SUDS
SUDS stands for Sustainable Underground Drainage Systems or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: a sequence of management practices and control structures designed to drain surface water in a sustainable fashion.
Due to the increased risk of flooding the government has brought in new legislation to protect downstream areas at risk from flooding for new developments.
The responsibility for provision, operation and maintenance of SUDS is not clearly set out yet. Each authority draws up its own plans for areas at risk, these are based on judgements rather than strict regulations, so you will need to contact your local authorities planning office to gain advice and guidelines on individual planning applications which might incur groundwork which effect land drainage.
For more information visit: environment-agency.gov.uk
Download the Environment Agency
'Guidance on the
permeable surfacing of front gardens'