What are sustainable urban drainage systems
Sustainable drainage systems provide a sustainable approach to managing water. They aim to mimic the way water moves naturally in and around a green field site.
This differs from conventional drainage systems where rainwater runs quickly off hard surfaces, straight into drains and then into rivers, often carrying pollution with it. Sustainable drainage systems involve a range of techniques such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, permeable paving and landscape features such as ponds and raingardens.
Benefits
Sustainable drainage systems provide a range of benefits over conventional drainage systems:
- reduced flood risk
- improved water quality
- benefits for people and wildlife
Sustainable drainage systems techniques
A wide range of options can be used in Luton which include:
- living roofs
- rainwater harvesting
- permeable paving
- soft landscaping
Please refer to the Luton Design and Evaluation Guide for specific information on what sustainable drainage systems techniques we look for in Luton.
Read Luton Design and Evaluation Guide
Information for developers
We advise developers to complete the Surface Water Drainage Pro-forma for new developments and submit it to the Planning Authority.
This form is supported by Defra/EA guidance on Rainfall Runoff Management and uses the storage calculator on HR Wallingford. The pro-forma should be completed alongside other supporting sustainable drainage systems guidance.
We support sustainable drainage systems techniques being used on all new developments. It is also possible to retro-fit sustainable drainage systems into existing buildings.
Email: flooding@luton.gov.uk