The Discovery Call
We're really looking forward to chatting with you about your upcoming project and how we can help with the drainage design part of it.
This call is like a friendly chat to work out what you need and make sure our drainage design fits perfectly with your plans. We want to know all about your project – how big it is, what you're aiming for, and any special things you have in mind.
This helps us understand what challenges we need to tackle with the drainage design.
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Your opinion is super important!
We want to hear what you want, what worries you, and anything specific you have in mind for the drainage design.
Let's talk about how much you want to spend and when you need everything to be done.
This way, our drainage design not only works well but also fits your budget and timeline.
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This call is like the starting point of our teamwork.
We're excited to learn more about your project and show you how our drainage design can make things awesome.
Satisfaction guaranteed
Fully qualified
Approval from local authorities
Estimates & proposals
We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier drainage design solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each project.
Our comprehensive drainage design estimate outlines all the essential components and services required to ensure effective and sustainable water management for your project.
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As your dedicated drainage design consultant, we want you to have a clear understanding of what is included in our proposal and what is not included.
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We also want you to understand what assumptions we have made, so that you can be sure that everything is covered.
Our proposal includes a transparent breakdown of the cost for each activity we propose to carry out.
We also provide a realistic timeline for project completion, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the project's scope and duration.
Gaining Local Authority approval
As your drainage engineers, we understand that complying with the Local Authority standards and constraints is fundamental to designing effective and compliant drainage systems.
The process involves a series of steps to gather information, communicate with relevant authorities, and ensure that the proposed design aligns with local regulations.
Here's a detailed description of the process:
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Identify the relevant Local Authority:
We begin by determining the specific Local Authority or authorities governing the project site.
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Research Applicable Standards and Regulations:
We thoroughly research and collect information on the current standards, regulations, and guidelines related to drainage within the Local Authority.
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Pre-Application consents:
If required, we will submit a pre-application consent to outline our proposed drainage design. We use this opportunity to present initial concepts, seek feedback on potential constraints, and gain insights into the Authority's expectations. This proactive approach can help anticipate issues and streamline the design process.​
Site surveys
Conducting site surveys provides us with a holistic view of the project site, enabling us to develop an effective and resilient drainage solution that meets the Local Authority Standards and the unique challenges of your site. The surveys that may be required are:
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A topographical survey to understand the site's natural features, elevation changes, and surface
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A CCTV survey of Existing Drainage Network in order to assess the condition of the current drainage network and identify defects or blockages
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Ground Penetrating Radar Survey in order to locate the exact position of underground pipes and chambers
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A manual site survey to obtain accurate data on the depth and configuration of existing drainage pipes This involves lifting manhole covers in order to measure the invert levels and determine the slope and direction of flow
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​An infiltration test to BRE 365 to assess the permeability of the soil and determine its ability to absorb surface water. This involves excavating a test pit in a suitable area and filling it with water in order to monitor the rate of absorption into the soil
The discharge consent
The process of obtaining the formal drainage discharge consent is the last step in the drainage design process. Typically, we will have liaised with yourselves and agreed a drainage design strategy with the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA). We will have carried out the detailed design process, produced detailed drawings and carried out the design simulations using Causeway Flow.
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We will prepare comprehensive documentation outlining the drainage design, including technical details and plans. This documentation will be submitted to the LLFA as part of the application for drainage discharge consent.
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The LLFA typically requires a fee to process the drainage discharge consent application. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with reviewing and approving the proposed drainage design. We will ensure that the required fee is submitted along with the application to facilitate the processing of the consent application.
Post LLFA review
Upon receiving the application and fee, the LLFA will review the proposed drainage design in detail. This involves assessing its compliance with local regulations and its potential impact on flood risk. The formal approval process may take up to 21 days, during which the LLFA will thoroughly evaluate the submitted documentation.
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After the review period, the LLFA will either grant formal approval for the drainage discharge consent if the design meets the necessary criteria, or they may provide feedback and request modifications to address any concerns.
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Once formal approval is granted, you will receive official documentation acknowledging the consent. It's important to note that a contractor cannot discharge to a watercourse or connect to a sewer until this formal approval is obtained. Strict adherence to these restrictions is crucial to ensure compliance with local regulations and environment.
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With the drainage discharge consent in hand, the approved drainage design can be implemented according to the specifications outlined in the consent documentation. This includes the construction and installation of the drainage system in accordance with the approved plans.
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By following these steps and collaborating with the LLFA, the drainage discharge consent process can be carried out efficiently and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
The drainage strategy
Local Lead Flood Authorities (LLFAs) insist on a drainage strategy document for several important reasons.
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Compliance with local regulations and national policies is a paramount reason for the insistence on a drainage strategy document. LLFAs are responsible for managing flood risk in their respective areas, and a drainage strategy serves as evidence that developments adhere to established guidelines. This compliance ensures that drainage systems are designed and implemented in a way that minimises the risk of flooding and follows legal requirements.
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LLFAs are increasingly focused on sustainable water management practices. A drainage strategy document outlines measures to incorporate green infrastructure, such as permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
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In summary, the Local Lead Flood Authorities insist on a drainage strategy document to ensure that development is conducted in a way that minimizes flood risk, complies with regulations, and promotes sustainable and resilient water management practices. ​We will write the drainage strategy document, in consultation with yourselves, and agree the principles of the design with the LLFA. This ensures that you can have full confidence in the drainage design being accepted by the LLFA.
What our customers say about us
"The Drainage Designers worked with us on a number of projects in London. Martin and his team were very helpful and professional on all projects. They have always supported us and our clients to a very high standard and deliver on sometimes very tight timescales."