With the rise of modern landscape architecture, there has been an increased focus on creating a sustainable environment that integrates with its surrounding natural elements. This has resulted in Wales becoming a leader in Sustainable Drainage Solutions. From parks to housing developments, SuDS can help create beautiful, healthy ecosystems for local communities.

Hence, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), their benefits in relation to reducing the risk of flooding and water pollution, key design considerations, examples of approved projects in South Wales, requirements for SAB approval, and types of construction work classified under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

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Read on to learn more about Sustainable Drainage Systems in South Wales!

Sustainable Drainage Systems: What Are They?

A Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS)is an integrated approach to managing surface water runoff; this means that instead of routing all the runoff into a single location, it is managed through a range of different measures.

It is an approach to managing on-site surface water that can reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality. SuDS uses a variety of techniques, such as attenuation basins, permeable paving, green roofs, infiltration trenches, grass swales and ponds to capture and store stormwater runoff from rainfall. Sustainable drainage systems can also be combined with other green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens and planting. All these methods help prevent the build-up of excess surface water which can contribute to flooding or runoff into rivers without treatment, polluting them. Sustainable drainage systems also help to improve local biodiversity by creating natural habitats for wildlife.

Overview of SuDS Approving Body (SAB)

The SuDS Approving Body (SAB) service is provided by the local authority and is responsible for approving and maintaining Sustainable Drainage Systems in accordance with the Welsh Government Standards for Sustainable Drainage. The SAB offers Pre-Application advice to discuss proposals, evaluates new drainage applications, and adopts and maintains surface water drainage systems according to Section 17 of Schedule 3 (Flooding & Water Management Act 2010).

Overview of SuDS Approving Body (SAB)

The SuDS Approving Body (SAB) service is provided by the local authority and is responsible for approving and maintaining Sustainable Drainage Systems in accordance with the Welsh Government Standards for Sustainable Drainage. The SAB offers Pre-Application advice to discuss proposals, evaluates new drainage applications, and adopts and maintains surface water drainage systems according to Section 17 of Schedule 3 (Flooding & Water Management Act 2010).

Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects play an important role in the design of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in South Wales. They work closely with engineers to ensure that the functionality of SuDS is developed and adequate levels of surface water are managed on-site. They use their knowledge of ecology, engineering and hydrology to creatively design SuDS features into a landscape in order to reduce flooding risk and improve water quality. For example, rain gardens can be planted with vegetation that is adapted to both high levels of rainfall and dry periods in order to help keep the soil permeable and absorb excess water during storms. Sustainable drainage systems also provide opportunities for the aesthetic enhancement of a site by incorporating attractive planting or green roofs.

Sustainable Drainage System Design Considerations

Sustainable Drainage Systems should be carefully designed to make the most of the natural topography and landforms of a site. Sustainable drainage solutions should also take into account multiple sources of runoff so that they can capture and store water efficiently whilst minimizing disruption to existing infrastructure or landscapes. When possible, Sustainable Drainage Systems should be located on flat ground with access to existing infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and sewers, in order to minimize disturbance.

Examples of Sustainable Drainage System Projects In South Wales

The largest Sustainable Drainage System recently installed in South Wales is at Greenmeadow Community Farm, which includes rain gardens, swales and attenuation basins. Sustainable drainage systems have also been used to manage surface water alongside landscape architecture projects such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

Plant species have been chosen for their ability to thrive in wet conditions and their natural beauty, creating an attractive and ecologically beneficial environment for local wildlife. The Drainage Systems are also being developed in urban areas such as Cardiff City Centre, where Sustainable Drainage Solutions and green infrastructure can help reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall.

Do I Need to Get SAB Approval?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are being more frequently suggested as a pre-requisite for any construction project in South Wales. As of 7 January 2019, any project with drainage implications of 100m2 or more must include SuDS to manage on-site surface water, regardless of whether they require planning permission or not. This means that an engineer is required to design and develop the functionality of these systems, while a landscape architect assists in designing the system and proposing planting for the soft landscape.

If you’re hoping to get planning permission from the Welsh government, your Sustainable Drainage System needs to follow their standards. You’ll need SAB approval in addition to permission from planners. If you’re extending or making changes to an already existing development with planning permission, an application for SAB approval might not be necessary as long as no reserved issues are involved and applications aren’t submitted after 7 January 2020.

What types of construction work are classified under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010?

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 defines construction work as any work done in preparation for the creation of a building or other structure, such as a paved surface or a patio, under Schedule 3. This means that any construction project that is intended to cover land and reduce its ability to absorb rainwater must be designed to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Investing in Sustainable Drainage Systems is Beneficial for South Wales-Bottom Line!

Investing in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is an important part of any landscape design in South Wales. At Laird Bailey Landscape Architects, we have extensive experience designing Sustainable Drainage Systems that meet all the requirements of SAB approval. Our team will take into account every aspect of your project – from hard and soft landscaping to irrigation, drainage and more – ensuring that your Sustainable Drainage System is designed with maximum efficiency in mind.

The benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems far outweigh the cost of installation and make a huge difference to the sustainability of your landscape design. Contact Laird Bailey Landscape Architects today for advice on Sustainable Drainage Systems for SAB approval in South Wales. Our team are ready to help make the most out of your landscape design and provide you with an effective solution to manage runoff from stormwater.

Investing in Sustainable Drainage Systems is a smart choice that will help keep your landscape looking great for years to come!