Lead local flood authority planning advice service for surface water and sustainable drainage

Applicants for planning permission can seek advice from the Lead Local Flood Authority regarding their major development proposals for surface water and sustainable drainage systems.

On 19 June 2025, the Government released a new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). From 1 November 2025, all new planning application consultations will be assessed using the new National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems.

The benefits to accessing Lead Local Flood Authority advice are:

• relevant, accurate up-to-date advice regarding surface water and sustainable drainage systems
• feedback on indicative proposals
• reduced likelihood of surface water and/or sustainable drainage issues that could potentially affect your application

When to access the service

You can access this service:

• before submitting any major planning application (including discharge of conditions)
• during the planning application process, for example, to seek advice on a development proposal which has received objection(s) on surface water and/or sustainable drainage grounds
• once you have planning permission and are ready to discharge conditions relating to surface water and/or sustainable drainage systems, including to seek advice about detailed drainage design of a major development following the grant of planning permission

How to apply for this service

You must complete an application form specifying the package you would like, along with the details requested and all supporting information.

Cost of the service

The cost of this service depends on the package you select along with any optional extras. You can find details of our fees and charges in our guidance notes and terms of service.

Please return your application to suds@lancashire.gov.uk.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are required on all planning applications in England in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Applicants should demonstrate compliance with the sustainable drainage requirements set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Consideration should also be given to relevant local planning policies for the Local Planning Authority area that your development is in.

Consideration should be given to other design requirements, such as from the Highway Authority and the relevant Water and Sewerage Company, in the design of your sustainable drainage system.  

Climate change allowances

Guidance on how the new climate change allowances are expected to be applied in Lancashire.