Smith and Wallwork have recently commented on the draft British Standard BS8582, Code of Practice for Surface Water Management for Development Sites.

This is another in a long line of guidance and legislative documents that have recently been proposed to force the uptake of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the appropriate management of flood risk. For the most part this new document appears to be well thought through and provides some long-awaited clarity for the industry.

However, frustratingly, Defra’s continuing delay in implementing schedule 3 of the FWMA could make this document at best outdated, and at worst incorrect, even before it has been published. How many more floods, overflowing sewer pipes and need for ‘super sewers’ will we hear about before Defra’s key piece of regulation is initiated? With the Environment Agency’s reported concern about ‘soaking Britain’, we would hope not too long!

Click here to see our comments on the new British Standard.