THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE, WATER & WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES
FLOODS & SUDS
However, updated planning guidance has now made it mandatory to include SuDS in major developments. The only exemptions are permitted development under 100m2 and single buildings under 100m2. In addition, there will be transitional arrangements for developments at an advanced stage within the planning process, which seek to avoid incurring additional work and costs for developments already in progress.
While many major construction projects have already incorporated SuDS into their designs, this legal mandate reinforces the importance of these systems and ensures they are considered in all developments.
The mandatory inclusion of SuDS in the UK construction sector brings a wide range of significant benefits. Firstly, it clarifies responsibilities, requiring developers to consistently consider SuDS, with local authorities empowered to enforce their incorporation. This is regarded by many as long overdue, and additionally, creates a level playing field where developers can be confident that competitors won't opt out, ensuring fair competition.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of SuDS will foster greater industry expertise in sustainable drainage techniques, driving innovation as developers continually refine designs to meet onsite drainage needs.
Lastly, including SuDS in construction projects demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, ultimately enhancing a company's reputation in the industry, albeit a commitment that became obligatory rather than optional.
The mandatory implementation of SuDS brings England in line with Wales and Scotland in terms of sustainable development practices.
While SuDS has been widely adopted, these legal mandates ensure that sustainable drainage is a consideration in every project. This not only fosters a more equitable marketplace but also allows the construction industry to build expertise and drive innovation in surface water management.
UK Winter Storms: What engineers can do now to mitigate future flooding
After Storms Henk, Isha and Jocelyn became the most recent weather events to issue multiple flood warnings in the UK, and subsequent calls for improved attenuation, ACO Technologies (ACO) is urging infrastructure and civil engineers to make floodwater management a high priority for 2024.
The flooding caused by Storm Henk required the closure of several roads in Lincolnshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Derbyshire as well as halting several rail services. According to the Government’s report, Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) in the UK: 2023: “The frequency and magnitude of flooding events is projected to increase in the UK … Increased flooding will mean that people and properties, health and social care facilities, transport lines and schools will become at risk of flooding.”
As the UK can expect flooding to worsen in the coming years, ACO is calling on engineers to prepare for the challenges now. This includes an increased focus on maintenance of existing drainage systems and taking a long-term view when planning new projects.
Rob Butcher, Design Services Manager at ACO, said: “Regular maintenance of drainage channels is a vital part of any flood mitigation plan because, if your drains are
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blocked, you don’t have drains. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how well a drainage scheme has been designed; if it’s full of silt it won’t perform as required during heavy rainfall.”
For future projects, the planning stages should incorporate solutions to mitigate more frequent flooding, ACO advises. To assist with this, engineers can use modelling software tools for project design and testing of flood and storm scenarios. Specialised tools such as ACO’s QuAD Hydraulic Design 2.0, which is available for free, can assist in drainage design by offering in-depth tools such as flood resilience testing and maintenance regimes for the surface water channels. The software supports those
involved in drainage design with fast and accurate calculations to help them create drainage systems that will be safe, effective and long-lasting.
Rob continued: “This is ultimately an ongoing challenge about attenuation. New projects should have solutions in place that restrict the egress of surface water from the site. Solutions such as ACO’s StormBrixx, which is designed with stormwater management, attenuation and soakaway in mind, should be considered from the very beginning of a project. Without proper surface water management, there may be broader flooding implications in the surrounding areas.”
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