After 10 years of confusion over Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), 2015 saw an amendment in the Flood and Water Management Act of 2010 requiring the implementation of sustainable drainage systems in all major developments of 10 dwellings or more. That means on all new building and home improvement projects, the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable drainage system lies with the planning authorities, designers and developers.
But most driveway companies have been slow to move on the legislation, or in some cases have ignored it altogether.
Not so for the New Driveway Company, the fast-growing driveway and hard landscaping company that’s currently franchising across theUK.
Managing Director Darren Field explains:
“The driveway to your home has traditionally been made of non-permeable materials, and it’s surprising that a lot of driveway companies don’t offer permeable alternatives to comply with the law. As well as falling short legally, you’re missing out on a number of life-impacting benefits.”
“A sustainable drainage system lowers the risk of local, river and sewer flooding; events made more likely by the growing climate change. SUDS also encourage biodiversity by protecting habitats, and they can also impact our health by decreasing air and water pollution. A reduced amount of water flowing into combined sewer systems means less water treatment costs, and less energy usage from wastewater pumps in treatment plants; the list goes on. It is undeniable that this legislation promotes prosperity environmentally, aesthetically, socially and economically. “
“That’s why we’ve been ahead of the curve on SUDS. We adopted it from day one when we started in 2012. We think it’s imperative to offer not just one, but a number of different permeable options. All of the surfaces we supply and install – gravel, block paving, resin-bonded gravel, composite decking and artificial grass – are fully compliant with SUDS, ensuring that your surfaces don’t just look great, but are solid legally and ethically too”
More information at www.newdrivewaycompany.com