New guidance highlights greener drainage solutions for developers

Leicester City Council has published a new guide to help developers adapt to the climate emergency by using greener, sustainable drainage systems.

The use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in new developments can help manage wider flood risk through a range of natural drainage processes and other measures, helping to hold back water during heavy rainfall and preventing traditional piped drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed and flooding.

Measures to improve drainage can include porous pavements, planting new trees and vegetation, rainwater gardens and grassed areas, underground soakaway spaces, green roofs, and wetland areas.

The Council hopes the new guidance will aim to simplify the process of gaining planning approval for SuDS and encourage their wider use as part of new development proposals.

Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor who leads on environment and transport, said: ‘Leicester is at the forefront of delivering innovative Sustainable Drainage Systems, and we are proud to have the expertise of the UK’s first SuDS champion on our team. Sustainable drainage is a key part of our response to the climate emergency by helping to ensure that new development is sustainable and adapted to a changing climate and heavier rainfall.

‘Along with helping to manage flood risk and improve water quality, the real beauty of SuDS is that they can have huge benefits for biodiversity and help bring more greenery, trees and landscaping into the city as part of new development.’

Chryse Tinsley, landscape planner at Leicester City Council, who helped draft the new guidance, added: ‘We are always keen to see more sustainable drainage in the city; and to do all we can to help achieve it. We already have lots of good local examples and hope this new easy to understand guidance will encourage developers to work with us to do lots more.’

In related news, residents of Bath and North East Somerset are being offered help investing in solar panels and battery storage to power their homes with clean energy and cut emissions.

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