Need a SuDS report for your planning application, or to discharge a planning condition relating to surface water management and SuDS? Nimbus Engineering provides fast, professional SuDS Reports, SuDS Assessments, and Drainage Strategy Reports across the UK.
A SuDS Report (Sustainable Drainage Systems Report) is a technical document required by local planning authorities to demonstrate how surface water runoff from a new development will be managed sustainably. Also known as a SuDS Assessment, Drainage Strategy Report, or Surface Water Management Plan, it is a mandatory requirement for virtually all new developments in the UK.
A professionally prepared SuDS Report demonstrates that your development will not increase flood risk, will manage surface water at source, and will comply with national and local planning policies — including the requirements of the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).
At Nimbus Engineering Consultants, we have over 16 years of experience preparing SuDS Reports that secure planning approval first time. Our team works with Local Planning Authorities and LLFAs across the UK, giving us a clear understanding of their specific requirements.
Planning applications for new developments in England and Wales are unlikely to be approved without a compliant SuDS Report. Local authorities require evidence that surface water will be managed sustainably, protecting both the development and surrounding areas from flooding.
A SuDS Report is typically required when:
Every SuDS Report we prepare is tailored to your specific site and the requirements of your local authority, however can include:
Greenfield runoff rate calculations to determine required discharge rates and attenuation volumes for your SuDS scheme.
Detailed SuDS design showing proposed drainage features including permeable paving, soakaways, swales, attenuation tanks, and rain gardens.
Attenuation storage calculations, flow control sizing, and hydraulic modelling for storm events up to 1 in 100 year + climate change.
Surface water exceedance plans showing safe overland flow routes for extreme rainfall events beyond the design capacity.
SuDS treatment train assessment demonstrating adequate water quality treatment before discharge, as required by the LLFA.
Full compliance assessment against local authority SuDS requirements, National Planning Policy Framework, and the SuDS Manual (CIRIA C753).
From initial enquiry to planning approval — here's how we deliver your SuDS Report.
Send us your site plans and planning requirements. We'll review them and provide a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
We assess flood risk, soil conditions, existing drainage, and local authority requirements to determine the optimal SuDS strategy.
We prepare a comprehensive SuDS Report with runoff calculations, SuDS design drawings, and full compliance documentation.
We liaise directly with the LLFA on your behalf, addressing any queries and ensuring your SuDS Report achieves approval.
We provide the full range of civil and environmental engineering services to support your development.
Combined FRA and SuDS Reports for developments in flood zones or sites requiring both assessments. One document, one fee.
On-site infiltration testing to determine if soakaways are suitable for your SuDS scheme. Essential for many SuDS designs.
Detailed below ground foul and surface water drainage designs for Building Regulations and construction.
Complete foul water drainage designs to support your development through Building Regulations approval.
Site levels, hard landscaping, road design, and car parking layouts coordinated with your drainage strategy.
Full planning support including drainage conditions discharge, LLFA liaison, and technical revisions.
A selection of SuDS Reports we've delivered for clients across the UK.
A SuDS Report (Sustainable Drainage Systems Report) is a technical document required by local authorities to demonstrate how surface water runoff from a new development will be managed sustainably. It includes runoff calculations, proposed drainage strategy, SuDS design details, and demonstrates compliance with national and local planning policies.
Yes, in most cases. A SuDS Report is a mandatory requirement for virtually all new developments across England and Wales. Your Local Planning Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority will typically require a SuDS Report before a planning application can be validated or approved. Even small extensions and single dwellings may need one.
The cost of a SuDS Report depends on the size and complexity of the development. Small residential projects typically start from a few hundred pounds, while larger commercial schemes cost more. We provide free, no-obligation quotes — contact us with your site plans for a tailored price.
A straightforward residential SuDS Report can typically be completed within 1-2 weeks. Larger or more complex schemes may take 2-4 weeks. We also offer fast-track services for urgent planning deadlines — just let us know your timescale.
Yes. A combined Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and SuDS Report is a common and cost-effective approach. This single document addresses both flood risk and surface water drainage management, meeting the requirements of both the planning authority and the LLFA.
We provide SuDS Reports across the entire UK, including London, the South East, South West, Midlands, North of England, Scotland, and Wales. The majority of our SuDS Report work is desktop-based, so we can work nationwide efficiently and cost-effectively.
The terms are often used interchangeably. A SuDS Report focuses specifically on sustainable drainage methods, while a Drainage Strategy may cover the broader drainage design including foul water. In practice, most local authorities accept either term for the same document. We ensure your report meets requirements regardless of what it's called.
Yes, in many cases. Even if the total impermeable area hasn't increased, many LLFAs still require a SuDS Report to demonstrate that surface water is being managed sustainably. The requirement applies to the development as a whole, not just the change in impermeable area. Read our full guide on this topic.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our expert team. Over 90% of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals — there's a reason our clients keep coming back.
Get Your Free SuDS Report QuoteOr call us on 0800 061 4916