Use of SUDS in high density developments. Guidance manual

It is accepted that conventional piped drainage systems exacerbate flood risk, detrimentally impact on water resources and associated ecology, and have contributed to the deterioration in the quality of receiving water bodies. The use of sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) to manage surface water runoff from new development is therefore now required in order to meet current planning and regulatory policy. This guide has been developed to assist developers, their professional advisors and local planning authorities with achieving drainage best practice on all new developments, with specific direction on achieving sustainable drainage solutions for high density sites. The document supports drainage infrastructure planning, conceptual design and construction, and provides guidance on: • Stormwater management principles; • Drainage design criteria; • SUDS component characteristics; • SUDS component applications; • SUDS construction issues; • Safety, amenity and environmental objectives; • Existing drainage responsibilities and ownership.