Not another suds question - Is it worth it

[Paul Miller]

I'm about to embark on a DIY project the block pave an 8 x 8 metre driveway/front garden. While I have always intended to install a SUDS, I'm now wondering if it is worth the effort & expense. The reason, (you have probably guessed) is heavy clay.

I have read the other threads and website about SUDS & clay, but what's the alternative. Is it to apply for planning premission to drain into the sewer?

However, what I pay for planning permission could have paid for my SUDS, so I may as well build it even if it doesn't work very well. I have found a place locally that is selling pre-wrapped Wavin attenuation chambers for £44 which seems a pretty good price. As I will need 4 of them, it's about the same price as planning permission.

But what's best to do ?

Can I build a SUDS and run an overflow pipe from it to the household drainage system without having to apply for planning permission?

Are there any other feasible alternatives given that my house is a semi detached on a housing estate with no open land or ditches to drain.

I want to do things correctly and would not consider just dumping my run-off to the road or sewer.

Any opinions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[lutonlagerlout]

i take it your drive falls towards the road paul?
if so install the acos and the crates and you have complied with this mind bogglingly inept legislation
i think i have said it before but less than .1 % of the uk is covered with domestic drives (probably less than that)
and they blame flooding on that
more like poor planning policy building new homes on flood plains

but as far as you are concerned ,do the suds photo it, and forget it
regards LLL

[Tony McC]

The simplest legislation-compliant option is to drain the drive into linear channel, which links into a single-cell storm crate soakaway with an overflow to the existing SW system of the property.

No need for PP, no need for 400mm digs and expensive CGA sub-base, no need for permeability tests.

Yes: it's wrong that such a solution is possible, but that's because the legislation was and is a bag o'shite. I'd be happier if there was a real push to promote genuine SUDS and Permeable Paving but the brain donors in the government prefer to listen to the chuffing RHS than the paving industry for advice on paving matters.

[Tony McC]

Incidentally, I have been asked to photo-document the installation of a system similar to that shown above by a certain manufacturer of storm crates.

Any contractor willing to be filmed/photo'd in return for free drainage kit should give me a shout asap.