Peterborough is situated between two river catchments and within three geological zones. To the west, there are rolling hills with free-draining soils over limestone. North and east, you'll find low-lying Fens. The south is mainly clay. The River Welland flows west to east across the north. Meanwhile, the River Nene cuts through the city, also heading east.
SuDS solutions in Peterborough?
Every development has unique needs, leading to various solutions. By understanding Peterborough City Council's SuDS priorities, we can ensure solutions are suitable.
Our priorities
- Enable growth in a sustainable manner
- Ensure runoff from developments replicates nature
- Minimise and reduce flood risk
- Avoid the burdens of expensive maintenance
- Create habitat and protect the natural environment
The versatility of proven SuDS techniques means that there will be a suitable solution for any situation that is encountered.
Choosing the right SuDS for Peterborough
SuDS include tried-and-tested methods used in projects across the UK. They are affordable and suitable for various schemes. This includes small projects to large residential, leisure, commercial, or industrial ones with significant hard surfaces and roofs. They can also be successfully retro-fitted to existing developments.
Developers must consider Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) early in site evaluations and planning. This also extends into the detailed design stage. First, developers should investigate the site's soil, geology, and water conditions. The ground survey is critical for determining the best SuDS system.
SuDS team and services
Peterborough City Council’s Sustainable Drainage Team has a diverse background. We’ve worked with national government on the implementation of SuDS, were part of the Project Steering Group for the new SuDS Manual C753 and are helping other authorities understand and achieve their responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
This variety of experience allows us to provide the following services to both the private and public sectors:
- Assessing Land Drainage Consent applications
- Drainage and Flood Risk advice as a consultee to the Local Planning Authority
- Technical vetting of drainage systems
- Construction and maintenance inspections
- Planning and delivering civil engineering schemes
- Delivery of training for Lead Local Flood Authority and/or Local Planning Authority on SuDS and Schedule 3 of the FWMA
- Delivery of strategies and policies
These services can be tailored to suite the customers’ requirements with any inquiries being directed to drainage@peterborough.gov.uk or 01733 747474.
Public Sector Services
In the public sector we are currently providing Lead Local Flood Authority services to Rutland County Council and Luton Borough Council, as well as SuDS planning advice to several Local Planning Authorities.
Pre-application Advice
We offer pre-application advice along with our planning team. Please visit the Council’s Planning pre-application advice page for further information.