Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisal & Strategy

Whether you are looking to obtain a sustainable drainage 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 experienced consultants will be happy to discuss your project to establish exactly what you need, based on your specific circumstances.

Since April 2015, new developments with surface water implications and all major developments (more than ten units) require some form of Sustainable Drainage Options Appraisal or Strategy. Most commonly in areas of surface water flood risk, but also on larger developments with no known surface water or flood risk issues, it can sometimes be more cost effective to carry out a Sustainable Drainage Options Appraisal & Strategy in conjunction with a flood risk assessment at the site.

Our sustainable drainage 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 sustainable drainage measures for reducing surface water risk on and off-site, taking into account estimated costs, practicality and regulatory implications.

Excellent experience working with Joe and Louis at Oakshire Environmental who provided a drainage options appraisal in support of an application for planning permission. They were approachable, prompt and professional throughout. - SF Planning

Our Sustainable Drainage Services

Sustainable Drainage Options Appraisal - Our Sustainable Drainage 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Meet Our Sustainable Drainage Consultants

Consultants - Supervised by our Chief Technical Officer, Louis Turner, our fully comprehensive sustainable drainage (SuDS) reports, are carried out by highly qualified consultants, combining over 30 years experience with recognised in-depth technical qualifications in identification of surface water and drainage issues.

Management - Our wealth of experience in project management, logistics and environmental consulting allows us to provide an efficient, friendly and high quality sustainable drainage service for our clients. As a company, we believe that helping clients achieve their goals while simultaneously protecting the environment is a true "win-win" situation.

Partners - Our experienced, professional and qualified construction and consulting partners further extend the range of environmental services we are able to provide. These partners help us produce highly detailed and thorough sustainable drainage assessments.

Contact Us - Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements, alternatively, if your requirements are more complex, or you're looking for more information about our sustainable drainage options appraisals and strategies, or our company, 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.

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