Architects Datafile - 02.2020

I

t’s over three years since the
Government chose to abandon
dedicated requirements for SuDS on
new developments in England using the
Flood and Water Management Act.
Instead, the latest National Planning
Policy Framework calls for SuDS on
developments of 10 or more dwellings or
similar scale non-housing schemes, and for
it to provide multifunctional benefits
where possible.
These measures are now being applied
and enforced with increasing effectiveness
by local planning authorities, through
local policies and guidelines. Even the
2019 National Design Guide for
developments considers that: “Well-
designed places have sustainable drainage
systems to manage surface water, flood
risk and significant changes in rainfall.”

Dedicated SuDS requirements
However, last year the Welsh Government
did implement Schedule 3 of the Act. New
measures include the establishment of a
SuDS Approving Body (SAB) within each
local/unitary authority. SAB approval is
required for drainage systems on new and
redeveloped sites, and the SAB will be
required to adopt and maintain approved
SuDS that serve more than one property.
In Scotland, 2011 regulations simply
require surface water drainage systems
from new developments to discharge
water to the environment through SuDS.
In addition, other – often forgotten –
changes to ‘permitted development’ rights
for new or replacement paving around
existing properties are now being more
effectively enforced. They apply to homes
and also industrial, warehouse, office and
shop premises, unless permeable paving or a
permeable area within the property is used.
Otherwise planning permission will be
needed, and this should be refused – with
local policies requiring SuDS now appearing.
For example, the Draft London Plan states
“Development proposals for impermeable

paving should be refused where appropriate,

including on small surfaces such as front

gardens and driveways.”

Natural drainage

As the new Welsh National Standards

explain: “The SuDS approach mimics

natural drainage, managing surface runoff

at or close to the surface and as close to

its source as practicable.” By its very

nature, concrete block permeable paving

is uniquely placed as an essential,

attractive, surface-based, multifunctional

SuDS technique.

Permeable external surfaces provide the starting point for sustainable surface

water drainage (also known as SuDS), but concrete block permeable paving

offers far more than flood prevention, explains Chris Hodson of Interpave

Sustainable surfaces

By its very nature,

concrete block permeable

paving (CBPP) is uniquely

placed as an essential,

attractive, surface-based,

multifunctional SuDS

technique

LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS 115

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