All development that results in increase in hard standing area or impacts on surface water flow paths will be required to use SUDS to reduce surface runoff, to:

1. Reduce overall flood risk through the reduction in discharge rates and volumes to pre-development levels for previously developed sites; or

2. Reduce discharge rates and volumes for greenfield sites.

In such cases, proposals must demonstrate:

3. Priority has been given to naturalistic solutions incorporated into the soft landscape of the development;

4. Surface water drainage is compliant with local requirements and design guidance set out in the Council’s Sustainable Drainage SPD, National Standards and industry best practice;

5. Integration of SUDS to deliver multiple environmental benefits, including flood risk and water quality management, biodiversity and landscape enhancement, and improve amenity, access and open space;

6. The discharge of surface water obeys the following priority order:
a. Firstly, to ground via infiltration;
b. Then to a water body at a rate no greater than greenfield runoff; and
c. Then to a surface water sewer at a rate no greater than greenfield runoff for greenfield sites, or at a rate to be agreed (as close to greenfield as possible, but a minimum betterment of 30% of the existing discharge) for previously developed land.

7. The condition and capacity of any receiving drainage network, demonstrating no detriment to risk, water quality or the environment;

8. An appropriate allowance for climate change and, where necessary, urban creep;

9. Surface water runoff is managed as close to its source as possible and flow and quality of the runoff is manged in stages;

10. Run-off from all hard surfaces will receive an appropriate level of treatment to minimise the risk of pollution;

11. Suitable testing has been carried out to demonstrate whether infiltration is possible and that ground water would not be polluted. This may include undertaking a Groundwater Risk Assessment; and

12. Maintenance responsibilities for the entirety of surface water drainage system are identified and a management and maintenance plan is provided, which shall include the arrangements for adoption by any public authority or statutory undertaker and any other arrangements to secure the operation of the drainage scheme throughout its lifetime.

Discharge to a foul water or combined sewer is unacceptable, unless in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that there are no feasible alternatives and that it will not result in increased flood risk on or off site. Discharge locations must have capacity to receive all foul and surface water flows from the development.

All major applications must be accompanied by a Surface Water Drainage Strategy which demonstrates how the above criteria have been met.

In exceptional circumstances, where a sustainable drainage system cannot be provided, it must be demonstrated that it is not possible to incorporate sustainable drainage systems, and an acceptable means of surface water disposal is provided at source which does not increase the risk of flooding or give rise to environmental problems and improves on the current situation with a reduction in peak and total discharge.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan