Training and Continuous Personal Development

Page updated: 23/05/2023

On the 20th and 21st April, CCC hosted a sustainable drainage training event, which was delivered by Bob Bray of Bob Bray Associates. An initial one-day event proved so popular that a second day was scheduled and delivered. Over 50 delegates attended over the two days, which was attended by a mix of both internal CCC staff and external planning consultants and agents, and the feedback we have received was extremely positive. The event was 100% funded by CCC’s Enabling Natural resources and Well-being (ENRAW) grant, from Welsh Government, and organised by the Rural Conservation Section with help from Flood Defence.

Sustainable drainage is now a legal requirement on all new developments greater than 100m2 and CCC has a legal requirement to adopt the SuDS systems that serve more than one dwelling. Sustainable drainage or SuDS is not a new concept and seeks to move away from conventional underground pipes and storage and have water managed at source, on the surface in areas that will serve to provide multiple benefits to our communities and the public realm. More information on this is available on our web site at Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).

The training highlighted how well-designed SuDS should deliver multiple benefits, not only drainage solutions. Consistent with best practice SuDs should create attractive open spaces which people can enjoy and habitats that will be valuable for nature. They can contribute to the principle of Place-making and should play a part in the provision of both green and blue infrastructure.

We look forward to receiving well designed SuDS schemes from those who attended the event, and we will be well placed to identify how SuDS scheme should be improved to deliver more for people and more for biodiversity.