Govt to Update National Standards for SuDS

THE GOVERNMENT is updating the national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the first time in a decade in a move to tackle pollution and protect communities from flooding.

The new standards will give developers clearer guidance on how to create rainwater management systems that mimic the natural environment and deliver better outcomes.

Suggested features include spaces designed to collect and filter rainwater, which will relieve pressure on the crumbling sewage system and prevent pollution overflowing into UK waterways.

The new standards will also encourage design features like green roofs and soakaways, the government says. These provide a place for nature to thrive and improve a building’s energy efficiency – reducing energy bills, bringing mental and physical health benefits to communities by expanding access to nature and supporting wildlife.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “The government will introduce new standards to tackle water pollution, protect communities from flooding and make our new towns beautiful.

“Nature recovery and growth can go hand in hand, and these new standards will enable the sustainable building of 1.5 million homes as part of the Plan for Change.”

SuDS Update

Key features of the new standards include:

• Reducing flood risk by actively managing surface water on site
• Improving water quality before it enters rivers and streams
• Provide community benefits by creating more attractive and resilient places to live and work
• Prioritising solutions that enhance biodiversity and green space
• Encouraging water efficiency, by enabling the reuse of rainwater through harvesting and collection systems
• Emphasising long-term maintenance and performance

To support the government’s Plan for Change, the updated standards are aligned with the National Planning Policy Framework and are intended to complement wider planning reforms which will take place later this year.

Martin Lambley, Global Product Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin, commented: “Today is a gamechanger for the water industry, and it hasn’t come a moment too soon. The government has finally promised major investment in flood defences and is making positive steps towards embracing truly Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS).

“What will give the industry real hope are the plans to create a transparent government website giving an update on each new infrastructure project, which is critical for pipeline planning for suppliers.

“Away from the large sums of money, there is one major announcement not making the headlines it should – the update on SuDS. New housebuilding must go hand-in-hand with water management, yet for too long it has been neglected by developers.

“These new standards offer important technical guidance for designing, maintaining and operating SuDS, and will be a helpful tool for the industry. But let’s be clear: these are non-statutory guidelines – not legally binding requirements. They must not be seen as a substitute for the long-overdue implementation of critical legislation like Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act, which would make SuDS a legal requirement for new developments.

“Without legislative backing, too many developments risk falling through the cracks, comprising both resilience and innovation. The government must continue pressing ahead, starting with a clear, enforceable regulatory framework that ensures truly sustainable solutions.”

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