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Invest in your project

Investing in a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) report is crucial for anyone planning a new development, extension or alteration to a property. The SuDS report assesses the site’s drainage characteristics and recommends sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water runoff. Without a SuDS report, planning permission may be delayed or even denied. Additionally, failure to install appropriate drainage systems can lead to flooding, property damage, and financial losses. By investing in a SuDS report, you can ensure that your development is sustainable, meets local planning regulations, and mitigates the risk of flooding. This report can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resilient community.

Improve your relationship with the environment

A SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) Report can improve your relationship with the environment by ensuring that surface water runoff from your development is managed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. Traditional drainage systems can cause flooding, pollution, and erosion, which can harm the natural environment. SuDS, on the other hand, seek to mimic natural drainage systems and use a range of techniques to reduce the impact of surface water runoff on the environment. By investing in a SuDS Report, you can show that you are committed to reducing your development’s impact on the environment, while providing cost effective solutions.

“SuDS Designs worked diligently to get my project over the line with some difficult conditions placed by the LPA. Hugely thankful”

Examples of SuDS

Soakaway or infiltration trench

A soakaway is a hole dug into the ground that is filled with coarse stone and rubble or plastic crates. It allows water to filter through it, and literally soak into the ground (away).

Rain Garden

The garden is designed to collect and hold rainwater from downspouts, driveways, and pavements for a short time, allowing the water to slowly seep back into the ground.

Swale

A swale is a shallow drainage channel with gentle side slopes in the ground where water running off a site can collect and soak away. Swales can be used to channel run-off from roads, gardens, and car parks where it collects into pools before soaking away.

Greens roofs, and rainwater harvesting

Where a green roof is proposed the surface water runoff will be slowed at source by soaking through the substrate, there is evidence that during 70-80% of rain events there is no runoff at all. Rainwater harvesting can be used for landscaping irrigation purposes amongst others, and will contribute to significant reductions in runoff entering sewer networks.

Permeable surfaces

Permeable surfaces help to manage surface water efficient by re-establishing a natural hydrological balance when used as an infiltration source for the sheer expanse of surface area that is available to mimic the greenfield state. Permeable surfacing offers attenuation potential within the sub-base for gradual release if the underlying strata is not suitable for infiltration.

Attenuation and detention features

Open water and above ground SuDS features are the most efficient way of handling and disposing of rainwater. These features can also be incorporated into the landscaping regime and designed in a manner where large areas remain completely dry during the vast majority of storm events.