Surface Water Management Plans
For the likes of planners, developers and communities, surface water flooding is a growing concern. Without a proactive approach to it, surface water flood risk could cause costly delays, damage to property and planning rejections.
Both the Environment Agency (EA) and local flood authorities recommend that developments align with a strategy for managing flood risk and protecting water quality.
With a surface water management plan (SWMP), projects affected by a threat of flood risk can benefit from an outline of the total flood risk hazards, effective measures to deal with any concerns on the site, and steps that will help to secure planning approval.
What is a Surface Water Management Plan?
Usually shortened to SWMP, a surface water management plan is a type of document that identifies the source and impacts of surface water, including runoff from rainfall, overloaded drains and small watercourses. From there, it sets out practical steps to reduce or remove the risks affecting the specific location.
An SWMP plan combines all sorts of different information, such as a technical assessment, public engagement and collaboration between different partners, including developers, engineers, location councils and statutory agencies. The end result is a coordinated and deliverable solution that works for all involved parties.
When was the SWMP Introduced?
The concept of surface water management plans emerged in the late 2000s, acting as part of a nationwide push for better flood risk management.
After various cases of particularly extreme weather events, SWMPs were needed as a form of urban drainage solution that was more sustainable than the current methods.
What is the Purpose of an SWMP?
More than any other purpose, the main aim of surface water management plans is to provide a clear and evidence-based plan that allows multiple stakeholders across the planning process to co-ordinate respective resources and address local flood challenges.
Using an SWMP, the stakeholders will be able to make sure that all decision-making is informed, consistent and aligned with wider planning and environmental objectives.
Benefits of an SWMP
- Displaying a Prioritised Action Plan Ready for Implementation
- Improving Water Quality Through Better Runoff Control
- Setting Out Measures to Protect Infrastructure and Property
- Understanding Surface Water Behaviour on the Site
- Working Flood Risk Management Considerations Across Multiple Partners
SWMP in Construction and Planning
For developers, architects and other professionals involved in development, surface water management plans can effectively be the key to unlocking planning consent and avoiding costly redesigns.
It can demonstrate compliance with planning policies, provide reassurance to regulators and support sustainable design that meets both regulator and community expectations.
How Does an SWMP Work?
Working with Arbtech is a straightforward process, leading to an SWMP designed around your site and project. The steps include:
1. Evaluate Your Site and Risks
Reviewing existing drainage and flood data, and identifying issues such as surface water flooding and surface water flood risk.
2. Assess Local Conditions
Inspecting rainfall patterns, drainage systems and nearby small watercourses to locate hazards and opportunities.
3. Engage with Stakeholders
Handling public engagement where necessary and liaising with different partners, including planners, engineers and relevant organisations, such as the Environment Agency (EA).
4. Design Effective Measures
Recommending practical and cost-effective solutions for managing flood risk, protecting water quality and satisfying planning requirements.
5. Provide a Clear Action Plan
Creating a prioritised action plan to help with co-ordinating works with contractors, regulators and local flood authorities.
SWMP Regulations
Although an SWMP isn’t a legal requirement on every site and for every development, a large number of the local planning authorities across the country will request them for higher-risk areas.
The plan can then guarantee that the planning project aligns with local flood risk strategies, drainage design standards and the guidance of relevant organisations and regulators.
Reach Out for Surface Water Management Plan Guidance
At any point that you need expert support on surface water planning, Arbtech can provide clear and practical solutions to help with meeting regulatory expectations and keep your planning project moving forward.
Our process delivers an increased understanding of your site’s flood risk, whether it’s from surface water flooding, overloaded drainage systems or vulnerable catchments, giving you the tools for managing flood risk effectively.
Meeting the SWMP Requirements of Developers and Local Authorities
Our surface water management plan services specifically meet the exact needs of both developers and local authorities, as well as any other stakeholder in the planning process that has certain requirements.
From data collection and speaking with different people involved in the process to undertaking an assessment and delivering a plan, Arbtech handles everything.
All of the consultants in our team are experienced and understand various important elements, such as the complexities of planning policy, local drainage conditions and stakeholder expectations.
Each and every surface water management plan we produce is able to satisfy regulatory requirements while also meeting the fundamental objectives of your development scheme.
Arrange for a Quote on Your Site
For a compliant and actionable surface water management plan, speak to Arbtech and allow our team to put together a quote using the specifications of your site and the purpose of your project.
By contacting our team over email, phone or our website, you can receive a free quote for an SWMP. Then, just let us know if you’re happy with it, and we can choose a date to start helping you out.
