en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Rivers Trust recently held a workshop under the Ofwat-funded "Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions" project framework. At the event, Minister Liz Kimmins announced the results of the public consultation and stated: "It is encouraging that the results of this public consultation strongly support my department's proposed policy direction to include nature-based sustainable drainage system features in new housing developments to manage rainwater on-site. Nature-based sustainable drainage features, such as swales, rain gardens, and detention basins, help to hold back, slow down, and clean rainwater before it enters rivers or sewers. They also deliver additional environmental and amenity benefits."

She further noted: "The widespread rollout of nature-based sustainable drainage systems will be an important measure in managing flood risk, limiting the impact of new developments on existing drainage networks across the region, and addressing the challenges of climate change."

The next steps will focus on developing the detailed regulatory arrangements needed to support the implementation of the nature-based sustainable drainage system policy proposals, with the relevant department planning to consult later this year on preferred options for design standards, adoption, maintenance, ownership, and funding.

Liz Kimmins concluded: "The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill that my department is progressing through the Assembly will help deliver better drainage infrastructure in the future. Integrating nature-based drainage solutions into future housing developments will help protect the water quality of our rivers and lakes, improve the performance of future sewage systems, and help reduce flood risk. This consultation has provided valuable evidence and insights, and I thank everyone who took the time to respond – this will help ensure that future policy on sustainable drainage systems in new housing developments is effective, practical, and meets the expectations of stakeholders."

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