Are You Ready for the New National SuDS Standards?

The sustainability team at REFEA explain what’s changed - and how we can help.

The UK government has released updated National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), setting out new performance expectations for managing surface water across new developments in England.

Aimed at developers, architects, engineers, and local authorities, the new standards prioritise natural drainage techniques over traditional pipework. The goal is to slow runoff, improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and add value to public spaces.

These non-statutory standards apply to all new developments (greenfield and brownfield) but not to retrofit schemes.

What’s New?

The standards are built around seven key requirements:

1. Runoff destination hierarchy - prioritising rainwater reuse and infiltration before sewer discharge.

2. Runoff volume management - capturing the first 5mm of rainfall using SuDS features like green roofs and permeable surfaces.

3. Flood risk mitigation - controlling runoff to prevent downstream flooding, even during extreme events.

4. Water quality protection - using treatment trains to remove pollutants before runoff enters watercourses.

5. Amenity enhancement - ensuring SuDS contribute to green infrastructure and usable public spaces.

6. Biodiversity gains - maximising ecological value through integrated planting, wetlands, and habitat links.

7. Maintenance and lifecycle - requiring robust plans for ongoing performance, inspection and upkeep.

The emphasis is on early integration of drainage into site layouts, not as an afterthought. SuDS must be designed from the outset, ensuring alignment with the topography, green space, and long-term maintenance plans.

Why It Matters

This shift reflects a growing push for climate-resilient design in urban drainage planning. Effective SuDS reduce flood risk, support biodiversity, and create healthier, more attractive places to live and work.

For developers and planning consultants, these new standards introduce greater scrutiny at the design stage. Demonstrating compliance - and securing planning permission - will depend on how well your drainage strategy aligns with these principles.

How REFEA Can Support You

Our civil engineering team specialise in sustainable urban drainage planning, helping you meet and exceed the new national standards. Our team can support your project through:

• SuDS Reports and Drainage Strategies

• Pre-planning Design Input

• Surface Water and Flood Risk Modelling

• Long-Term Maintenance Planning

• Biodiversity and Amenity Integration

We collaborate with developers, architects, and local planning authorities to deliver SuDS that are not only compliant but cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

Let’s Plan Better Water Management Together

Whether you're designing a housing development, commercial site, or mixed-use scheme, now is the time to act on the updated National SuDS Standards 2025.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project.