Specific designs will differ by location and will reflect the local context, site layout, local topography and geology. Detailed design guidance is available on the ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ SuDS Design Guidance website.
However, all planning and design of SuDS must:
- Be designed to accord with the Environment Agency (EA) long term flood risk assessment, Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) guidance, Defra non-statutory technical standards and the appropriate District or Borough Local Plan;
- Manage surface run-off as close to the source as possible;
- Follow ÄûÃʵ¼°¹â€™s sustainability hierarchy (see figure 8-2); and
- Consider the effects of climate change, such as increased rainfall intensity, in line with current Environment Agency and SCC guidance.
Figure 8-2: Sustainability Hierarchy for SuDS selection (Credit - SCC)
- SuDS must be designed with multifunctionality in mind from the start.
- They must follow the four SuDS objectives to enhance:
- Water quantity: to control the rate and volume of runoff, preserve the water cycle and reduce flood risk.
- Amenity: create and sustain better places for people, through the introduction of greenery and water features.
- Water quality: manage the quality of runoff and prevent pollution of watercourses.
- Biodiversity: to create and sustain better places for nature by including planting and habitat niches that respond to surrounding ecological conditions.