SuDS Set to Become Mandatory – What Developers Need to Know

Why SuDS policy is changing

Drainage and water management have become headline issues across the UK. Following a landmark review, the Independent Water Commission has recommended making Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) mandatory in England under Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act. The driver is clear: climate change is intensifying rainfall, urbanisation is increasing impermeable surfaces, and legacy networks can’t cope. For developers, this represents the most significant shift in drainage expectations in over a decade.

What the recommendations mean

The proposals include creating SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs) to vet drainage designs before construction. Expect closer scrutiny of infiltration feasibility, water quality treatment stages, biodiversity, and long‑term maintenance plans. Even ahead of formal adoption, many LPAs are already requesting more evidence at validation—particularly BRE 365 infiltration results and O&M commitments—to demonstrate that SuDS principles have been prioritised over piped connections.

Impact on developers and planners

Short‑term, you’ll need better site evidence earlier in the programme. That can increase pre‑app workload but reduces redesign risk and unlocks smoother approvals. Long‑term, well‑designed SuDS cut peak flows, improve amenity, and reduce liabilities. Conversely, applications that treat SuDS as an afterthought face delays, conditions, or refusal.

How EnviroSolution can help

EnviroSolution delivers infiltration testing to BRE 365 standards with planner‑friendly reporting. Where ground risk is uncertain, we pair this with a Phase 1 Desktop Study to ensure infiltration is both technically and environmentally safe. We can also advise on SuDS treatment trains and maintenance plans to align with emerging SAB expectations.

Next steps

Contact us to book site testing and get a SuDS evidence pack ready for submission.