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New Homes Week 2025
New Homes Week returned this year from Monday the 3rd to Sunday the 9th of February, focusing on community, the investment and sense of community new developments bring to an area. In this blog post we discuss the current legislation around new build homes and what could be improved in the sector.
- Houses
- Cloudburst
- Impermeable
Legislation and New Homes: How Rainwater Management Can Evolve
As concerns around climate change and urban flooding grow, rainwater management has become a critical issue for new homes and housing developments. New developments increase impermeable surfaces like concrete, preventing rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. This leads to issues such as surface water flooding and strained wastewater networks.
Yet, despite growing awareness, there remains much to be done in terms of legislation and practical implementation in the UK. Here's a look at the current state of affairs, areas for improvement, and lessons we can learn from other cities leading the way.
What’s the Current Situation in the UK?
In the UK, managing rainwater in new developments is governed by existing regulations such as the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the planning guidelines around Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). New development applications have to be approved by the local planning authority, which itself decides if a new build is affecting the wastewater capacity of the network. A local authority will not necessarily refuse an application based upon this as it's not a legal requirement, leaving it to their discretion.
SUDS
SuDS are designed to mimic natural drainage by slowing down surface water runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground or by slowing the flow into the drainage system. Currently, developers are encouraged to incorporate SuDS into their projects, but this is not yet a strict legal requirement. That could soon change, as the government plans to make SuDS mandatory for all new housing developments. This is a step in the right direction, but enforcement and proper maintenance of these systems will be key to ensuring long-term success.
What Could Be Improved?
While the upcoming mandatory SuDS legislation is promising, there are gaps that need addressing:
- Incentives for Developers
- Community Involvement
- Enforcement
More incentives could be provided to encourage developers to go beyond minimum requirements. Tax breaks or grants for implementing advanced rainwater capture systems such as greywater recycling reducing the amount of mains water required could be effective.
Beyond new builds, retrofitting existing urban areas with rainwater management solutions should also be prioritised. Local councils could collaborate with residents to install rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.
Ensuring that developers comply with rainwater management requirements is crucial. Local authorities need more resources to oversee the implementation and long-term maintenance of these systems.
Who’s Ahead of the Game?
Several cities around the world are already excelling in rainwater management, offering valuable insights for the UK:
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has been a pioneer in sustainable urban drainage. The city imposes rainwater fees based on the amount of impermeable surface area on a property. This encourages property owners to reduce runoff by installing rain gardens, green roofs, and other rainwater capture systems.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has taken a forward-thinking approach by redesigning public spaces to act as natural water catchment areas. The city’s Cloudburst Management Plan includes green infrastructure such as parks that double as stormwater reservoirs during heavy rainfall.
Both cities demonstrate how proactive legislation and innovative urban design can drastically reduce the risk of flooding while promoting water conservation.
Moving Forward
For the UK to truly get ahead in rainwater management, it will require more than just legislation. A cultural shift towards sustainable water use, better collaboration between developers and local authorities, and learning from international best practices will all play a role. What's clear is that implementing sustainable rainwater management in and around new housing is much easier and effective than retrofitting in already developed houses, we need to be proactive rather than reactive in managing rainwater.
With flooding risks only set to increase, now is the time for policymakers, developers, and communities to work together to create homes and cities that are not only resilient but also more water-conscious.