This is a common question we receive from developers and clients when providing below-ground drainage designs. We understand—construction is expensive, and unexpected costs add up quickly. However, even if your local council has not imposed a planning condition for a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) report, it is still a requirement under building regulations and water authority guidelines. SuDS must be incorporated to control the peak surface water runoff from a site and prevent downstream flooding.
SuDS Are a Legal Requirement, Not Just a Recommendation
Recently, our design manager was asked—quite forcefully—to remove attenuation measures from a drainage design because the client was convinced they were unnecessary. However, we do not include SuDS arbitrarily. Our designs prioritise constructability, site limitations, and cost-effectiveness. We work to provide clients with compliant and efficient solutions, not to impose unnecessary expenses.
Flooding Isn’t Just About Your Site—It’s About the Wider Environment
You might be thinking: “But my site isn’t at risk of flooding!” While that may be true, the concern extends beyond your property. Watercourses and drainage networks in urban areas often struggle to handle additional surface water runoff caused by development and increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events. When these systems become overwhelmed, flooding occurs, leading to:
- Severe disruption to communities
- Floodwaters entering homes and businesses
- Displacement of residents and business owners
- Potential risks to life
This is why SuDS are a legal necessity, not an optional extra. By managing water runoff effectively, these systems help prevent future flooding and mitigate the impact of urbanization on drainage infrastructure.
Why Trust Our Approach?
At Nimbus Engineering, we take a holistic approach to drainage design. Our solutions balance compliance, practicality, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your project meets all regulatory requirements without unnecessary expenditure. This is why our clients return to us time and time again.
If you need expert advice on SuDS and drainage design, contact us today.
Sadia Luckett
Director, Nimbus Engineering