Securing planning permission in London requires a proactive approach to surface water management. Nimbus Engineering recently partnered with a client in the London Borough of Ealing to deliver a fully compliant drainage solution, ensuring their residential development met all local authority requirements without unnecessary delays.
Project Overview
Nimbus Engineering Consultants were appointed to deliver a comprehensive SuDS report and drainage strategy to support a planning application for the construction of three dwellings within the London Borough of Ealing.
Working closely with the client, we prepared a concise, compliant SuDS assessment, including all necessary hydraulic calculations, ensuring the application met validation requirements within the required timeframe.
Our solution was:
- Technically robust
- Cost-effective
- Fully compliant with the London Plan and national SuDS policy
Scope of Work & Expert Details
Our civil engineering experts managed the complete surface water design to ensure full planning compliance and the structural integrity of the development. The specific technical work undertaken for this Ealing project included:
- Detailed below-ground drainage design and surface water management planning.
- Executing complex hydraulic calculations to model peak runoff, attenuation requirements, and climate change allowances.
- Assessing infiltration feasibility using BRE 365 percolation testing methodologies.
- Liaising directly with the local Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) to guarantee all regulatory requirements were satisfied efficiently.
Planning Application Support You Can Rely On
If you’re planning a development in Ealing (or across London), a professionally prepared SuDS report or drainage strategy is often essential for planning approval.
At Nimbus Engineering, we provide:
- Clear and concise reports
- Policy-compliant drainage strategies
- Practical, buildable solutions
- Fast turnaround times
Our Experience
We have successfully delivered hundreds of:
- Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs)
- SuDS Reports
- Drainage Strategy Reports
- Combined FRA & Drainage Reports
Our work supports developments of all sizes, including:
- Residential extensions
- Multi-unit housing schemes
- Commercial developments
What is a SuDS Report?
A Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) report outlines how surface water runoff will be managed on your site.
The key objectives are to:
- Control runoff at the source
- Mimic natural drainage processes
- Prevent increased flood risk on-site and downstream
Why is a Flood Risk Assessment Required?
A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) ensures your development is protected from all sources of flooding, including:
- Surface water
- Groundwater
- Rivers and tidal flooding
- Sewer flooding
- Reservoir failure
Where risks are identified, we design practical mitigation strategies to ensure long-term safety and compliance.
London Plan Compliance – Drainage Hierarchy
All developments must follow the drainage hierarchy set out in Policy SI 13 of the London Plan:
- Store rainwater for reuse
- Use infiltration techniques (where feasible)
- Attenuate in open water features
- Attenuate in tanks or sealed systems
- Discharge to a watercourse
- Discharge to a surface water sewer
- Discharge to a combined sewer (last resort)
We ensure your drainage strategy aligns fully with these requirements, helping avoid planning delays or objections.
Ealing Borough Council Planning Requirements
The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) typically requires:
- Minor developments: SuDS Report or Drainage Strategy
- Major developments: Flood Risk Assessment + SuDS or Drainage Strategy
Submitting early helps to:
- Identify site constraints
- Understand construction costs
- Streamline the planning process
Why Choose Nimbus Engineering?
- Extensive experience across London boroughs
- Fast turnaround times
- Cost-effective, buildable solutions
- Full compliance with London Plan and national policy
- Support from planning through to condition discharge
Our Approach
At Nimbus Engineering, we work closely with developers, architects, and planning consultants. We design realistic and implementable SuDS solutions, avoiding unnecessary costs or delays during planning or construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SuDS report for my development?
Most developments in London require a drainage strategy or SuDS report, particularly for:
- New builds
- Conversions
- Sites in flood risk areas
How long does a SuDS report take?
Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on site complexity and available data. Fast-track options are also available where required.
Can you help after planning approval?
Yes — we regularly assist with:
- Discharging planning conditions
- Detailed drainage design
- Ongoing project support
Get a Quote
Need a SuDS report or drainage strategy for your planning application?
Email us at info@nimbusengineering.co.uk or call 0800 061 4916 to speak directly to a specialist.
