The Bull Lane site in Wombourne comprised a former garages development where limited space and extensive hardstanding created challenges for surface water management. The proposed residential layout required a drainage strategy that could remain cost-effective while improving the sustainability of the site and complying with local drainage requirements. The opportunity to use permeable paving and plot-specific infiltration features became central to reducing the scale and cost of the below-ground drainage infrastructure.

Civia was appointed to undertake hydraulic modelling and develop the drainage strategy for the scheme. We assessed roof areas, access roads and hardstanding, then simulated storm events including climate change and urban creep to inform the required storage volumes. The final design used permeable paving across the access route and individual soakaways for each plot, allowing the drainage system to be value engineered while maintaining natural infiltration and improving the environmental performance of a previously impermeable brownfield site.