Securing planning condition discharge for renewable energy projects requires precise surface water management. Nimbus Engineering recently worked with ALT Solar Ltd in West Berkshire to deliver a fully compliant SuDS design and infiltration testing, ensuring their ground-mounted solar array met all local authority drainage requirements.
Project Overview
Nimbus Engineering Consultants were commissioned by ALT Solar Ltd to prepare a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Report and SuDS design to discharge a planning condition relating to surface water run-off.
This work supported a proposed 100kW ground-mounted solar array, in accordance with requirements set by West Berkshire Council.
Scope of Work & Expert Details
Our civil engineering team delivered a targeted surface water strategy to discharge the specific planning conditions attached to this renewable energy project. The technical work undertaken included:
- Designing a proportionate surface water drainage strategy tailored specifically for ground-mounted solar infrastructure.
- Executing site-specific BRE 365 percolation testing in chalk geology to accurately measure infiltration rates.
- Developing infiltration trench designs to manage run-off directly at the source.
- Liaising with the local authority to ensure all flood risk and run-off control requirements were fully satisfied.
SuDS Strategy & Planning Compliance
Our SuDS report was specifically developed to address planning conditions relating to:
- Surface water management
- Sustainable drainage (SuDS)
- Run-off control from the solar array installation
The objective was to demonstrate that the proposed development would not increase flood risk and would comply fully with local planning policy.
BRE365 Infiltration Testing
Due to the site’s underlying chalk geology, Nimbus Engineering Consultants carried out site-specific BRE365 infiltration testing using shallow trial pits.
This testing confirmed that:
- Infiltration was viable on-site
- Infiltration trenches could be used effectively
- Ground conditions were suitable for sustainable drainage solutions
Surface Water Drainage Solution
Although solar arrays generate minimal surface water run-off compared to traditional impermeable surfaces, a compliant drainage strategy was still required.
Our proposed solution:
- Ensured no increase in surface water flooding risk
- Satisfied the requirements of the local authority
- Delivered a cost-effective drainage design
- Was proportionate to the scale of the development
Outcome
The final SuDS report and design successfully:
- Discharged the relevant planning condition
- Demonstrated effective surface water management
- Provided a practical and sustainable drainage solution tailored to the site
Need a SuDS Report?
If your development requires a SuDS report, drainage strategy, or BRE365 infiltration testing, Nimbus Engineering Consultants can help.
Call us at 0800 061 4916 or email info@nimbusengineering.co.uk.
