After being rejected by the Lib Dems in February, Katie resubmitted a motion on Sustanable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in new developments - and got it passed.  At its October meeting, the council unanimously voted to support Katie and called on the executive to:

• give serious consideration to maximising SUDS systems and permeable surfaces in all new developments
• to commit to not net loss of permeable surface in any new development
• to build an inventory of permeable surfaces across the borough.

The Green Party believes that such measures (and others, such as preserving mature trees) are vital if we are to avoid the effects of intensified rainfall patterns. These impacts include street flooding, and sewers backing up into homes and gardens as drains and seweres become overloaded. SUDS systems and permeable surfaces increase natural absorption, rather than downpours being forced by tarmac and concrete into the sewer system.

No other borough in the UK has such measures in place - and we are pressing the executive to ensure it adopts the council’s recommendation.