Top 5 SuDS Design Tips: Balancing Cost, Compliance and Climate Resilience

Designing a SuDS strategy in 2025 requires more than meeting minimum planning requirements. To deliver value, stay compliant, and address increasing climate pressures, architects and developers need to take a strategic and site-specific approach from the start.

With Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) now expecting SuDS reports even for smaller sites, these five key tips will help ensure your drainage strategy meets planning approval while staying efficient and resilient.

Plan for 2050 Rainfall, Not 2020 Storms

The Environment Agency’s updated climate change allowances require all developments to account for higher rainfall intensity. In many regions, this means allowing for a 40 percent increase in peak rainfall.

A compliant drainage strategy must demonstrate that it can handle increased volumes, prevent surface water flooding, and manage runoff in extreme events. At SuDS Designs by JMS Civils, we apply future allowances to every design, ensuring resilience and long-term planning approval.

Use the Site’s Natural Topography

Designing drainage to follow the site’s natural fall reduces the need for pumping, excavation or complex pipe networks. Identifying low points, overland flow paths, and potential infiltration areas early can simplify SuDS design and reduce construction costs.

We conduct site-specific topographical reviews as part of our SuDS reports to help clients identify the most cost-effective drainage approach.

Integrate Amenity and Biodiversity Benefits

Modern SuDS should deliver more than just surface water control. Features such as swales, rain gardens and attenuation basins can also enhance landscape design, provide usable open space, and contribute to local biodiversity targets.

In many areas, including Suffolk, Norfolk and Greater London, councils expect SuDS to support these wider planning objectives. Our reports ensure that SuDS designs reflect local requirements and contribute to high-quality public realm.

Design for Long-Term Maintenance

LLFAs now require a clear and realistic maintenance strategy for every SuDS system. This includes detailing access requirements, maintenance responsibilities and expected life-cycle costs.

We include this information in our SuDS reports as standard, helping clients satisfy planners and avoid later disputes about liability or performance.

Select the Right SuDS Features

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best SuDS features for a site depend on soil conditions, available space, local guidance and the development type.

We advise on the most suitable solutions, whether that involves permeable paving, below-ground attenuation, bioretention systems or green roofs. Selecting appropriate features at the outset helps avoid costly redesigns and ensures smoother planning approval.

Professional Support for SuDS Reports and Drainage Strategies

At SuDS Designs by JMS Civils, we deliver tailored SuDS reports and drainage strategies across East Anglia, Essex, London and beyond. Our reports are built around planning policy, LLFA guidance and climate resilience, helping our clients gain approval with confidence.

If you're planning a new development, contact us today to discuss your drainage design requirements and request a fixed-fee quote.

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SuDS Designs by JMS Civils help developers, architects and homeowners take a smarter, more sustainable approach to drainage - combining technical know-how with practical, cost-effective solutions. Whether it’s surface water strategies, SuDS reports or expert design advice, we make sure drainage works with your site, not against it.

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