Why SuDS keep gaining ground Updated guidance and public pressure to reduce pollution are pushing SuDS to the centre of planning. Multifunctional drainage that slows, stores, and treats water is now widely seen as essential infrastructure rather than a nice‑to‑have. LPAs

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

Why water regulation is changing Government plans to replace Ofwat with a consolidated water regulator signal tougher oversight of pollution, assets and customer outcomes. For planning, the biggest shift is likely to be closer scrutiny of how developments manage surface water

Updated SuDS standards raise expectations National guidance and industry standards for SuDS have been refreshed, placing greater emphasis on water quality, biodiversity and long‑term maintenance. Even where SuDS are not yet mandatory, many LPAs are adopting the updated standards as the

Rivers in the spotlight With funds from pollution fines being reinvested into river health projects, expectations on new developments to protect water quality are rising. Planners increasingly ask for demonstrable treatment steps in drainage strategies, along with monitoring or maintenance commitments

SuDS requirements are rising in Bristol The Government’s new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have raised the bar for how developments handle surface water. In Bristol, local planning authorities now expect detailed drainage strategies that prioritise infiltration, water quality,

SuDS requirements are rising in Glasgow The Government’s new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have raised the bar for how developments handle surface water. In Glasgow, local planning authorities now expect detailed drainage strategies that prioritise infiltration, water quality,

SuDS requirements are rising in London The Government’s new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have raised the bar for how developments handle surface water. In London, local planning authorities now expect detailed drainage strategies that prioritise infiltration, water quality,

SuDS requirements are rising in Edinburgh The Government’s new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have raised the bar for how developments handle surface water. In Edinburgh, local planning authorities now expect detailed drainage strategies that prioritise infiltration, water quality,

SuDS requirements are rising in Birmingham The Government’s new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have raised the bar for how developments handle surface water. In Birmingham, local planning authorities now expect detailed drainage strategies that prioritise infiltration, water quality,