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Future Proofing Housing Developments for Wetter Winters: Effective Stormwater Management Solutions
The UK’s winters are undeniably wetter. Over the past few decades, winter rainfall has increased by around 14%, with areas like Scotland experiencing over 20% more rain than in the past. Four of the ten wettest winters on record have occurred since 2000.[1] These changes are putting significant pressure on development plans as weather extremes become the new normal.
Rainfall Impact on Housing Developments
Future-proofing housing developments is no longer optional. Increased rainfall means more runoff, greater flooding risks, and stricter regulatory demands. The Environment Agency reports that 6.3 million homes in England are currently at risk of flooding – a number projected to rise to 8 million by mid-century.[2] This is happening now and is reshaping how developments are planned, designed and built.
This highlights the urgent need for robust stormwater management solutions that meet today’s challenges while preparing for the future.
Future Proofing Housing Developments
To prevent long-term issues, developers are prioritising stormwater solutions at the earliest stages of their projects. Larger pipe sizes, increased drainage capacities and new products designed to handle extreme weather events are becoming standard. There is good news however, as there has been an increase in new products entering the market and due to the severity, they have been getting quicker approval, giving developers more options.
Getting the Best Stormwater Management
Effective stormwater management is at the heart of sustainable housing developments. Attenuation tanks, for example, collect excess rainwater during heavy downpours, releasing it gradually into drainage systems to reduce flooding risks. Pairing these tanks with flow control units helps regulate discharge rates, easing pressure on public drainage networks.
Innovations like permeable pipe systems are also playing an important role, reducing surface runoff by encouraging water to infiltrate the ground. This not only prevents flooding but also helps replenish groundwater supplies. Together, these systems are transforming how rainwater is managed, protecting both developments and the environment.
Adding to the complexity, stormwater management requirements differ across regions due to varying water board standards and approval processes. Developers must ensure their designs meet these regional guidelines while maintaining efficiency and long-term performance. This makes the choice of products and configurations even more important.
Expert Guidance from Plastech®
This is where Plastech® makes a difference. Developers can bring their site drawings to us for a detailed review. Our team evaluates designs, including flow control systems and attenuation tank layouts and provides tailored recommendations based on factors such as tank sizing, materials and ground conditions.
Why Plastech®?
As an independent supplier, Plastech® work with trusted manufacturers to provide reliable, high-quality solutions. Our team’s extensive product knowledge ensures that you have access to the best options available. By staying up to date with the latest regulations and industry trends, we help developers avoid compliance issues and deliver projects that are both efficient and future proof.
Don’t let stormwater management become an afterthought. Choose Plastech® for expert guidance, innovative products, and tailored solutions designed to tackle the challenges of wetter winters. Contact us today to see how we can support your next project.
