Why Every East Anglia Housing Developer Needs a SuDS Report in 2025
- Ben Norman (Associate- Civil Engineer)
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you're planning a residential development in Suffolk, Norfolk, or Cambridge, a SuDS Report is no longer just a best practice - it's a planning requirement.
Across East Anglia, Local Planning Authorities and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) are increasingly enforcing sustainable drainage policies to reduce flood risk and protect local water quality. Without a compliant SuDS design, developers risk costly planning delays, redesigns, or outright refusal.
Local LLFA Requirements Are Tightening
In Suffolk, the County Council makes it clear:
“Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) should be included in all major developments to control surface water runoff, improve water quality and provide biodiversity benefits.”— suffolk.gov.uk
LLFAs across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire hold similar positions, with active consultation processes and stringent design expectations - particularly around attenuation, outfall consent, and long-term maintenance.
Anglian Water’s Adoption Standards Raise the Bar
If your development will connect to an adoptable network, Anglian Water demands SuDS that are:
Multi-functional (e.g. amenity, biodiversity, flood mitigation)
Compliant with CIRIA C753 guidance
Designed with full consideration for maintenance and accessibility
These standards often exceed baseline planning requirements - making it essential to have a professionally prepared SuDS report that anticipates both planning and adoption needs.
How JMS Engineers Helps Developers Comply
At JMS Engineers, we specialise in supporting East Anglia housing developers with fully tailored SuDS solutions. Our SuDS reports include:
Site-specific surface water strategies based on infiltration potential, runoff rates, and greenfield discharge limits
LLFA-compliant layouts reflecting local design palettes (Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, etc.)
Detailed calculations and attenuation volumes
Schematic drainage drawings ready for submission
Future maintenance plans aligned with Anglian Water’s adoption guidance
We work directly with planning consultants and architects to ensure early compliance - saving time and avoiding rework later.
Targeted Support Where You Build
We understand the regional challenges of East Anglia, including:
Clay soils with poor infiltration (common in Suffolk and Norfolk)
Sensitive flood zones in the Fens and river valleys
Stringent LLFA review processes in authorities like South Norfolk and West Suffolk
Fast-changing policies on climate resilience and water neutrality
With our local knowledge and national compliance expertise, we ensure every SuDS report stands up to scrutiny.
Secure Planning with a Trusted SuDS Report
Whether you're developing 10 homes or a 500-unit masterplan, a SuDS report tailored for East Anglia can make or break your application.
JMS Engineers is your trusted partner for compliant, buildable and cost-effective drainage design in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire.
Get in touch today to discuss your site and request a SuDS report quotation.
SuDS Reports
JMS Engineers specialises in comprehensive Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) reports, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional drainage methods.
Drainage Strategies
Property Flood Resilience
Flood Risk Assessments
Roads & Highways
JMS Engineers are award-winning Consulting Structural & Civil Engineers with over 25 years experience in providing engineering solutions across residential, commercial and industrial projects.
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