The Sustainable Drainage System manual
This guidance covers the planning, design, construction and maintenance of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to assist with their effective implementation within both new and existing developments. It looks at how to maximise amenity and biodiversity benefits, and deliver the key objectives of managing flood risk and water quality. It also includes supporting information covering topics such as materials,landscape design, maintenance, community engagement and costs and benefits.
This guidance provides the framework for designing SuDS with confidence and to maximise benefits. Its contents are relevant for a wide-range of professions and roles and it highlights that through engagement and collaboration SuDS can be integrated into the design of urban areas, to create high quality places for future generations.
The document highlights three keys to successful SuDS implementation are:
- To consider how surface water runoff will be managed on the site from the start, and make it an integral part of the design process.
- To put the right team together early in the process, so that urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, drainage design and environmental aspects can be considered collectively.
- To consult with relevant stakeholders early in the process, including the local planning authority, environmental regulator and those with responsibility for approving and maintaining the SuDS.