National Standards for Sustainable Drainage
On 19th June 2025 DEFRA published the new ‘National Standards for Sustainable Drainage (SuDS)’. These standards are intended to be used in the design of surface water drainage systems for all new infrastructure and development, whether on greenfield or brownfield sites.
These standards replace the ‘Non-Statutory Guidance for SuDS’ and immediately became a material planning consideration.
The National Standards for Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) promotes consistency of approach and helps ensure long-term performance and resilience. It incorporates seven (7) standards against which a drainage design will be considered.
East Sussex LLFA requires evidence that all new applications have taken into consideration the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage. It is recommended that a summary page is included within any drainage strategy which outlines how each standard has been addressed within the development of the design.