Government accepts recommendations to make sustainable drainage mandatory

Recommendations for a schedule on sustainable drainage to be implemented into law have been accepted by the government.

The decision will help to reduce flood risks impacting new developments and the environment by ensuring sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are designed.

Calls for the implementation of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 were made in a review from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The review, published yesterday, outlined the benefits and impacts of making SuDS compulsory for new developments to help relieve the growing pressures of climate change, the increasing population and rising urbanisation.

A requirement for professionals with the skills and knowledge to design, construct, assess and maintain SuDS, should Schedule 3 be implemented, was among the recommendations.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Our traditional drainage systems are under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, urbanisation and a growing population.

“Taking a more consistent and effective approach to sustainable drainage systems will improve the resilience of our drainage and sewer infrastructure, while reaping these broader benefits.”

DEFRA’s review follows a letter sent by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) to the prime minister last month which requested the implementation of Schedule 3.

The letter, which was signed by GeoSmart Information alongside more than 40 expert bodies, identified the schedule’s ability to address surface water flood risks, tackle the UK’s sewage pollution issue and support biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality.

Paul Ellis, managing director of GeoSmart Information, said: “The implementation of Schedule 3 is an essential part of the UK’s adaptation to climate change.

“Flood risk is one of the greatest threats the UK faces so the government’s acceptance of DEFRA’s review is a positive step in the right direction.”

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