Water & ground

SuDS Reports & Surface Water Drainage Strategies

A drainage strategy explaining how surface water can be managed within the proposal.

When this service may be useful

A surface-water drainage strategy explains how runoff from a proposal will be managed. Early consideration is useful where space, levels, ground conditions or discharge arrangements could influence the site layout.

How the work is approached

We review the supplied layout, levels and available drainage information, then develop the agreed planning-stage approach. The strategy explains proposed measures, design assumptions and the evidence needed to confirm feasibility. Infiltration testing, detailed calculations and connection investigations are scoped where relevant.

What you receive

You receive the agreed drainage strategy and supporting information, including maintenance considerations where applicable. Planning-stage proposals may require further investigation and detailed design before construction.

What we need to start

Site layout, levels, drainage records and available ground information.

We review the site, proposal and planning stage to agree the appropriate scope. Specialist surveys and assessments are coordinated where needed.

How our planning consultancy process works

ILLUSTRATIVE REPORT PREVIEW

Surface-water Drainage & SuDS Strategy

Front cover and contents page examples. The document structure is tailored to your instruction, site and relevant planning requirements.

Surface-water Drainage & SuDS Strategy illustrative front cover
Front cover
Surface-water Drainage & SuDS Strategy illustrative contents page
Contents page

What the report should contain

This outline explains the purpose of each section. The final contents depend on the agreed scope, available evidence and requirements of the local planning authority.

  1. Document control & executive summary

    Project details, reference, revision, date, author, reviewer and a concise summary of the key findings.

  2. Site & existing drainage

    Describe topography, ground conditions, catchments and existing outfalls.

  3. Evidence & design criteria

    Record rainfall, climate allowances, rates and local requirements used.

  4. Drainage hierarchy & options

    Assess infiltration, watercourses and sewer options with supporting justification.

  5. Runoff & storage calculations

    State existing and proposed runoff, attenuation and design assumptions.

  6. SuDS layout & treatment

    Set out proposed features, water-quality treatment and amenity benefits.

  7. Exceedance & flood interaction

    Identify overland flow routes and interaction with site flood risk.

  8. Ownership, access & maintenance

    Define maintenance activities, responsible parties and access arrangements.

  9. Implementation & approvals

    Identify phasing, testing, connections and approvals still needed.

  10. Appendices & evidence register

    Index relevant plans, photographs, calculations, surveys and source documents; include only the evidence relevant to this instruction.

Read our planning supporting documents guide to explore related evidence.

CASE STUDIES

Where we have prepared this report

All case studies

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Surface-water drainage & SuDS FAQs

Clear answers to help you plan your next step.

Still have a question?

Tell us about the site and we will confirm what is needed and what it should cost.

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Is a planning drainage strategy ready for construction?

A planning-stage strategy explains the proposed approach and its assumptions. Further testing, investigations, detailed calculations and engineering design may be needed before construction, depending on the agreed deliverables.

What information should I provide to get started?

Site layout, levels, drainage records and available ground information.

How is the fee for this service confirmed?

The price shown is a starting estimate for the stated scope. We review the site, proposal, available information and required deliverables, then confirm the fee, exclusions and programme in a written quotation before appointment.

How do your specialists work together on a project?

We bring the relevant planning consultants and specialist providers into a coordinated project team. They work from an agreed brief and current proposal, with dependencies and design changes discussed across disciplines. Each consultant remains responsible for their own professional advice and agreed deliverables.

PART OF A COORDINATED APPOINTMENT

Your specialist evidence, connected.

This service can form part of a wider coordinated planning appointment. We bring the relevant consultants together to work alongside your design team, discuss assessment findings and identify how recommendations affect other reports and the proposal.

Your fee proposal confirms who prepares each document, the information it relies on and the limits of the instruction. A report provides evidence for the council’s assessment; the planning decision remains the council’s. Explore how our consultants work together or discuss the team your project needs.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Discuss your requirements.

Tell us about the site, what you want to achieve and any deadline. We will review it and suggest an appropriate next step.

Call 020 8004 4464 or email info@greencodeconsultants.com.

Make an enquiry