cover smaller developments and developments in urban areas for non-domestic use.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: ”Our traditional drainage systems are under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, urbanisation and a growing population.
The benefits of sustainable drainage systems are many – from mitigating flood risk by catching and storing surplus water and reducing storm overflow discharges, to enhancing local nature in the heart of our developments and helping with harvesting valuable rain water.
Taking a more consistent and effective approach to sustainable drainage systems will improve the resilience of our drainage and sewer infrastructure, while reaping these broader benefits.”
What are the benefits of SuDS?
Benefits of SuDS include:
- Flood risk management.
- Reduced pressure on drainage systems
- Useful in both flood and drought conditions
- Improved water quality
- Increased biodiversity and ecology
- Increased well being of residents
- Enhanced opportunities for education and amenity
How can we help?
If you need a SuDS system we can help you with our range of drainage solutions - such as soakaway crates, attenuation pipes, stormwater attenuation tanks, lagoons and flow control units where required. Not only do we supply these systems but can also install them for you too. For our crate systems, we can also offer a fully welded package, leaving you with inlets and outlets for connection.
Please give us a call on 0121 351 3230 to speak to one of our experts and discuss the best solution for you.
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