GeoSmart Information Limited has today launched a new pre-application screening report to guide commercial property lawyers on the appropriateness and therefore likelihood that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will be required as part of the drainage strategy for any given site in the UK.
Since April 2015, SuDS are required for all new developments in England within areas affected by flooding and for all major developments in general.
Also, Lead Local Flood Authorities and Planning Authorities are implementing new requirements on sustainable drainage within planning applications.
Following new guidance by leading drainage barrister, John Bates from Old Square Chambers, commercial lawyers must now advise their client of the relevant planning conditions on SuDS and what scale of sustainable drainage it is appropriate for the site.
GeoSmart’s SuDSmart report supports commercial property lawyers’ compliance to the new Guidance on site suitability, identifying other potential risks and removes potential roadblocks at the planning stage and also highlight potential constraints during site acquisition due-diligence.
Built on GeoSmart’s innovative SuDS Infiltration Map (SD50), SuDSmart provides clear identification of the infiltration suitability (or drainage capacity) of the site, plus detailed location maps and aerial photography. The suitability rating also, crucially, accounts for groundwater flood risk, as well as potential pollution linkages and the ability to discharge to a surface water body or sewer.
“SuDSmart provides lawyers with clear answers on site conditions for SuDS to overcome potential hurdles and improve the efficiency of planning applications and due-diligence for their clients.” said Stuart Pearce, managing director, GeoSmart.
“Climate change and the need to balance development with effective local flood management are driving further planning changes that presumes in favour of SuDS. SuDSmart ensures lawyers maintain their Duty of Care while adding to the quality of their advice.”
Each report is backed by full professional indemnity cover and is meets the requirements set by the Search Code and Property Codes Compliance Board for complete peace of mind. For more information on the SuDSmart report, including sample reports visit www.geosmartinfo.co.uk/reports/sudsmart/sudsmart-standard.
