Review of Developer Sustainable Drainage Schemes in Somerset

Tender description

Following the severe and prolonged flooding in Somerset in 2012 and 2013/14 the local authorities were tasked with preparing a 20 year action plan. This plan also led to the formation of the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA). The SRA is run by a Board of partners from the five District Councils, Somerset County Council, the Environment Agency, the Parrett and Axe Brue Internal Drainage Boards, the Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee and Natural England. Through the SRA the County Council, along with these other partners, are working to deliver the actions contained in the Flood Action Plan. A common comment following the flooding was the negative impact of development on flood risk and a perception that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) installed on new developments were ineffective or poorly implemented, monitored and maintained. This is considered in part to be because no authority is funded to inspect the construction of SuDS to ensure they comply with approved plans. Keywords: Survey, Review, Drainage, Assessment