Information for Planners and Developers
This page outlines our requirements for the submission of drainage strategies as part of planning applications.
Local planning authorities (LPAs) and developers should read the documents on this page before submitting an application or requesting information from the lead local flood authority (LLFA).
SuDS handbook
Since April 2015 we are required to provide technical advice on the surface water drainage strategies and designs put forward for new major developments.
This advice is provided to local planning authorities who then determine planning permission. We have produced more detailed local guidance for developers and local planning authorities to supplement the national guidance available.
Our new handbook explains the local planning process, provides Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) design guidance and standards, and states our requirements for drainage strategies supporting major developments.
Please refer to the SuDS handbook for guidance on our SuDS standards and the information we require to demonstrate that these have been met.
Appendix A and appendix C (618KB) should be completed and submitted with the planning application.
The consultation for the SuDS Handbook was undertaken by us in accordance with how a supplementary planning document would be consulted on in the revised statement of community involvement (SCI).
The consultation statement below sets out how the consultation on the SuDS handbook met the requirements of the SCI in consulting relevant organisations and people. The consultation was only run for the Staffordshire version.
Staffordshire County Council consulted on the SuDS Handbook for a total of eight weeks between 30 August 2016 and 28 October 2016.
Proforma for small residential major development
For proposed development of area less than 1 hectare and within flood zone 1 where no surface water constraints are shown, the proforma below should be completed and submitted as part of the planning application.
This will allow LPAs to assess applications more efficiently and ensure that flood risk is not increased and, where possible, is reduced.
Household and minor extensions
If proposed development is for domestic extensions and non-domestic extensions where the additional footprint created by the development does not exceed 250 sq. metres, our extensions guidance on the document below should be followed.
It should not be applied if an additional dwelling is being created, e.g. a self-contained 'granny annex'.
Standing advice
Where a proposed development does not reach the consultation criteria, the local planning authority can apply our standing advice as appropriate.
Please note that the documents on this page are subject to review and should be checked regularly to ensure efficient processing of planning consultations and that best practice is applied.
Pre-application advice
The flood team provides a pre-application advice service for developments within Staffordshire. This is accessed through our online payment system. Please see below for details of the services we offer.
| Product | Description | Fee | What we need from you |
|---|
|
Flood risk data request
|
A site check based on our analysis and interpretation of mapped data, with additional local knowledge where available*.
|
£180 + VAT
|
- File to show the site location plan (1:1250) with site boundary indicated in red
- Description of proposed scheme
|
|
Review of draft drainage strategy
(small development, up to 200 houses)
|
Review of draft FRA/Drainage Strategy for smaller developments*.
Includes one meeting, initial discussions and comments on minor changes #.
|
£360 + VAT
|
- Drainage strategy /flood risk assessment with relevant appendices
- Staffordshire SuDS handbook (Appendix A)
- Staffordshire SuDS handbook (Appendix C if relevant)
|
|
Review of draft drainage strategy
(large development; 200+ houses)
|
Review of draft FRA/Drainage Strategy for larger developments*
Includes one meeting, initial discussions and comments on minor changes #.
|
£840 + VAT
|
- Drainage strategy / flood risk assessment with relevant appendices
- Staffordshire SuDS handbook (Appendix A)
- Staffordshire SuDS handbook (Appendix C if relevant)
- Phasing schedule for larger sites with multiple phases and shared drainage infrastructure (if required)
|
Notes
* A written response given within 15 working days of receipt of all the information to process your request, dependent upon the level of detail you have provided.
# Site visits are charged at an additional cost of £150+VAT per visit.
We reserve the right to charge again should the drainage strategy be resubmitted with major changes following initial comments or should we be re-consulted more than once.
To request pre-application advice, please place an order using the developer advice online form.
Please note that the documents on this page are subject to review and should be checked regularly to ensure efficient processing of planning consultations and that best practice is applied.