Regulations for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) for new property developments in Wales have come into effect.
Regulations for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) for new property developments in Wales have come into effect.
Around 163,000 properties in Wales are at risk of surface water flooding. It has been estimated that using SuDs will reduce flood damage by up to 30 per cent.
Introduced by the Welsh Government, the regulations aim to help reduce flood risk and improve water quality, as well as help to ensure that environmental standards are maintained and improved post-Brexit.
The surrounding wildlife and biodiversity will benefit, while the level of pollution will be reduced on new housing developments owing to more effectively designed and constructed SuDs.
SuDs make use of the landscape and natural vegetation to control the flow of surface water to reduce the risk of flooding. Designs can include ponds, permeable paving and swales. Surface water run-off will be reduced too.
Environment secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on homeowners and it is important that every effort is made to protect houses and limit the damage caused by surface water flooding.
“Last year saw several instances of severe flooding in Wales, highlighting the importance of introducing measures to combat the challenges faced by climate change.
“We hope that these regulations will have a positive impact for future generations and help to ensure that Wales maintains its high environmental standards post-Brexit.”
