The Environment Agency:

• Prevents pollution;
• Controls flooding;
• Recharges groundwater;
• Enhances the environment.

The Community:

• Visual amenity;
• Agenda 21 and Biodiversity objectives;
• Social opportunity for wetland appreciation;
• Understanding of how drainage works.

Planning:

• Planning objectives - Sustainablilty targets and demands of statutory consultees are met;
• New 'greenfield runoff rate' requirements of the EA are more easily achieved.

Capital costs:

• Construction costs are reduced by 10% - 50%;
• Expensive connection to storm sewers is often avoided;
• Environmental engineering on the surface is cheaper than drainage structures below ground.

Management:

• Maintenance is simple and cheap;
• SUDS is easily understood by site managers
• SUDS avoids expensive specialist contractors.

Value:

• SUDS uses natural features in the landscape to create attractive surroundings which add value to development.