There has been much debate regarding the delivery of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) through the planning system. Not only the extent to which SuDS are being included within development proposals, but also the way in which they are then delivered: their integration within a design; the quality and nature of the proposals; and whether they are used to deliver benefits beyond the management of water quantity. In SuDS delivery, the first question to ask is: ‘is this sustainable drainage, or just drainage?’\r\n\r\nThe concept of SuDS is to manage water quantity, whilst also improving water quality, creating a more biodiverse and robust environment, and delivering attractive and healthy places for people. This is achieved by mixing ‘soft SuDS’ that utilise planting, with the necessary hard engineering. It should be the exceptional case where this is not achievable.\r\n\r\nThe Defra/MHCLG SuDS Review (August 2018), explored the uptake of SuDS through planning departments and their policies. This reviewed the policy base, and the work of a limited number of authorities, but did not engage with those responsible for approving the schemes that are submitted to planning, namely the Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA). Whilst a good policy-base is essential, it must then deliver effectively on the ground. This research therefore supplements the government’s study. It has revealed underlying failures within the current system, and the variability of delivery through a system that doesn’t readily facilitate the best outcomes for both communities and the environment.\r\n\r\nWe are already seeing some change: for instance a greater diversity of adopting bodies (from water companies to independent trusts) being embraced by the industry. Looking forward, with some changes that are likely over the next couple of years, we can hope for not only better design integration of SuDS within developments, but also better integration of long-term management within the development sector’s thinking. That would be real progress.\r\n\r\nIt is hoped that these recommendations can assist in making (relatively minor) changes to the current system, that can ensure we deliver integrated and multi-functional systems, that really are indeed SuDS, in the future.\r\n

Sue Illman\r\nPast President of the Landscape Institute\r\nCIC Champion for Flood Mitigation and Resilience