The Environment Agency’s latest data suggests that 4.6 million properties across England are at risk of surface water flooding as climate change rainfall and increased building development threaten our existing drainage systems.
With the Government’s plan for 1.5 million new homes by 2029 well underway, there is more pressure on our drainage than ever before, making the need for sustainable surfacing not just an ethical choice but a necessity for developers.
Here, Director at HMS Decorative Surfacing, Laura Wilson, explains the benefits of using sustainable and eco-friendly surfacing materials and how SuDS compliance can help speed up the planning process.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and Compliance
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to minimise pollution caused by urban runoff, reduce pressure on antiquated drainage infrastructure, and minimise surface water and flood risks by mimicking natural infiltration.
With the UK housing crisis demanding extensive construction in the coming years, the pressure on our drainage systems will be immense, evident in recent flash flooding across the country.
These factors are leading to a growth in sustainable surfacing options with Housebuilders, Architects and Civil Engineers looking to incorporate permeable materials, such as resin-bound paving, into their developments to stay SuDS-compliant.
Resin-bound paving is a permeable solution ideal for driveways and paths in housing developments. It handles moderate vehicles and heavy foot traffic while reducing surface runoff linked to flash flooding. Its air circulation properties also minimise urban heat build-up and regulate temperatures.
Paving versatility
But it’s not just extra housing creating a surge in urbanisation.
Local Authority-backed community development projects have increased the demand for non-slip surfacing to create safe and attractive community areas and walkways.
So, how do we ensure these spaces are also SuDS-compliant and eco-friendly?
A prime example is the project converting the former Derbyshire railway line from Little Eaton to Rawson Green into a Greenway. The development will create a green travel route, improve biodiversity within the wildlife corridor and reduce the flood risk with specialist Decra®Flex paving.
Decra®Flex surfacing is the latest eco-friendly paving solution, which combines the flexibility of recycled rubber, mostly from used tyres, with the strength and durability of UK-sourced aggregates and high-tensile resin.
What’s more, Decra®Flex is perfect for loose stone substrates, requiring no supporting edge and minimal preparation, making it ideal for no-dig specifications and root preservation.
Decra®Flex not only reduces landfill waste but also helps prevent flooding by allowing water to permeate and flow into rivers and streams at a slower pace. Its porous and flexible nature makes it a favourite of city planners for tree pits and paths, as it absorbs impact and lowers injury risks while jogging, walking and cycling.
Sustainability and Planning
With pressure on our waterways growing and concerns about floods building, SuDS-compliant paving is now a must for Housebuilders, Architects and Civil Engineers looking to secure planning permission.
By incorporating eco-friendly surfacing into the planning process, developers can demonstrate compliance and speed up their applications while helping to create more sustainable, biodiverse and attractive environments for people to live and socialise in.
