SUDS Compliant Grid Pavers | Sustainable Urban Systems

Effective surface water management is becoming increasingly important as rainfall patterns change. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) provide a modern approach to managing runoff by mimicking natural processes. Instead of directing water straight into traditional drains, SuDS slow, store, and filter rainfall to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and support biodiversity.

Our guide explains what SuDS are, the legislation and policies that govern their use in the UK, and the different techniques available to help engineers, developers, and communities manage water more sustainably.

What are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are engineered systems designed to manage surface water runoff in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way than traditional drainage systems.

Instead of simply channelling rainwater into sewers, SuDS aim to:

Mimic natural drainage by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground (infiltration), be stored temporarily or permanently (retention), flow more slowly, or be used where possible.
Reduce flood risk by lowering peak flows and reducing strain on sewers and watercourses.
Improve water quality by filtering out pollutants before water reaches rivers, streams or groundwater.
Support biodiversity and amenity with solutions such as green roofs, swales and permeable surfaces providing habitats, and enhancing urban spaces.
Offer resilience which is especially important with our changing climate and more frequent or intense rainfall.

Types of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS manage rainfall as close as possible to where it lands. They capture, slow and store water at its source leading to a lower volume of water runoff, helping to prevent flooding or drainage issues in downstream areas.

There are typically, three techniques to source control:

Infiltration – Rainwater is encouraged to soak into the ground, filtering through the soil before replenishing the natural water table. This helps restore groundwater supplies while reducing surface runoff.

Retention – Runoff is held either temporarily or permanently in designated storage areas such as ponds, wetlands, or underground tanks. Stored water can then infiltrate slowly or be released in a controlled way to reduce flood risk.

Conveyance – Surface water is moved from one location to another, either through underground pipes or above-ground features. Vegetated channels, such as swales, are a common example, as they not only transport water but also slow flows and provide some natural treatment.

SuDS legislation and planning requirements in the UK

If you’re developing land, upgrading infrastructure, or designing parking and access areas, it’s essential to understand SuDS compliance requirements which is now well embedded in UK planning policy and regulation.

The adjacent table shows the key legal drivers and what they mean for any project requiring drainage solutions.

You can find more information on policy and legislation at:

Steps to help SuDS compliance

When specifying or designing drainage for a project, there are steps you can take to help ensure compliance, including:

Plan from the get-go
Factor SuDS into the early design stage so the layout, landscaping, surface water flows etc. support it.
Consider runoff destination and hierarchy
Aim for reuse and infiltration, then discharge to surface water bodies, then to surface water sewer, finally combined sewers.
Focus on hydraulic control and attenuation
Make sure peak flows are managed to avoid downstream flooding.
Plan for water quality treatment
Pollutants must be filtered, separated or treated before discharge.
Prioritise amenity and biodiversity
SuDS should contribute to biodiversity with greenery, habitats and visual appeal.
Ensure structural integrity and agree maintenance plans
Long-term performance is critical. Agree who owns, who maintains, who covers cost and owns access for example.
Familiarise yourself with regulatory compliance
Be aware of local standards/SPDs, SAB where relevant (especially in Wales), LLFA requirements, and national standards.

Why Sustainable Drainage Systems matter

Planning applications may be refused or delayed if surface water drainage is not properly addressed.
There may be legal / regulatory scrutiny (especially in areas with high flood risk or environmental sensitivity).
Poorly designed drainage can lead to flooding, pollution, damage, increased maintenance cost.
In some jurisdictions (Wales), non-statutory becomes statutory. Failing to comply can block or suspend works.

SuDS and our changing climate

With UK climate models predicting warmer, wetter winters and more intense rainfall, the role of SuDS in managing surface water has never been more important, reducing the risk of future flooding is paramount.

Traditional drainage networks were built to cope with historic weather patterns and are often outdated or undersized for today’s changing climate. This makes them increasingly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall. By contrast, well-designed SuDS are adaptable, scalable, and resilient, allowing engineers to increase drainage capacity and ensure developments remain protected against flooding in the decades ahead.

Sloping driveway photograph shows the pavers filled flush to the surface only. This newly constructed build-up accepts the rainfall rather than running off onto the pavement and highway.

Our SuDS compliant solutions

At Gridforce, we manufacture and supply a range of ground reinforcement grids, permeable paving, and related bespoke solutions that align with SuDS requirements.

Our products are used across the UK for driveways, car parks, access roads, pathways, industrial yards and landscaping projects.

Learn more about our market-leading products:

Explore our full range of products here

Why choose Gridforce SuDS products?

Gridforce SuDS systems are designed to combine structural performance with sustainable engineering. The range includes seven paver options, all manufactured from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This material offers a unique balance of high compressive strength with flexibility and resilience, enabling reliable performance across a wide spectrum of applications, from pedestrian pathways and car parks to emergency fire access routes and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) overrun areas.

In contrast to high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is more susceptible to brittleness and fracture at low temperatures, LDPE ensures long-term durability and resistance to environmental stress. This material advantage underpins our ability to provide a 10-year product guarantee as standard.

Gridforce systems also incorporate a proprietary lug and slot interlocking mechanism, which ensures that pavers remain securely connected. This eliminates the risk of lateral movement, maintains long-term stability under load, and mitigates the formation of trip hazards.

Our HL40 paver demonstrates the system’s engineering efficiency. At only 40mm deep, it delivers exceptional load-bearing capacity as one of the strongest interlocking pavers on the market. Its reduced depth minimises the volume of infill material required, whether gravel or suitably graded soil, which leads to lower installation costs and sustainable resource use.

A guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)