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New drainage guidance for lawyers published

John_Bates [1]

John Bates, Old Square Chambers

New guidance is released today for lawyers on drainage requirements for new build developments.

Local Authorities are implementing stricter planning controls in favour of more sustainable drainage due, in part, to the challenges presented by climate change

The guidance has been prepared by the highly respected barrister and author of “Water and Drainage Law”, John Bates, of Old Square Chambers. Mr. Bates’ guidance note examines how, with the prioritisation now given to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), lawyers have to do more to satisfy their duty of care to clients.

Lawyers need to advise clients how SuDS might impact their development sites and give rise to long-term management responsibilities

Mr. Bates advises lawyers that there is a presumption in favour of SuDS for development and that SuDS are the preferred approach to managing surface water runoff, adding:

Lawyers should commission a pre-application SuDS report to ascertain whether SuDS are appropriate or not, because this has important legal repercussions for your client.”

Other key points from the Guidance include:

The Guidance is available for download at GeoSmart Information’s website here [2].

Understanding the Guidance – Seminar Announced

Recognising the significance of the Guidance, GeoSmart Information is hosting a breakfast seminar for property and planning lawyers at Salters Hall on Thursday 9 June.

John Bates, together with environmental lawyers and drainage experts will explain how Authorities are prioritising SuDS within their planning controls, explain the Guidance Note and discuss what this means in practice for lawyers and their clients.

More information on the event here [3].