As development continues to limit the infiltration potential of land across the UK, particularly in urban areas, policy makers are placing more and more emphasis on SUDS as a method of flood prevention. Legislation such as the Flood and Water Management Act and industry regulations including the Code for Sustainable Homes all specify standards for the control and attenuation of storm water. With the result that more and more local authorities are making adequate SUDS provision a condition of approval in planning permission.

The obligation on these authorities to adopt SUDS means many now set strict limits on rates of runoff from developed sites, insisting that all applications incorporate a SUDS strategy in their proposals. For developers, that means something else to think about in an already complex planning application process.

By offering expert guidance on integrating above and below ground drainage, storage and attenuation systems in line with local authority requirements, our Civil Engineers can help you prepare your application and improve the chances of your project receiving planning permission on first submission. As with all other key considerations in the planning process, transport, landscape, heritage and nature conservation, the earlier SUDS is factored into development plans, the more cost effective and straightforward it will be to implement. However, we're happy to help at any stage of the process. Even to the extent of retrofitting SUDS systems to existing developments. To discuss any aspect of your SUDS planning with our team, simply call us on 01509 615100.