Protecting SuDS During Construction 

Good design can be undermined if soil, planting, drainage layers or connections are damaged during construction. This page provides practical design guidance to help protect the SuDS features shown in the approved proposals. It does not replace approved construction details, planning conditions or evidence required by the Lead Local Flood Authority. 

Before construction 

  • Identify SuDS and planting areas that need protection on site plans and construction information. 

  • Coordinate landscape, drainage, highways and utilities drawings, including below-ground elements. 

  • Plan access, haul routes, phasing and material storage to reduce the risk of compaction and damage. 

  • Confirm how soil and planted SuDS areas will be protected during the works. 

During construction 

  • Keep heavy machinery and repeated traffic away from protected SuDS areas where practicable. 

  • Protect stored soil and prepared soil profiles from compaction and contamination. 

  • Keep SuDS inlets and connections clear of construction materials. 

  • Use the soil, planting and construction build-ups shown in the approved design. 

  • Maintain planting, including irrigation where required, until handover or adoption. 

Before handover 

  • Remove construction materials and clear any blockages affecting SuDS features. 

  • Check that planting is established and that the visible features accord with the approved design. 

  • Confirm the arrangements for ongoing management and maintenance. 

Technical requirements:

Applicants must also comply with relevant planning conditions and the Lead Local Flood Authority’s requirements for technical drainage design, construction evidence and verification.