{"id":1564,"date":"2019-06-02T14:28:38","date_gmt":"2019-06-02T14:28:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renovateme.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1564"},"modified":"2020-05-26T09:44:05","modified_gmt":"2020-05-26T09:44:05","slug":"sustainable-drainage-suds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renovateme.co.uk\/blog\/sustainable-drainage-suds\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Drainage, SuDS and Planning – What do you need to know?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)?<\/strong><\/p>\n

SuDS are basically drainage systems which aim to holistically manage water runoff onsite to reduce the quantity and increase the quality of surface water that drains into sewers from a development. They can take the form of ponds, permeable paving, green roofs, swales or wetlands for example. They are- \u00a0in effect – a collection of water management techniques or practices that aim to align modern drainage systems with a natural water process. SuDS help to make urban drainage systems more compatible with components of the natural water cycle such as storm surge overflows. They have become popular recently due to a better understanding of how urban developments can affect natural environments as well as concern for climate change and sustainability, have increased.<\/p>\n

What planning applications require a SuDS report?<\/strong><\/p>\n

All new welsh developments (since 7 January 2019) of more than one dwelling house or where the construction is 100 sqm or more require SuDS for surface water.<\/p>\n

Although efforts are underway to standardise the process across the 22 local authorities in Wales, there are still local variations.\u00a0\u00a0For the basis of this article, I’ve researched Powys as the local authority.<\/p>\n

What about SuDS in England?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In April 2015, national planning policy was strengthened and SuDS were made a requirement to be provided in all major new developments where appropriate.<\/p>\n

England is not proceeding with the set-up of a Sustainable Drainage Systems\u00a0Approval Body (SAB). However, it is estimated that changes in relation to SuDS may come into force in April 2020.<\/p>\n

Are there any exemptions to the requirement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Construction work which does not<\/strong> require planning permission is exempt. However, this does not apply if the construction covers 100sqm or more.<\/p>\n

Construction of a single dwelling house or other types of construction which covers an area of land less than 100sqm is exempt.<\/p>\n

What is SAB?<\/strong><\/p>\n

SAB means SuDS Approval Body, approval for the drainage scheme must be approved by SAB before construction can begin. The SAB is delivered by the local authority and is required to evaluate and approve drainage applications. The SAB has powers of inspection and enforcement. The SAB can offer non-statutory pre-application advice. You cannot start construction until both<\/strong> planning permission and SAB approval is granted.<\/p>\n

How do you get SAB approval?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As previously stated, for this particular article I’ve chosen to research the Powys area. The SuDS scheme must meet the National Welsh Standards which includes requirements for:<\/p>\n