Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (Suds) Rules: Delays Could Leave Developers High And Dry

Summary and implications

While the Government deliberates over how to implement the proposed rules on sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), without guidance and clarity on what to expect, developers may be left high and dry as to the costs and requirements expected of them come the April 2014 deadline for the implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Schedule 3).

From April 2014 in England, any construction works which have drainage implications will require approval before construction can begin.

Back in 2012, industry widely challenged the proposed implementation of the scheme, which seeks to alleviate the risk of surface water flooding through the integration of SuDS in new developments and redevelopments. Objections were raised as the costs to developers had not been properly assessed and the National Standards proposed did not contain sufficient technical consideration.