Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
Councils are adopting new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems and integrating them into development plans.
Barnet Council's Cabinet adopted new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in September 2026, aiming to enhance flood risk management and water quality by aligning with updated guidance from Defra. Also in September 2026, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee approved a masterplan for ecological improvements, which includes the establishment of SuDS, funded by HS2.
The adoption of new SuDS standards by Barnet Council followed an endorsement by its Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee in September 2026. Looking ahead, Waltham Forest Council has an Executive Decision meeting scheduled for October 2026 where Sustainable Drainage Systems are on the agenda for discussion.
Sustainable Drainage Systems are designed to manage surface water runoff in a more sustainable way, mimicking natural processes to reduce flood risk and improve water quality. In September 2025, Westminster Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development approved an investment of £1.6 million for SuDS for the 2025/26 financial year.
Key facts
- Barnet Council's Cabinet adopted new national SuDS standards on September 15, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee approved a masterplan including SuDS on September 23, 2026. Source
- The 2025 National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems were published by Defra in July 2025. Source
- Westminster Council's Cabinet Member approved a £1.6 million investment in SuDS for 2025/26 in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.