We know that architects and housing developers are under pressure to deliver sites that work on paper and on the ground. Planning conditions are tighter, rainfall patterns are less predictable, and space is always at a premium.  In that context, surface water can become the hidden programme risk. If the drainage strategy is treated as a late-stage technical add-on, it can force redesign, reduce net developable area, or trigger delays while details are reworked. A systems appr

Green roofs, sometimes called living roofs, are more than a nice architectural feature. Done properly, they can become a practical part of your surface water strategy. They help slow down runoff, reduce pressure on drains, and support planning approval where SuDS is expected. This article explains what green roofs do, where they fit in a drainage design, and what you need to think about before you commit. What is a green roof? A green roof is a roof surface that includes a gr

If the past couple of weeks have shown anything, it is that the South of England can swing quickly from worrying about surface water and flooding to worrying about water shortages. In Kent and Sussex alone, a major incident was declared as tens of thousands of properties were left without a proper water supply for days. Reports pointed to freeze thaw conditions causing bursts and leaks, disruption to treatment during Storm Goretti, and inconsistent bulk supply from a neighbou