Update non-statutory technical standards for sustainable drainage systems

Tender description

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) mimic natural drainage by managing surface runoff at or close to its source while providing opportunities to create benefit via surface water channelling and attenuation. In urban areas, many surfaces are sealed by development (e.g. buildings and pavements), preventing the infiltration of, and exacerbating the rapid run-off, of surface water. Excess surface water can lead to overflowing of conventional drainage systems resulting in surface and downstream flooding, and reduced water quality. SuDS aims to alleviate such problems by offering an alternative, more efficient and sustainable way to manage surface water. For example, by storing or re-using surface water at its source, while minimising pollution and enhancing water quality. SuDS offers multi-functional benefits, including:  Water quantity control;  Water quality improvements;  Opportunities for enhanced biodiversity; and  Amenity. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is commissioning a project to analyse (and if needed, align) the current non-statutory technical standards for SuDS in England against the current National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) . This research project aims to assess whether the non-statutory technical standards require updating in order to support the aims of the NPPF, and if so, report the requirements to update the standards to further promote multi-functional SuDS.