Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will become mandatory for new property developments in Wales from next year, following regulations introduced by the Welsh Government. As part of the regulations, ‘SuDS Approving Bodies’ or ‘SABs’ will be set up within every local authority to approve drainage plans. The SAB or local planning authorities will have powers to […]
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has accused Ministers of “dragging their feet” on action to protect people from heatwaves and is calling on the Government to do more. The Committee was commenting on the Government’s response to its report – Heatwaves: adapting to climate change – published in July warning that there will be 7,000 […]
The Environment Agency’s head honcho has warned that the UK’s biggest flood risk, surface water, is growing. Reported in Water Briefing, Sir James Bevan told delegates at the CIWEM Surface Water Management Conference that surface water flooding threatens more people and properties than any other form of flood risk. Over 3 million properties in England […]
Alastair Chisholm – We welcome the Government recognition of the issues around SuDS. Local Authority resources are stretched and developer understanding of multiple benefits is low. CIWEM believe we need stronger government guidance for real progress by developers not least on understanding the multifunctional benefits. We can’t rely on industry groups alone – see our […]