Sustainable Drainage Strategies In London For Planning Permission & Surface Water Management
A sustainable drainage report may be required in London to support a planning application, discharge a planning condition, or address surface water challenges on an existing site and our qualified consultants will work closely with you to identify exactly what is needed based on the site's characteristics and relevant Greater London Authority (GLA) and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) requirements.
Our sustainable drainage reports for sites in London identify and assess realistic and compliant measures for managing onsite surface water. Using construction expertise and quantitative surface water modelling (including runoff, attenuation and storage calculations) we determine appropriate SuDS measures that reduce flood risk both on and off site while considering cost, practicality, and regulatory compliance.
Our Surface Water & Foul Drainage Services In London
Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisal - Our Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Options Appraisals in London focus on identifying effective, policy compliant methods to manage surface water for London developments. The appraisal process begins by establishing greenfield and existing runoff rates in line with the London Plan, which requires developments to aim for greenfield runoff rates and prioritise SuDS that manage water at source.
We explore a wide range of SuDS measures suitable for London's unique urban context, including infiltration systems where geology permits (e.g., chalk areas in outer London), permeable paving, bioretention features, green roofs, rain gardens and geocellular storage. These are evaluated against local borough LLFA guidance, site constraints, groundwater vulnerability and their capacity to provide water quality, biodiversity and amenity benefits. London specific challenges, such as ageing combined sewers and high surface water flood risk, are also factored into the option appraisal.
Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Strategy - Once preferred options have been identified, we prepare a detailed SuDS Strategy that aligns with the London Plan, borough level planning policies, the National SuDS Standards and the technical criteria set out in CIRIA C753. The strategy outlines how the proposed SuDS measures should be installed, ensuring adequate storage and controlled discharge in accordance with the London drainage hierarchy. It also addresses construction feasibility in London's dense urban areas and long term maintenance requirements.
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)?
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are engineered solutions designed to manage surface water in a way that mimics natural hydrological processes. They regulate runoff rates, support infiltration where the ground conditions allow, provide attenuation during peak rainfall events, and deliver water quality improvements through both physical and biological processes. In London, these systems are particularly important due to the city's heightened surface water flood risk, which is exacerbated by increasingly intense rainfall patterns and the capital's heavily urbanised landscape. The pressure on London's ageing combined sewer network, which is at or near capacity in many boroughs, further reinforces the need for sustainable drainage approaches that alleviate stress on traditional drainage infrastructure.
London's geology introduces additional considerations, with extensive areas of impermeable London Clay restricting infiltration while chalk formations in outer boroughs offer more favourable conditions for infiltration. The London Plan also requires that surface water is managed as close to its source as possible, prioritising green over grey infrastructure and applying a strict drainage hierarchy that encourages rainwater reuse, infiltration, and green infrastructure based attenuation before any connection to surface water or combined sewers is considered.
SuDS components commonly used across London include bioretention systems and rain gardens, swales and filter drains where space allows, green or blue roofs that contribute significantly to runoff reduction while enhancing biodiversity, and permeable paving which can provide effective storage on sites where space is limited, even when infiltration is not possible. Attenuation basins, wetlands, ponds and underground geocellular tanks are also frequently deployed to provide stormwater storage where infiltration is unfeasible. Collectively, these measures provide effective surface water management while supporting biodiversity and strengthening London's broader green infrastructure network.
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.
If you need help or have a question, let us know and we will endeavour to respond same day. By sending this form you agreeing to our Privacy Policy and for the personal data entered above to be saved to allow us to properly respond to your enquiry. Data is not shared with third-parties.
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