When it comes to planning and designing a sustainable drainage system, getting the details right from the outset is crucial. At JMS Engineers, we support developers, architects, and planning consultants with SuDS strategies and Flood Risk Assessments that meet national and local policy requirements while also delivering climate resilience and long-term functionality.

Whether you’re preparing a planning application or optimising a site layout, here are five critical checks to make before you finalise your SuDS design.

Topography and Site Levels

Understanding your site’s natural gradients is essential for sustainable drainage planning. Poor topography can lead to ponding, waterlogging, and system failure. A well-planned SuDS strategy must work with your levels, not against them. Always base your drainage layout on an accurate topographical survey to ensure effective runoff management and flow direction.

Climate Resilience

Rainfall patterns are becoming more intense and less predictable. Designing for today’s standards isn’t enough - your SuDS system must be built to withstand future climate conditions. This means accounting for increased rainfall intensities, longer storm durations, and the cumulative impact on surface water.

SuDS Feature Selection

From swales and soakaways to permeable paving and attenuation tanks, SuDS offers a wide range of features. But not every feature suits every site. Your choice should be informed by factors such as soil permeability, space constraints, and urban context. Combining multiple features often delivers better results and enhances biodiversity and amenity value.

Integration with Landscape and Architecture

A successful drainage strategy is one that integrates seamlessly with your site’s overall design. Sustainable drainage shouldn’t feel like an afterthought - it should enhance the landscape and add value to the public realm. Early collaboration between civil engineers, architects, and landscape designers is key.

Long-term Maintenance and Adoption

Every drainage system needs a management plan. Whether your SuDS features are adopted by the local authority or retained privately, they must be easy to access, inspect, and maintain. Design with long-term sustainability in mind, and always include a maintenance schedule in your SuDS report.

Need Help with SuDS Design or a Flood Risk Assessment?

JMS Engineers provides tailored sustainable drainage solutions and Flood Risk Assessments for planning submissions across the UK. Our engineers work closely with developers, architects, and planning consultants to ensure drainage strategies are policy-compliant, cost-effective, and future-ready.

Get in touch today to learn how JMS Engineers team can support your next civil engineering project.

JMS Engineers are award-winning Consulting Structural & Civil Engineers with over 25 years experience in providing engineering solutions across residential, commercial and industrial projects.