Sustainable drainage design delays in England are double frequency in Wales

Delayed and blocked planning applications due to sustainable drainage system (SuDS) design are twice as likely in England compared to Wales according to a recent report by the Institution of Civil Engineers and Wavin.

The report, SuDS – perception and progress: A comparison of England and Wales, showed findings that 60% of developers another “professionals” in England, compared to 30% in Wales, had seen plans delayed or refused because of of objections to the SuDS designs.

According to the report, SuDS was more likely to be the preferred method of surface water management for 62% of professionals in Wales while only 39% in England held the same preference. The report, according to the authors, was based on a poll of 851 people who had been involved in surface water drainage projects in the past year or who expected to take part in similar schemes in the next 12 months.