Planning sustainable drainage systems for new developments

All major developments must use sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water runoff.

How sustainable drainage systems work

Sustainable drainage systems manage surface water in a similar way to natural drainage. They collect rainwater, slow its flow and release it at a controlled rate.

Sustainable drainage features can include:

• green roofs
• infiltration basins and trenches
• permeable paving
• rainwater harvesting systems
• soakaways
• filter drains
• swales
• filter strips
• detention basins
• retention ponds
• wetlands

Sustainable drainage systems can:

• manage flood risk
• improve water quality
• create new habitats and improve biodiversity
• provide green, open spaces for people to enjoy
• help maintain or improve groundwater levels by allowing water to soak into the ground

Get advice before you apply

Get pre-application planning advice during the early stages of your development.

We assess surface water management proposals for all major planning applications. Early advice can help you:

• understand the design requirements
• identify issues and opportunities
• avoid delays later in the planning process

What you must provide

You must:

• show how you will manage surface water in your flood risk assessment
• make sure the proposed drainage system reduces flood risk on the site and elsewhere
• take account of climate change
• have clear arrangements for maintaining the drainage system throughout the lifetime of the development

Guidance and standards

• Surface water drainage strategy guidance (PDF)
• Record of sustainable drainage systems (PDF)
• National Planning Policy Framework
• Sustainable drainage systems: written statement, 18 December 2014
• The sustainable drainage systems manual C753, published by CIRIA
• National standards for sustainable drainage systems
• Susdrain sustainable drainage guidance and resources