SuDS

Sustainable Drainage Systems

Civil engineering, drainage and sustainable design is part of our heritage, and we have been at the forefront of the SuDS regulations in Wales since their introduction in 2019. Green infrastructure led design promotes biodiversity and enhances the wellbeing of communities, so we bring this experienced approach to our projects in Wales, as well as the rest of the UK, to deliver innovative and biophilic design, in harmony with the natural environment.

SuDS Management Train

SuDS mimic natural hydrology and rainwater by keeping surface water as close as possible to the source, and their use can help mitigate against the impacts of climate change and urbanisation.

We design to the hierarchy of SuDS techniques, known as the SuDs Management Train, that work together to control the flow, volume and frequency of run-off, as well as treating pollutants as water flows through the development. This ensures our designs provide effective water management, whilst performing safely and reliably over the design life of the development.

SAB Advice and Planning Approvals

In accordance with Wales’ standards for sustainable drainage, a SuDs application must be submitted to the SAB (SuDs Approving Body), which is usually the local authority. In England, SuDS designs are enforced by the LPA and water authorities through the planning process.

Our team can engage with authorities early to understand design expectations and site constraints, building on our existing relationships with local authorities and SAB officers to achieve successful outcomes.

A number of supplementary reports are required for the SAB application and we’ll work with the design team and client to scope and identify where input is required by others. The reports and surveys may include:

Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA) in Wales or Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) in England and Scotland
Drainage and SuDS technical design information and calculations
Detailed Geotechnical report (GIR)
Detailed SuDS Assets Maintenance Plan
Assistance with and coordinating with architects Amenity and Biodiversity Plans
Unstable and Contaminated Land reports (part of GI)
Water Quality Treatment and Pollution Prevention Strategy and Plans
Integrating SuDS designs with Architects Landscape Plans
Assisting with Construction Management Plans
Assisting with Construction Phasing Plans

For more information on SuDS and SAB, or to find out how our team can help, please contact us.

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Our SuDS Projects

Arts & Culture

An £80m landmark offering Swansea an attractive retail and leisure development centre with a newly created public realm and dramatic pedestrian bridge.