Pre-application advice is provided by planning officers and statutory consultees. It identifies how a planning application is likely to be determined and what changes may be needed. Seeking pre-application advice can allow a quicker decision to be made on an application, as it generally improves the quality of a submitted planning proposal.
Early engagement
Engaging early with consulteesSuDS must be considered at the earliest stage of development, with involvement from consultees, particularly the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Local Planning Authority (LPA).
Early discussions with the LLFA and LPA will ensure that expectations for surface water management, climate change allowances, adoption and maintenance are clearly understood from the outset. This will minimise delays in the planning approval process.
If considered early in concept design and masterplanning, SuDS can be designed around natural catchments, flow paths and low points to make best use of the landscape. They can then be integrated with green infrastructure and open space provisions to maximise multifunctional benefits.
This approach will save time and money further in the planning process, optimise land take and provide a variety of multifunctional features.
Community
Community engagement on SuDS designEarly engagement with the local community at the concept design stage can increase understanding and buy-in from residents and businesses.
The process allows potential issues and constraints in the drainage design to be raised early, by those who have local knowledge. This can help to limit public objections to the development at a later stage.
Local knowledge from the community on existing surface water flow routes and localised flooding issues can strengthen the SuDS components design and discussions with approving authorities.
The local community will be able to advocate the use of multi-functional features and well-designed SuDS which future homebuyers will value.
Pre-application advice
Engaging with the approving authorities at the pre-application stage clarifies the requirements and expected in a full planning application for a particular site. This can minimise delays in the planning approval process, as less time is spent amending drainage designs at the outline and full planning stages.
A 'proof of concept' SuDS plan and statement should be prepared, to inform the pre-application discussions. Once agreed in principle, this plan can then be used to guide the site masterplan and detailed drainage design.
Designers and developers should check the local SuDS design standards at an early stage to understand what is expected of SuDS in Somerset. Full details of what is needed at pre-application stage for the LLFA to be able to provide targeted advice are given in the Major Application SuDS Checklist.
See Who to Consult for direct links to pre-application advice services for each Authority.