GCV Green Network
Connecting Our Quality Spaces

Increasing development and a wetter climate across Scotland’s urban environment have put pressure on existing drainage systems not designed to cope with the increased flow of water.

In recent years this has resulted in several high profile flooding events and consequently the creation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, or SUDS, must now be legally considered for new developments.

SUDS schemes however, can be costly engineered solutions which store water and release it slowly for example using an underground tank. Such solutions do not deliver the wider benefits more natural approaches to SUDS would such as:

• Increasing biodiversity
• Enhanced visual appeal
• Opportunities for recreation and education
• Lower costs

In addition, using natural features to filter water can help to remove some pollution.

The SUDS and the Green Network project aims to work with local authorities, statutory agencies and developers to produce innovative Concept Plans for six sites across the Glasgow & Clyde Valley area.

These plans will demonstrate the ability of more natural, well designed SUDS schemes to deliver the wider benefits outlined above.  The sites are:

• East Kilbride Community Growth Area (South Lanarkshire Council)
• Cowlairs and Pollokshaws (Glasgow City Council)
• Spateston, Boghead, Auchengreoch (Renfrewshire Council)

On completion, the Concept Plans will be disseminated as examples of good practice regionally and nationally in order to push up the quality of SUDS design.

The final report on SUDS and the Green Network is due for publication in June 2010.