What Do Planning Consultants Really Want From Engineers?
- Ben Norman (Associate- Civil Engineer)
- May 22
- 2 min read
Let’s be honest - civil engineering doesn’t always get the credit it deserves in the planning process. But when it’s done well, it makes everything run smoother.
Planning consultants juggle deadlines, policy requirements, and ever-tightening scrutiny from Lead Local Flood Authorities and the Environment Agency. The last thing anyone needs is a drainage consultant who complicates the job, misses key guidance, or disappears halfway through the planning process.
At SuDS Designs by JMS Civils, we see things differently.
We believe good drainage design should de-risk your application, help it pass first time, and make your life easier - not harder. That means:
Timely SuDS Reports and Drainage Strategies tailored to your site
Real collaboration and honest advice (no jargon)
A proactive team who’ll stick with you from pre-app to decision
Local Knowledge That Adds Value
From flood zones in Essex to LLFA guidance in East Anglia, we know how to deliver designs that meet planning requirements without over-engineering. Whether it’s sustainable drainage for greenfield schemes or retrofitting SuDS into tight urban sites, we work to your timeline and your goals.
Recent Work With Planning Consultants
Green View, Norfolk
Residential Development
Surface water drainage design for a 19-home development in Norfolk.
Pearl Hyde Children's Home, Coventry
Commercial Development
One of the most significant challenges we faced was the site’s ground conditions, which prohibited traditional surface water infiltration methods. Our solution was to implement a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) that includes a wildlife pond.
Hoxton Street, London
Commercial Development
Our work focused on implementing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage surface water efficiently, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Why Planning Consultants Choose SuDS Designs by JMS Civils
Fast turnaround times
Reports written for planners – not engineers
Practical designs, not theoretical checklists
If you’re a planning consultant working in London or East Anglia, we’d love to hear from you.
What makes a great drainage consultant from your perspective? What helps your applications fly through the system?
Need Help with SuDS Design or a Flood Risk Assessment?
SuDS Designs by JMS Civils provides tailored sustainable drainage solutions and Flood Risk Assessments for planning submissions across the UK. Our engineers work closely with developers, architects, and planning consultants to ensure drainage strategies are policy-compliant, cost-effective, and future-ready.
SuDS Reports
SuDS Designs specialises in comprehensive Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) reports, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional drainage methods.
Drainage Strategies
Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Surveys
Flood Risk Assessments
Roads & Highways
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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