Sustainable Drainage Strategies For Planning Permission & Surface Water Management
Whether you need a SuDS report to support the submission of a planning application, to comply with a planning condition, or you would like help with managing and improving surface water issues on an existing site, our qualified and experienced consultants will be happy to discuss your project to establish exactly what you need, based on your specific circumstances.
What should a Sustainable Drainage Strategy include? - Our drainage strategy reports work to identify and assess viable measures for sustainably managing on-site surface water and runoff. Combining construction expertise and quantitative surface water modelling, including supporting water storage and runoff calculations, we're able to determine appropriate foul and surface water drainage measures for reducing surface water risk on and off-site, taking into account estimated costs, practicality and regulatory implications.
Our Surface Water & Foul Drainage Services
Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisal - Our Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisals will look at the nature of existing surface water management at the site, through analysis of information obtained from a variety of sources including the Environment Agency, Local & National Authorities, Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and Digital Terrain Model (DTM) LiDAR topographical surveys. We carry out quantitative surface water analysis to calculate runoff rates and storage volume requirements needed to meet Environment Agency, DEFRA and CIRIA guidance.
This information is then used to identify initial feasible options for sustainable drainage at the site, including assessment of potential constraints and generic objectives, based on the estimated cost, practicality and regulatory implications of their application. Following this, detailed evaluation of identified feasible sustainable drainage options is carried, including development of site-specific objectives, to determine which option(s) are most appropriate for your site.
Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Strategy - Following an in-depth appraisal of sustainable drainage options and surface water management, the final option is selected and outlined in a Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Strategy, taking into account site-specific factors and the constraints and providing a specification of the implementation of surface water drainage measures at the site. Recommended sustainable drainage option(s) are also assessed to determine the requirement or scope for ongoing maintenance, to ensure that surface water drainage measures continue to be effective through the years.
Sustainable Drainage Report Case Study - It was a pleasure to get the opportunity to work with Erewash Borough Council, identifying and assessing sustainable drainage options to support a planning application for their project to improve the facilities and amenities at West Park in Long Eaton, to the south west of Nottingham. Having worked extensively in Nottingham and the surround area, and on similar projects, we were able to calculate surface water storage and runoff volumes and determine an appropriate detailed specification for permeable paving and infiltration SuDS at the site.
Joe and Louis were superb and went above and beyond to ensure that we could meet our deadlines which were already very delayed. I'm very grateful indeed.
- Janey de Borchgrave
What Are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)?
The goal of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), also known as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, is to manage and dispose of surface water in a sustainable manner by replicating the natural surface water drainage from the site prior to development while keeping the overarching principles of SuDS design in mind.
Surface Water Quantity – Controlling the amount of runoff in order to reduce the risk of surface water flooding while also preserving and protecting the natural water cycle. Natural surface water drainage can be disrupted by urban development; with less vegetation and ground compaction, the volume and flow of runoff increases. SuDS designs can be constructed to slow down water by providing storage spaces that allow for natural infiltration and evaporation.
Surface Water Quality – To control the quality of runoff in order to avoid contamination. Traditional surface water drainage systems are ineffective in keeping pollutants out of our waterways. SuDS components can enhance water quality by considerably lowering sediment and pollutants from surface water runoff, hence enhancing the quality of downstream water bodies.
Amenity & Biodiversity – To build and keep better places for humans and nature. There are popular SuDS that are utilised to not only help control surface water quantities, but also to provide open green space, which can improve the well-being of visitors. Biodiversity can play an essential part in providing good amenity, and the two frequently go hand in hand. Several SuDS features may be used to create aesthetically appealing 'green' (vegetated and landscaped) or 'blue' (water) habitats that attract a variety of wildlife.
Contact us →Meet Our Sustainable Drainage Consultants
Louis Turner, Technical Director - Having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Science, Louis is recognised for his technical leadership and precision in environmental consultancy. Louis provides strategic oversight across all service areas, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Louis provides technical leadership in the design and assessment of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). He integrates hydrological modelling with environmental science to deliver drainage solutions that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and meet planning and regulatory requirements for sustainable development.
Joe Turner, Operations Director - Providing practical expertise and a client-focused approach, Joe ensures that every project is delivered quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary hassle. He has successfully managed a wide variety of project types across the consultancy, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge and a reputation for keeping projects on track. Joe's leadership guarantees a smooth process for clients, from initial enquiry through to final reporting. Joe directs the delivery of SuDS assessments, ensuring drainage solutions are implemented efficiently and meet planning requirements. His streamlined approach helps clients achieve sustainable outcomes while avoiding delays in the approval process.
Richard Turner, Director - With over 30 years of experience in site development, he provides invaluable insight into pragmatic solutions that balance costs, practicalities, and client objectives. Richard has a detailed understanding of building regulations and a clear sense of what is and isn't possible on site, making him a trusted advisor for developments of all sizes. Richard brings a practical perspective to SuDS design and implementation, ensuring drainage solutions are not only compliant but also workable within real world site constraints. His guidance helps clients achieve sustainable outcomes without unnecessary complexity.
Request A Sustainable Drainage Options Appraisal & Strategy
Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements or, if your requirements are more complex, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. If you're looking for more information about our services or our company then complete the below contact form and we will endeavour to respond to your enquiry in a timely manner, alternatively, give us a call on 0800 433 2906 and our experienced consultants can provide actionable advice and guidance.
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References
BRE Group. Soakaway design - Digest 365
CIRIA. The SuDS Manual. ISBN: 978-0-86017-760-9
Department for Communities and Local Government. Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework
HM Government. Approved Document H - Drainage and Waste Disposal
HR Wallingford. UK SuDS Tools