Drainage Strategies
At ME Consulting Engineers (MECE), we collaborate closely with architects, developers, and design teams to ensure that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are integrated from the earliest design stages. By identifying potential issues upfront, we often shape the development layout around the drainage system—allowing for significant cost savings, reduced abortive work, and faster planning approvals.
Our team brings regional expertise in drainage strategy and regulatory engagement across the UK, UAE, Qatar, and Africa. We ensure every strategy not only meets local planning and regulatory requirements but also considers long-term operation, maintenance, and infrastructure adoption.
Surface Water Drainage Strategies
A Surface Water Drainage Strategy demonstrates how surface water runoff will be managed to avoid increased flood risk on- or off-site, compared to pre-development (greenfield) conditions.
In the UK, following the introduction of Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) in 2015, drainage strategies must accompany planning applications for:
- Developments of 10 or more units, or
- Sites creating 1,000 sqm+ of impermeable area
These strategies must demonstrate how SuDS will be used in compliance with national planning policies (NPPF, PPG) unless proven inappropriate.
In the Middle East, particularly in Dubai and Qatar, regulatory bodies like Dubai Municipality and Ashghal require stormwater designs that handle 10-year or 25-year return period rainfall events and incorporate best-practice stormwater attenuation, dewatering, and non-disruptive methods (NDM) for deep networks.
In Africa, MECE ensures strategies are aligned with regional urban growth trends and infrastructure limitations, developing practical, locally appropriate designs that are also climate-resilient.
