12-years on concrete block permeable paving at Cambourne
remains robust with minimal maintenance.
FLOODS SuDS AND
PERMEABLE PAVING
Another year of summer flooding in
the UK provides a timely reminder
of the importance of sustainable
drainage – or SuDS – on developments.
But there is more to SuDS than flood
prevention, with a wide range of
other benefits, highlighted by recent
regulations, guidelines and case
studies, as the trade association
New Regulations
In contrast, earlier this year the
Welsh Government implemented
Schedule 3 of the Act as intended, with
measures including establishment of
a SuDS Approving Body (SAB) within
each local/unitary authority. SAB
approval will be needed for all but the
to operate, monitor and maintain.”
By its very nature, concrete block
permeable paving (CBPP) is uniquely
placed to satisfy these requirements
as an attractive, surface-based,
multifunctional SuDS technique.
Multi-functional SuDS
Of course, hard surfaces are necessary
Interpave explains. smallest developments and the SAB It’s over 3 years since the Government approved SuDS that serve more than chose to abandon dedicated one property. areas. But CBPP also provides an
The Welsh National Standards point requires no additional land take or
out that: “The SuDS approach mimics separate constructions for water
natural drainage, managing surface storage, treatment or conveyance.
runoff at or close to the surface and In fact, CBPP can also accept runoff
as close to its source as practicable. from other impermeable paving and
Surface based sustainable drainage roofs, giving further savings. It is
components are visible in their therefore well-suited to higher-density
operation and performance and urban schemes, as well as other
are generally simpler and easier developments.
requirements for SuDS on new
developments in England using the
2010 Flood and Water Management
Act, relying instead on national and
local planning policies, implemented
at local planning authority level. But
a recent Landscape Institute and CIC
Report highlights that this approach
has been far from successful and
merits rethinking.
64
Landscape & Urban Design Issue 39 2019
will be required to adopt and maintain
for developments anyway, whether
for roads, parking, drives or play
inherent drainage system that