As a reminder of our third condition example, a typical criteria requirement was added on developing a SuDS Feasibility Report.
Let’s look at this criteria condition and how we help fulfill our clients in answering these questions:
A preliminary SuDS feasibility assessment/identifying:
(i) The existing and proposed Site layouts
(ii) The topography of the existing and proposed Site (if known).
(iii) The context of the Site in relation to natural and man-made features such as the underlying geology, surface watercourses, flood risk, development within the vicinity such as buildings and sewers.
(iv) The existing and proposed surface water runoff rates and volumes from the Site.
(v) The feasibility of alternative discharge points in accordance with the drainage hierarchy.
(vi) The Local Council’s preferred method of surface water disposal and rate of discharge in the context of the Site.
(vii) The proposed future use of the Site in terms of water quality and the levels of treatment required before disposing of surface water.
(viii) The proposed timetable for implementation of SuDS.
(iv) Maintenance schedules relating to the management and maintenance of SuDS within the Site.
Once all constraints and opportunities have been identified and a potential SuDS strategy has been formulated, recommendations will be made.
If the Site Investigation and infiltration testing have been undertaken then commonly the only further action required would be to finalise the plans and drawings based upon the recommendations within the SuDSmart Pro report.
Once the report is submitted and the Planning Authority have approved the condition, the detailed drainage design can normally be dealt with through a pre-commencement condition as long as the outline drainage strategy is approved by the Local Council or the Lead Local Flood Authority.
Do you have a Site with a SuDS related or Flood Risk condition? Contact us to discuss our SuDSmart and FloodSmart Reports.
We will be holding a CPD breakfast briefing in London on 3 November, designed for architects, planning consultants and property companies.
It will examine the legal framework for SuDS, what makes a good SuDS design and views from planning authorities on how they want to see SuDS in action.
Ensure you and your firm understand how to manage SuDS conditions in pre and master planning applications better.