The government updated the national standards for SuDS, but fell short of making them mandatory. The LI responds.
The Landscape Institute (LI) is pleased that the government has updated the national standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). However, we remain disappointed that they are still to be made mandatory.
With the planned development of 1.5 million homes in England, this is a moment of great opportunity that is in danger of being squandered. The continued delay of mandatory SuDS across the country not only increases flood risk to communities, but jeopardises the potential to build nature recovery, climate resilience and community health and wellbeing into new developments.
While we commend the principles set out by the government, as long as SuDS remain optional for developers, the safety of local people, places, and economies, remains compromised.
Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act, which LI members have helped to develop, would make SuDS mandatory across England. Backed up by the updated national standards published today, its implementation can be delayed no longer.
Belinda Gordon, Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Landscape Institute, said:
“If the government wants to achieve its housebuilding targets without putting communities at flood risk, it must build on these updated national SuDS standards with legislation to make them mandatory as an urgent priority.
Through a landscape-led, nature-based approach, landscape professionals can help to create flood resilient places that support multiple benefits for people, place and nature. Developers and local authorities must make use of these skills early on in any new development and invest in the long-term value that SuDS can bring.”
