Surface water drainage and major planning applications

Since 2015, the Lead Local Flood Authority has been a statutory consultee for all major development across Gloucestershire. The planning practice guidance has been updated to reflect these changes and the national standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for the design, maintenance and operation of sustainable drainage systems have been published online.

In considering planning applications, local planning authorities should consult the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority on the management of surface water; satisfy themselves that the proposed minimum standards of operation are appropriate and ensure through the use of planning conditions or planning obligations that there are clear arrangements in place for ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of the development.