In support of sustainable development

Essex County Council is committed to making our county a place which provides the best possible quality of life for all who live and work here. Making Essex more sustainable is an important part of supporting this vision and it is therefore implicit that new development should incorporate sustainability measures that help achieve this goal.

Appropriately designed, constructed and maintained SuDS support sustainable development through combining water management with green space with benefits for amenity, recreation and wildlife. SuDS are more sustainable than conventional surface water drainage methods as they can mitigate many of the adverse effects that stormwater run-off has on the environment. This can be achieved by:

• Reducing run-off rates, thereby lessening the risk of flooding downstream
• Minimising additional run-off emanating from urban development, which could exacerbate the risk of flooding and impair water quality
• Encouraging natural groundwater recharge (as appropriate) and so reduce the impact on aquifers and rivers.
• Reducing pollution risks associated with development
• Contributing to and enhancing the amenity and landscape of an area and to promoting community involvement and enjoyment
• Providing habitats for wildlife and opportunities for biodiversity enrichment.