Developers - Somerset

Developers Designers Community Planners and approvers

In January 2023, Defra announced a decision to implement Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England. This will introduce a new framework and national standards for the approval and adoption of SuDS in England, and will make Unitary and County Councils SuDS Approving Bodies. The UK Government is currently considering how Schedule 3 will be implemented.

Sustainable drainage techniques are required in new development in Somerset to manage the surface water generated from additional paved surfaces in a sustainable way.

Incorporating well-designed SuDS as part of your development's layout will help to meet Somerset's local SuDS standards and make the planning application process faster and smoother. High quality SuDS in your development can save money on capital costs and maintenance, while increasing land values and house prices. SuDS can make your development a more attractive place to live, delivering value in terms of recreation, health and well-being, biodiversity net gain and climate change resilience.

There is more information aimed at developers on the Susdrain Developers Hub.

This section includes

Somerset local SuDS design standards
All SuDS systems in Somerset are expected to meet Somerset's Local Design Standards in order to progress smoothly through the planning application process.
What are SuDS?
Find out more about the different types of SuDS components and what they do.
Why use SuDS in Somerset?
Find out what benefits SuDS can bring to your development, including making it more attractive, sustainable and resilient.
Assessing a land parcel for development
What to consider when selecting a site for development.
Overcoming challenges in delivering SuDS
Guidance on the most commonly raised SuDS constraints and how they can be overcome.
Local policy in Somerset
SuDS can help you to meet local policies in different areas of Somerset.
Who to consult?
Understand expectations of consultees from the outset, increasing the chance of a smooth application process.
Pre-application advice
Details of pre-application advice on planning applications in Somerset.
The planning process for Major developments
How do SuDS fit with the planning process for Major developments?
Non-major and Minor developments
SuDS for minor developments
SuDS in other types of development
More information on how SuDS can be used in minerals and waste and major infrastructure projects.
Permits and consents
Separate to applying for planning permission, there may be watercourse and drainage permits and consents required.
Construction
Understand the purpose of SuDS when planning construction.
Adoption
For SuDS within a development to function, they must be adopted and maintained.
Maintenance
It is the responsibility of the developer to establish a maintenance agreement which makes sure that SuDS are maintained over the lifetime of the development.
SuDS inspections
Find out about the SuDS Inspector employed to improve the quality of built SuDS in Somerset.
SuDS in schools
Building and redevelopment of schools provide great opportunities for SuDS.
Flood risk management roles and responsibilities
Organisations responsible for managing drainage and flood risk within Somerset.
Partner organisations
Local charities and organisations in Somerset and nationally who can offer advice and support for developers on improving the environment.
Case studies
Links to case studies of SuDS from around the UK.

Developers Designers Community Planners and approvers