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INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER: DESIGN FOR SUDS
“What are the challenges to achieving ‘landscape led’ SuDS projects that add amenity and desirability for customers?” EXPERT VIEW
Chris Hodson said that info was being expanded: “Various information sources are being prepared/ updated now in readiness for 2024 implementation, including Mandatory National Standards for England and the SuDS Manual. Other sources include Interpave guidance on permeable paving (including synergy with street trees).”
The established SuDS ‘management train’ approach looks to divide an area to be covered by an overall project into individual local sub-catchments, further increasing the need for collaboration to properly integrate the various physical features involved. This means ironing out sometimes confl icting priorities between engineers (such as systems effi ciency and water quality), landscape architects (biodiversity and amenity), and local authorities (local plans for development).
The four pillars of SuDS have to be the goal in every scheme; we asked respondents if they could only be achieved if the schemes “are designed on a fully holistic basis by using collaborative approaches.” Only a couple of people surveyed disagreed, with the vast majority saying that collaboration was essential. One comment given summed the key reasoning up: “I agree, for the simple reason that the four pillars have interfaces so are effectively linked.” Another concurred because “confl ict causes delay, which frustrates implementation of suitable solutions.”
EXPERT VIEW
Chris Hodson of Interpave was among those in agreement on the importance of a collaborative approach to design: “This has been demonstrated by 20 years experience in the UK.”
Defra is to fi nally take action in 2024 to ensure that SuDS are introduced on the majority of new housing developments
Conclusion
As one of our survey respondents put it, in a simple and yet deceptively challenging phrase: “We have to manage our water far better than we are at the moment.” Architects are well placed to take their place with engineers and they have a range of key skills, as well as the interest, to take their rightful place in the SuDS design team. This will ensure that their knowledge is applied to real situations and achieve holistic solutions, particularly in housebuilding, to help address the challenges. Defra is to fi nally take action in 2024 to ensure that SuDS are introduced on the majority of new housing developments. This a major, demanding shift for the industry, but learning from the experts in the fi eld, and from experience in Wales where SuDS has been mandatory in developments since 2018, will prove to be essential for success. With all of the complexities that our survey has shed further light on, it is key to try and learn from the experts and those who have been through the process now, to ensure that the most value for money, as well as most environmentally benefi cial stormwater management solutions can be found.
EXPERT VIEW
Chris Hodson concluded: “Since the 2010 Act, substantial experience has been gained of SuDS, including in Wales, and demonstration project case studies. These show that SuDS can cost less than conventional piped drainage and offer multifunctional benefi ts to developers, housing providers and residents/users.”
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF MAY 2023
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