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New plans for sustainable drainage
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced a new approach to sustainable drainage intended to reduce flood risk and clean up rivers.
A government review has recommended making sustainable drainage systems mandatory for new developments in England. This is expected to reduce the risk of surface water flooding and pollution and help to reduce pressures on traditional drainage and sewerage systems.
New developments can contribute to surface and sewer flood risk, by covering grassland and soil that would otherwise assist with heavy rainfall.
The new plans will ensure sustainable drainage systems are designed to include features such as soakaways, grassed areas, permeable surfaces and wetlands.
Following publication of the review, regulations and processes will now be developed, with implementation of the new approach expected in 2024.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "Our traditional drainage systems are under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, urbanisation and a growing population.
"The benefits of sustainable drainage systems are many – from mitigating flood risk by catching and storing surplus water and reducing storm overflow discharges, to enhancing local nature in the heart of our developments and helping with harvesting valuable rain water.
"Taking a more consistent and effective approach to sustainable drainage systems will improve the resilience of our drainage and sewer infrastructure, while reaping these broader benefits."
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay
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