June 2025 update
The government has released new non-statutory national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). We welcome this update and support applicants in aligning with these standards. We are currently reviewing how they apply locally and acknowledge that transitional arrangements, before moving to the new national standards, may be required. In the meantime, our existing guidance remains the most relevant for applications in Central Bedfordshire.
Why use Sustainable Drainage Systems?
Sustainable Drainage Systems are required on both major and minor developments, under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2025). All developments should incorporate SuDS unless there is clear evidence that it is inappropriate. SuDS mimic natural drainage processes. They reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and provide environmental and community benefits. All developments should support long-term sustainability and flood resilience.
Submit the right information with your planning application
All major applications submitted to us must include a ‘Surface Water Drainage Strategy,’ which will outline the suitability of SuDS for managing surface water runoff and the maintenance plans for the development’s lifetime. Major applications that do not meet this requirement will not be validated. Minor applications should also demonstrate surface water drainage arrangements and prioritise the use of SuDS.
Our local guidance sets out what information must be submitted with a planning application. This provides information on the level of detail we require depending on the type of planning application. The documents should be used by all developers and their consultants who wish to submit an application in Central Bedfordshire.
- Surface Water Advice Note (PDF) – for all developments
- SuDS Guidance for Solar Farms – for solar-related proposals
The Lead Local Flood Authority acts as a statutory consultee in the planning application process and uses the following documents to provide advice to the Local Planning Authority:
- Non-Statutory Technical Standards for SuDS (GOV.UK)
- National Planning Policy Framework (GOV.UK)
- Flood risk and coastal change guidance (GOV.UK)
- our SuDS SPD (PDF)
- our Local Plan
- CIRIA SuDS Manual (C753)
- BS8582: Code of practice for surface water management
- Anglian Water surface water policy
For more about SuDS design and good practice, see Susdrain.
Pre-application planning advice is recommended to reduce time at the formal application consultation stage. We also provide chargeable pre-application advice on SuDS and surface water drainage management for all types of development.