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.
SuDS Strategy & Planning Compliance
Our SuDS report was specifically developed to address planning conditions relating to:
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Surface water management
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Sustainable drainage (SuDS)
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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:
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Infiltration was viable on-site
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Infiltration trenches could be used effectively
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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:
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Ensured no increase in surface water flooding risk
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Satisfied the requirements of the local authority
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Delivered a cost-effective drainage design
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Was proportionate to the scale of the development
Outcome
The final SuDS report and design successfully:
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Discharged the relevant planning condition
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Demonstrated effective surface water management
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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: 0800 0614916
📧 Email: info@nimbusengineering.co.uk
