SuDS in Schools - Somerset

SuDS in Somerset Schools

Grassy wetland next to road and houses in a new development site

Wetland SuDS installed in a new development site

Schools provide excellent opportunities to incorporate SuDS which deliver benefits for learning and play.

Health and safety concerns are often identified as constraints for delivering SuDS in schools. However, when SuDS are designed creatively and effectively, keeping water depths shallow, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

New schools in Somerset must incorporate SuDS into the site design, following Somerset local SuDS design Standards and national standards.

Redevelopment plans for existing schools also explore opportunities to retrofit SuDS features, particularly where flooding or restricted sewer capacity issues exist.

Benefits of SuDS in schools

SuDS bring many benefits to schools, including:

Small wetland in a recreation ground

Water re-use - rainwater harvesting can provide water for non-potable use (such as plant watering or toilet flushing) within the school.
Cost savings - water usage, energy efficiency, operation and maintenance costs.
Education - create outdoor classrooms for studying the water cycle, sustainability and ecology.
Maintenance can also teach pupils gardening skills and provide a focus for afterschool clubs.
Recreation - incorporating the above-ground flow of water within playgrounds can encourage learning through play.
Improve aesthetic of school - features such as green roofs, ponds and wetlands can provide attractive landscaping.
Flooding - can be used to manage surface water flooding issues within the school site, or to manage off-site constraints, such as limited sewer capacity.
Awareness – showcasing SuDS in schools highlights the need for sustainable surface water management within the local community.
Reducing pollution - SuDS can filter polluted runoff from car parks and buildings, removing silt and petrol, which are harmful to children.

Planning SuDS in schools

Playground with slide and children playing. Wooden covered play area has a green roof

Green roof installed in playground

Planning applications for schools classify as 'County developments'. They were previously assessed by the Somerset County Council planning department, and are now assessed by Somerset Council.

Further details on submitting a planning application for a school can be found on the Somerset Council website.

Further guidance on designing SuDS for schools can be found in the following locations:

Case study

In Yeovil scheme, the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust (YRCT) has designed a pond in the grounds of Preston Academy, along the Preston Brook. This will not only help to reduce flooding downstream, but will also benefit pupils’ education and improve the area for wildlife. The school’s governors have approved the pond, subject to various conditions. It will need, for example, to be constructed over the school holidays. The scheme is supervised by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West for the Somerset Rivers Authority.

Artist’s impression of pond surrounded by grasses in Preston Academy.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Preston Academy pond by Yasmin Khan of Yeovil Rivers Community Trust.

Developers Designers Community Planners and approvers