Preparing for Schedule 3 in England
The English new build market could witness significant changes with the implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England. Already deployed in Wales since 2019, it will require the inclusion of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in new developments. Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) is committed to implementing Schedule 3 in 2024. CIRIA is preparing for this change through new and updated guidance documents (including the SuDS Manual) to support the construction industry, please get in touch if you would like to be involved.
Learning from Wales, the implementation of Schedule 3 will become a pivotal shift making SuDS a mandatory element in construction practices, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. Stakeholders in the new build market should stay informed about developments in this area as discussions and decisions progress. Please refer to Defra for the latest updates and information on the implementation of Schedule 3 in England.