Sustainable Drainage Design (SuDS) and SAB Applications

Planning Advice for Flood Risk and FCA Requirements

Clwydian Planning provides expert advice on Sustainable Drainage Design (SuDS) and the requirements of the Sustainable Drainage Approval Body (SAB) in Wales. We support developers, homeowners and landowners by ensuring surface water drainage is considered early in the planning process and aligned with current legal requirements. Our planning input helps clients manage surface water runoff effectively while complying with statutory regulations linked to new development.

Sustainable Drainage is a legal requirement for many proposals in Wales, particularly those creating 100 square metres or more of new impermeable surface. With detailed knowledge of SAB expectations and planning policy, we advise on how to meet these obligations within the context of your wider development strategy. Our aim is to reduce delays, improve approval outcomes and help clients approach drainage design with confidence.

Understanding SAB Applications and SuDS Principles

Sustainable Drainage Design involves the use of natural and engineered solutions to manage surface water as close to its source as possible. Features such as permeable paving, swales, detention basins and green roofs reduce flood risk, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity. These systems are now essential to achieving compliant, climate-resilient development in Wales.

Clwydian Planning offers planning advice to help navigate the SAB application process and understand how drainage strategy influences site layout and planning acceptability. We support clients in assessing site constraints, responding to regulatory expectations and ensuring that drainage is addressed as a core part of the planning application. By identifying drainage implications early, we help avoid costly revisions and support a smoother route to approval.

Got a Question?

  • Sustainable Drainage Design refers to drainage systems that mimic natural water processes to manage rainwater at source. These systems help reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality and promote sustainable development.

  • A SAB application is a formal submission to the Sustainable Drainage Approval Body, which is required for many developments in Wales under Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Approval is needed before construction begins on developments that exceed 100 square metres of new hard surface.

  • SuDS and SAB approval are legal requirements in Wales for applicable developments. Without SAB approval, your project cannot proceed. Integrating SuDS from the start helps meet these requirements while enhancing the environmental quality and resilience of your site.

  • SuDS design must consider the site’s topography, soil type, runoff rates, land use and proposed layout. The system must manage water quantity, improve water quality, support biodiversity and provide amenity value where possible.