New SuDS Evaluation training
Louise Walker, CIRIA SuDS lead discusses how CIRIA's new training can support the delivery of high-quality Suds that deliver multiple benefits.
Having recently completed our newest CPD training course in SuDS evaluation I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who needs to know:
• what makes a good sustainable drainage system (SuDS)
• if a proposed new development is following good practice for SuDS
• that the most has been made of opportunities for good SuDS within planning applications
Our trainers are SuDS specialists, but they also know about the planning system across the UK including the role of lead local flood authorities, local planning authorities and SABs, the different challenges of single and two-tier authorities and the many challenges of assessing planning applications.
CIRIA’s SuDS evaluation training is designed to support the delivery of high-quality SuDS that deliver multiple benefits. The training is consistent with the CIRIA SuDS Manual but recognises that there may be other local approaches and policy influencing evaluation and SuDS outcomes.
Way too often ‘pipe to tank’ and ‘pipe to pond’ SuDS schemes are still being approved. While these comply with the Non-statutory Technical Standards (NSTS) for SuDS they do not represent good practice. They miss so many of the opportunities for great place making that SuDS can provide – many of which will be requested anyway within local planning policy.
Well planned SuDS can help deliver targets for biodiversity, habitat improvement and connectivity, they can double up as amenity space and hugely improve the quality of water running off the development. They can help reduce the local temperature in summer and provide beautiful spaces for relaxation or exercise.
Our trainers are recognised SuDS experts with long experience of the delivery and evaluation of SuDS in a variety of contexts and locations. They are very happy to discuss particular challenges and they share many examples of SuDS schemes both good and bad. They advise what to look out for in a planning application, how to challenge poor practice and they explain what figures used mean and show how to tell if they are likely to be correct. This course equips you with the tools to recognise plans for good, multi-beneficial SuDS and to challenge developers and designers to deliver better places.
The course includes:
• SuDS and planning -how to encourage better designs.
• Aspirations for SuDS – what good SuDS look like.
• Myths and legends – how to respond to sceptics and recognise common mistakes
• The opportunity of pre-application – the importance of early discussion.
• The four pillars of SuDS – water quantity, water quality, amenity and biodiversity
• Group sessions – working through real world examples
• Discussion – the opportunity to raise queries and share experiences
I found this interactive course very enlightening. It was great to hear from other delegates what their issues are and to get the advice from the trainers about how to handle them.
To find out more and to book visit www.ciria.org/training.