Have your say on the new SuDS approval process in Wales.
In my post dated June 2017 I provided information on the Welsh Government consultation on implementing a requirement for SuDS in all new developments through Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Since then, there has been further progress, which I explain below.
A summary of the replies to the June consultation has now been published, along with the Welsh Government’s response. These can be viewed here. The responses were generally supportive of our proposals, whilst acknowledging the challenges in introducing Schedule 3.
At the same time, the Welsh Government launched a further consultation which considers the details of implementation. This consultation includes four statutory instruments which outline details of the application process, fees, offence provisions and related matters. In addition, we are seeking views on the voluntary standards published in January 2016, as these will now become statutory. The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs issued a Written Statement which accompanied the consultation. This stated that, subject to the outcome of the further consultation, we expect to introduce the legislation into the Assembly in May 2018, with a view to it coming into force within six months.
As part of the consultation, we will host three workshops in venues across Wales early in February 2018 to discuss our proposals in detail and to consider the associated guidance.
These will be on:
9 Feb – National Botanical Gardens, Carmarthen
12 Feb – Welsh Government Offices, Llandudno Junction
13 Feb – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Space will be limited. To register an interest, please e-mail water@gov.wales stating preferred date/venue.
We are also working with our SuDS Advisory Panel to develop guidance on implementation for local authorities and developers. The Panel is also considering related communications, training and educational requirements. A training package for local authority members and staff, as well as developers and their agents, is being developed to help prepare for implementation.
The consultation package can be viewed here and includes the draft Statutory Instruments and the Standards for Sustainable Drainage.
The closing date for comments is 15 February 2018 – we’d like to hear your views.
Phil Chatfield, Welsh Government
Tags: SuDS policy