What are Sustainable Drainage Systems?
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage surface water runoff from development sites and to provide maximum benefits. Benefits fit broadly into four categories which are also referred to as the four pillars of SuDS design. These are:
- Water quantity
- Water quality
- Biodiversity
- Amenity
Cornwall Council encourages the use of SuDS within all developments.
The use of traditional drainage systems which convey surface water away as quickly as possible from the development site is discouraged. Instead, SuDS should be used to manage surface water close to its source, because this can:
- Manage runoff volumes and flow rates
- Reduce the impact of urbanisation and flood risk
- Improve water quality
- Improve and provide wildlife habitats
- Provide amenity areas which can improve community wellbeing
There is further general information about SuDS can be found on the susdrain website. For Cornwall specific SuDS requirements refer to the SuDS for Cornwall Guidance page.