SuDS Report (Sustainable Drainage Systems)

Q: Who uses SuDS Reports?

SuDS reports are used by the following stakeholders:House builders and developersProperty professionals, including architects, planning consultants, and land agentsPrivate homeowners and landownersBusinesses and commercial property ownersInsurance brokers and financial lenders

ESP provides comprehensive SuDS reports that deliver practical, sustainable drainage solutions tailored to planning and development requirements.

A Sustainable Drainage Report or SuDs report identifies the natural landscape to control the flow of surface water and reduce the risk of flooding, via the use of ponds, swales, green spaces, permeable paving and soakaway chambers. Whilst the style and purpose of each design can vary, they are generally designed in compliance with the SuDS Manual (CIRIA 743) and all have common purpose, which is to reduce run off to formal (piped) drainage systems and mitigate the flow of surface waters following development.

We have extensive experience undertaking field testing using large scale soakaway tests in accordance with BRE365 (trial pits) and falling head permeability testing in accordance with BS5930 (boreholes) in relation to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). This work is often focused towards achieving a design that ensures surface water runoff is infiltrated to ground. You can find our more about our SuDs services via our video here – watch now.

What Is a Sustainable Drainage Report?

Recent SuDS Report Projects

ESP provided drainage and hydrogeological assessment support for a flood-affected property in Oxfordshire, evaluating groundwater behaviour, catchment drainage and surface water flow mechanisms.

Through detailed desk-based analysis and review of site conditions, we identified key factors influencing flooding risk and delivered recommendations to support future sustainable drainage and mitigation strategies.

Explore our project gallery to see our team in action. From initial investigations to final delivery, these images represent our commitment to high quality data collection and the professional standards we bring to every project.

Project Gallery

We are proud to serve as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, delivering specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise to the UK’s most ambitious projects.

Trusted By

We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.

Our Accreditations

Certification Badges_CMYK (White) ASSETS_(Mar 21)

Is a SuDS Report a Legal Requirement?

The intent of a sustainable drainage system is to control surface water run and potential flooding exists within Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. From 7^th January 2019 this becomes law and new residential development of more than one property or non residential construction area of 100m²or greater will be required to manage surface water collection, attenuation and disposal on site.

As part of the new regulations, SuDS will be required to address the collection/disposal of surface water and surface water run off (e.g. hydraulic control).

Statutory approving bodies (SABs) within every Local Authority are responsible for approving drainage plans for proposed schemes. SAB and planning applications will run concurrently; SABs will have seven weeks to determine applications for schemes not requiring specialist consideration; proposed development will require both SAB and Planning approval. Pre-application discussions should be undertaken to ensure awareness of requirements and site limitations.

Sustainable Drainage System Standards For Wales

The Sustainable Drainage System Standards for Wales identifies the five levels of priority for the SuDS will be considered, as outlined below:

Surface water runoff destination for Sustainable Drainage Systems

Priority Level 1: Surface water runoff is collected for use [most desirable];
Priority Level 2: Surface water runoff is infiltrated to ground;
Priority Level 3: Surface water runoff is discharged to a surface water body;
Priority Level 4: Surface water runoff is discharged to a surface water sewer, highway drain, or another drainage system;
Priority Level 5: Surface water runoff is discharged to a combined sewer [least desirable].

SABs will also be tasked with enforcement action in the event SuDS applications are not submitted appropriately or are not constructed as per authorised details. The current guidance can be found here.

We recently assisted a national housing developer consider the feasibility and options for sustainable drainage systems at a large site in Rhoose; the case study can be found here.

We implement soakaway and infiltration testing for a range of private and public clients on a weekly basis, so please get in touch to see how we can help.

A selected list of example projects can be found on our Projects and Technical page. If you have any questions or enquiries please contact us.

Need Help With Your Next Project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses SuDS Reports?

SuDS reports are used by the following stakeholders:

House builders and developers
Property professionals, including architects, planning consultants, and land agents
Private homeowners and landowners
Businesses and commercial property owners
Insurance brokers and financial lenders

Why Do You Need a SuDs Report?

A SuDS report may be required for several important reasons, including:

Supporting planning applications at the pre-planning stage
Meeting specific planning conditions
Assisting in building design and flood mitigation planning
Fulfilling due diligence requirements
Complying with the Code for Sustainable Homes
Meeting standards set by SuDS Approval Boards (SABs)
Satisfying criteria for lending, mortgages, and pension funds

Client Testimonials

    
 
 
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   Simon Lewis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Earth Science Partnership recently completed an independent geo-environmental review for us and I have been extremely impressed with both the quality of their work and the professionalism of the team.
The report was comprehensive, balanced and technically robust, helping us navigate a complex evidence base and identify the key issues requiring further consideration. Just as importantly, ESP were approachable and willing to engage constructively with questions arising from the draft report.
Special thanks to Daniel Thomas for his time, patience and willingness to explain technical matters in a way that non-specialists could understand. It was clear throughout that the focus was on objective, evidence-led analysis rather than simply telling a client what they wanted to hear.
A highly professional consultancy and one I would most happily recommend.
Simon Lewis :
Secretary : Nant-Y-Calch Conservation Group
  
 
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   Barbara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Earth Science Partnership has helped us immensely through a , long, stressful and complex situation following a major leak under our property. We had the absolute pleasure of working with Giles Sommerwill, who was with us every step of the way. He helped us to understand the geological conditions and ramifications following such a major leak, and then informed and  advised us during the process of agreeing a remedial solution with the water company, as well as helping us address other issues that arose over time. Giles is experienced, knowledgeable and highly qualified. We could not have hoped to work with anyone more professional, reliable or kind. We also felt that Giles was genuinely concerned, not just about our property, but about our well-being. Thanks to him, we highly recommend, and praise, Earth Science Partnership.
  
 
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   Roberta Morgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having used the services of Earth Science Partnership on two previous occasions, we had no reservations about employing them for a third time.  They are very professional and produce excellent detailed reports on what they are able to do.  They are prepared to listen to everything you require and would highly recommend them.
  
 
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   Joshua Pike 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ESP undertook some thorough CMRA (Coal Mining Risk Assessment) works for our site. They showed a surprising level of knowledge into the historical mining methods and establishment of mining sites. Prompt and in-depth reporting and great communication, would definitely recommend.
  
 
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   Duncan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great client to deal with!
  
 
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   Keri Beal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication, excellent prompt service.
  
 
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   Oliver Stacey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ESP have done some excellent GI works for me and produced some excellent in depth reports for our client (Network Rail)

Speak To Our Experts Today

Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in SuDS reports across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.

Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking for sustainable drainage system services, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.

Author

I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.

I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.

My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:

Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
Impact of abandoned mine workings.
Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.