The SuDS Wales Statutory Standards that come in to effect from the 7th of January 2019 are available now.
A glance through the new legislation reveals a few key changes/clarifications from the drafts;
- SAB approval is required for “new developments of more than one dwelling or where the area covered by construction work equals or exceeds 100m2” (page 2). In previous drafts this was “one house or larger than 300m2 of floor space”.
- The Standards are linked to the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 with the use of SuDS as a way of helping to achieve sustainable development (page 3).
- For SuDS serving more than one property the SAB will adopt and be responsible for the maintenance of the system so that the SUDs continues to comply with SuDS Standards(page 50).
- Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty also gets a big new mention (page 51). With a reminder that planning authorities must seek to maintain and enhance biodiversity.
We are delighted to read that rainwater collected for use (Rainwater Harvesting) is still the Level 1 priority (G1.4 to G1.7). We have a vast range of rainwater filters, pumps and water controllers products that can be used in SuDS designs.
Interesting too, within the Level 2 Priority – Surface water runoff hydraulic control, surface storage features are preferred to underground storage systems for attenuation storage (G2.8).
Mitigating pollution is mentioned many times within the new legislation. SuDS schemes should aim to ensure pollution is prevented at source rather than relying on the drainage system to treat or intercept it (page 8). The 3P HydroSystems are ideal in these situations.
SuDS Sustainable Drainage Design
At 3P Technik UK, we have over 50 years combined experience of working in Sustainable Drainage and Water Management.
If you would like to work with us or would like to understand more about our products for SuDS designs, do not hesitate to contact us.
Relevant Links
- SuDS Legislation on the Welsh Government website.
- Well-Being and Future Generations Act onthe Welsh Government website.