Sustainable drainage systems

Use of sustainable drainage systems

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) is used to manage surface water; reducing the risk of flooding, improving water quality and the local environment.

Since 12 August 2015, the council has required a drainage strategy to be submitted with all major and some minor planning applications before they can be validated.

The government has amended the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with regard to the provision of surface water drainage on developments. The government’s expectation is that:

  • sustainable drainage systems will be provided in new developments wherever this is appropriate
  • in preparing local planning policies and making decisions on major planning applications local planning authorities (LPAs) will make sure that sustainable drainage systems for the management of run-off are put in place, unless demonstrated to be inappropriate

As Bracknell is a unitary authority we are responsible for determining the SuDS elements of any planning application and are the statutory consultee with respect to surface water flooding and drainage.

The Environment Agency (EA) will continue to be the statutory consultee where development affects a 'main river' or is within flood zones 2 and 3.

The LPA will determine the application in line with the national and local policies whilst taking into account advice on technical matters from the LLFA and EA (if appropriate).

More information can be found in Annex F of Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Attachment Size
2 MB