William Eichler 27 April 2017

Whitehall’s approach to sustainable drainage ‘sub-standand’, MPs warn

MPs have criticised the Government’s ‘sub-standard’ approach to sustainable drainage (SuDs) for failing to protect communities from flood risk.

The environment, food, and rural affairs committee’s analysis of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 condemns the resulting weak SuDS policies, warning they put areas at risk and ‘miss opportunities’ to enhance the amenity and environment of local communities.

According to the committee, SuDs provide a cost-effective, green method of removing surface water from built-up areas.

However, they found the Government had not commenced provisions to set up a ‘robust policy framework’ to promote their use and has instead adopted sub-standard planning policies which have led to far too few schemes being installed in new developments.

Many of the SuDs schemes that have been put in place are of ‘low quality’, the committee found.

‘Significant improvements in the numbers and quality of SuDS schemes installed must be delivered by the end of 2018,’ said committee chair Neil Parish.

‘We urge our successor Committee to consider calling for the full commencement of SuDS provisions in the 2010 Act if this is not achieved.’

Mr Parish urged the Government to strengthen planning rules to ensure all new developments are required to install high-quality sustainable drainage systems.

He also said guidance must be tightened to reduce the potential for developers to opt-out from installing schemes on cost or site-practicality grounds.

In addition, Mr Parish said, standards for SuDS construction must be made statutory to provide a stronger basis for enforcement and make it easier for Water and Sewerage Companies to adopt SuDS.

He concluded by calling for an ending of the automatic right of new developments to connect surface water discharges to conventional sewerage systems in order to spur developers to use sustainable alternatives.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Legal Caseworker - Corporate and Commercial Law

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Legal Caseworker - Corporate and Commercial LawPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Education Safeguarding Adviser

Essex County Council
£36375.0000 - £42794.0000 per annum
Education Safeguarding AdviserFixed Term, Full Time£36,375 to £42,794 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enviro Crime and Enforcement Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
SO2 - £38,934 to £40,755
Make a real difference in your community Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

White Rose Forest Landscape for Water Project Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
The role of Landscapes for Water Project Officer and the White Rose Forest Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Finance Manager

Durham County Council
£66,164 to £68,493 p.a. (Band 2)
Are you an experienced finance leader ready to take on a high-profile role at the heart of a major organisational and financial transformation?   Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner