Surface water drainage information

Surface water drainage occurs when rainwater falls on a property and drains away.

Planning applications for major projects are required to prove land drainage will not increase surface water runoff. Your application should demonstrate that: 

• priority has been given to building  Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 
• plans to manage and maintain the drainage system are in place

For major developments we must ensure that:

• the standards of SuDS are appropriate 
• there are clear arrangements for maintaining SuDS over the lifetime of the development

For more information, read:

• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) planning advice
• Surface Water Advice Note (PDF) [97KB] (opens new window)
• Validation Checklist (PDF) [67KB] (opens new window)