In 2024, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) became mandatory for all planning developments across the UK, having previously been required only in Scotland and Wales. With increasing urbanisation and the growing impact of climate change, effective water management has never been more critical. Modern developments, particularly in built-up urban areas, must integrate SUDS to mitigate flooding risks, prevent water pollution and support sustainable growth.
What are SUDS?
SUDS are systems, devices, and applications designed to manage rainfall at the point it reaches the ground. Their purpose is to prevent flooding, reduce damage, and maintain the natural water cycle. These systems are also known as source control, as they provide the first line of defence in managing rainwater.
SUDS can be nature-based or engineered solutions – but all developments must consider the following key elements:
- Controlling the quantity of water runoff
- Managing the quality of runoff to prevent pollution
- Enhancing and sustaining a better environment for people
- Supporting and preserving natural ecosystems
Minimising water pollution is a crucial role of SUDS. These solutions can be implemented above ground, below ground, or at ground level. At Terram, we specialise in both on-the-ground and underground solutions to support effective water management.
Why are SUDS required in modern developments?
The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to an increase in impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, which prevent natural drainage and exacerbate surface water runoff. This results in higher flood risks, overwhelmed drainage systems, and increased pollution in watercourses. Traditional drainage infrastructure often struggles to cope with the volume of runoff in urban developments, making SUDS a crucial requirement for any sustainable construction.
SUDS help to:
- Reduce surface water flooding by allowing rainwater to infiltrate naturally.
- Improve water quality by filtering pollutants before they reach rivers and lakes.
- Enhance urban environments by integrating green spaces and increasing biodiversity.
- Lower the burden on existing drainage systems, reducing infrastructure costs over time.
By implementing SUDS, developers can create resilient, sustainable urban spaces that align with modern regulatory requirements and long-term environmental goals.
Where are SUDS used?
SUDS are essential in a wide range of developments, including:
- Residential housing estates – to prevent flooding and enhance green infrastructure.
- Commercial and industrial sites – to manage surface water efficiently in high-traffic areas.
- Public spaces and urban regeneration projects – to improve aesthetics and biodiversity.
- Transport infrastructure – such as car parks, highways, roads and fire access routes, where water runoff control is crucial.
- Retail and leisure developments – to meet planning regulations while providing sustainable solutions.
Our SUDS-compliant products
At Terram, we look to offer solutions that directly address the challenges our customers face, which is exactly why we offer a wide range of SUDS-compliant ground reinforcement products that adhere to regulations.
These provide a sustainable alternative to traditional paving methods. Unlike concrete, which requires time to set, our solutions are reliable and quick to install. Additionally, they outperform loose gravel by offering improved stability and accessibility, making them wheelchair and disability-friendly.
Our SUDS products include:
- GrassProtecta – A heavy-duty grass reinforcement mesh designed to protect and strengthen grassed surfaces subject to wear from vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- TruckPave – A durable, permeable paving grid ideal for HGVs, trucks, fire access routes, coach parks, and structurally-sound, well-drained bases.
- Bodpave 85 – A unique, environmentally friendly porous paving solution for car parks and trafficked areas. Its open-cell structure allows for high water infiltration and serves as an effective source control measure within a SUDS framework.
- Inbitex – A specialist geotextile that enhances the performance of Formpave Aquaflow permeable block paving and SUDS systems. It prevents intermixing of granular layers, stabilises the sub-base, and fosters a microbial biofilm that degrades hydrocarbons (oil), promoting cleaner runoff.
And many more innovative solutions…
As SUDS have become a mandatory consideration in UK-wide developments, it is essential to implement effective and sustainable water management solutions. Terram’s range of SUDS-compliant products provide a practical and environmentally friendly approach to managing runoff, reducing pollution, and enhancing urban landscapes. By integrating these solutions, developers can create resilient infrastructures that benefit both people and the environment.
Discover how our SUDS-compliant products can support your projects by requesting a SUDS Technical Talk, and hear it directly from our experts: https://terram.com/technical-talks/sustainable-drainage-solutions/
