Advice note for planning applications with SuDS
For specific local guidance on what to submit with a planning application about surface water management, please see the surface water advice note (PDF). We updated this in December 2021, following the adoption of our Local Plan and changes to section 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework in July 2021.
About SuDS
We expect all developments to be sustainable and, where appropriate, contribute to creating infrastructure and communities that remain safe from flooding throughout their intended lifetime through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
SuDS mimic natural drainage processes to reduce the effect on the quality and quantity of runoff from a development while providing amenity and biodiversity benefits. They use a sequence of techniques that together form a management train. As surface water flows through the system, it controls flow velocity and removes pollutants. For more information, visit the Susdrain website.
When considering SuDS as part of a major planning application, local planning authorities must ensure the minimum standard of operation is appropriate and use planning conditions to ensure arrangements are in place for ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of the development.
All major applications submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council 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.
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 Sustainable Drainage Systems
- Planning Practice Guidance ‘Flood Risk and Coastal Change’
- Central Bedfordshire Council’s adopted SuDS guidance: Sustainable drainage supplementary planning document (PDF)
- The CIRIA SuDS Manual (C753)
- BS8582 Code of practice for surface water management for development sites
- Surface water policy from Anglian Water
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