Innovative DRAINAGE Solutions for Every Property
Expert Drainage Design Services
Quality drainage design proposals tailored to your specific site and building use requirements.
Our Story
At Drainage Design Ltd, we specialize in providing expert drainage design solutions tailored to your unique project needs. From initial planning to implementation, our services cover every aspect of effective water management. We excel in preparing comprehensive designs that optimize functionality, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure long-term sustainability.
In addition, we handle the preparation of consents to discharge, ensuring your project is compliant with environmental standards and local authority regulations. Our team takes the stress out of the process by managing the paperwork, liaising with relevant bodies, and delivering seamless solutions that work.
With years of experience and a client-focused approach, we’re here to simplify complex drainage challenges and deliver results you can trust. Whether you’re tackling a residential, commercial, or industrial project, we’re ready to help.
Drainage Design Ltd - Supporting Property Owners & Developers
At Drainage Design Ltd, we specialize in providing expert solutions for off-mains wastewater and stormwater management. Whether you're a property owner, developer, or architect, our goal is to help you navigate complex drainage regulations and ensure environmentally compliant, cost-effective solutions.
With Northern Ireland’s sewerage network at capacity and in need of significant upgrades, alternative drainage solutions are now more critical than ever. We provide innovative and sustainable approaches to wastewater and stormwater management, helping clients overcome infrastructure limitations while meeting regulatory and environmental requirements.
Whether you're planning a new build, a property development, or need assistance with an existing site, Drainage Design Ltd is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and ensure your drainage solutions are efficient, compliant, and future-ready.
How Drainage Design Ltd can help you...
Site Assessments & Custom Drainage Solutions
Site Assessments & Custom Drainage Solutions
We conduct in-depth site evaluations to determine the best wastewater and stormwater management solutions for your project. Our services include:
- Comprehensive site suitability assessments.
- Bespoke drainage designs tailored to your specific site conditions.
- Risk assessments to protect groundwater and nearby waterways.
Planning & Environmental Compliance
Site Assessments & Custom Drainage Solutions
Navigating planning regulations and securing Consent to Discharge can be challenging. We simplify this process by:
- Collaborating with NIEA to develop effective, site-specific drainage solutions.
- Preparing environmental reports to support planning applications.
- Ensuring compliance with Building Control and NIEA regulations.
Resolving Consent to Discharge Challenges
Many homeowners and developers face issues when discovering too late that their site is unsuitable for discharge approval. We help avoid costly delays by:
- Conducting early-stage feasibility studies before land purchases or development approvals.
- Advising on alternative solutions where Consent to Discharge is difficult to obtain.
- Liaising with regulatory authorities to streamline application processes.
Sustainable & Climate-Resilient Drainage Designs
With increasing extreme weather events, effective water management is more crucial than ever. Our approach includes:
- Flood risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Integration of renewable technologies in wastewater treatment.
- Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to manage surface water effectively.
Expert Consultation & Industry Training
We not only design and implement drainage systems but also provide guidance and education on industry best practices. Our services include:
- Pre-planning consultation to prevent costly compliance issues.
- Training support for professionals working in the drainage sector.
- Advocacy for improved regulations and better coordination between planning and environmental authorities.
Why Choose Drainage Design Ltd?
- Industry Expertise: Over 30 years of experience in civil utilities, drainage, and environmental planning.
- Tailored Solutions: We provide site-specific designs rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Strong relationships with NIEA, NI Water, and planning authorities to help navigate complete regulations.
- Sustainability Focus: Future-proof designs that protect the environment and comply with evolving regulations.
Ready to start your new project?
Phase 1 - Desktop Study & Preliminary Assessment
Before conducting a site visit, we undertake a comprehensive desktop study to gather key background information. This helps us understand the site’s history, existing infrastructure, and potential constraints, ensuring a more effective on-site assessment.
- Historic Research – Reviewing past land use, planning history, and any relevant environmental records.
- Identification of Wells – Locating known wells, boreholes, or groundwater sources within or near the property.
- Existing Consents to Discharge – Assessing any active or previous discharge permits associated with the property. Including Trade, Commercial or Domestic
- Planning Permissions – Reviewing both current and extant (historic but still valid) planning permissions that may impact future development.
- Mapped Waterways & Environmental Constraints – Identifying nearby rivers, streams, drainage features, flood zones, and any relevant ecological designations.
All findings from the desktop study are compiled into a preliminary report, which is provided to the customer at the initial site visit. This report serves as a foundation for further discussions, site assessments, and project planning.
Phase 2 - Site Visit & Customer Consultation
With the desktop study complete, the next step is an on-site assessment to verify findings, inspect physical conditions, and discuss project requirements with the customer.
- Customer Consultation – Meet with the customer to discuss project goals, concerns, and any specific requirements. The findings from the desktop study report will be reviewed to align expectations and ensure a shared understanding of the site’s constraints and opportunities.
- Physical Site Inspection – Conduct a thorough walkover of the site to assess existing features, environmental conditions, and any potential challenges identified in the desktop study. This may include:
- Locating wells, drainage features, and discharge points.
- Verifying mapped waterways and any flood risk areas.
- Checking access points, ground conditions, and site infrastructure.
- Regulatory & Planning Considerations – Discuss any necessary permits, environmental regulations, or planning requirements based on the findings of the study and the site’s conditions.
- Data Collection – Take site measurements, photos, and notes to support further analysis and reporting.
Following the site visit, any new observations and additional findings will be incorporated into the project’s next steps. If needed, updates will be made to the initial desktop study report to reflect on-site conditions.
Phase 3 - Detailed Site Assessment & Further Investigations
Following the initial site visit, we conduct a more in-depth site assessment to gather additional technical data and refine our understanding of the site. This phase ensures that all necessary environmental, hydrological, and structural factors are properly evaluated before moving forward.
- Soil & Ground Conditions Assessment – If required, soil testing or percolation tests may be carried out to assess ground permeability, drainage suitability, or foundation stability.
- Water & Drainage Surveys – Further investigations into groundwater levels, existing drainage networks, and potential discharge pathways. This may include flow monitoring, dye tracing, or hydrological mapping.
- Structural & Infrastructure Evaluations – Examining any existing structures, septic tanks, or treatment systems on-site to determine their condition and compliance with regulations.
- Environmental & Ecological Considerations – Identifying protected habitats, species, or other environmental factors that may influence planning or permitting requirements.
- Regulatory Compliance Checks – Ensuring that findings align with local authority regulations, environmental legislation, and planning requirements.
A detailed assessment report will be compiled, summarizing the key findings from further investigations. This report will help inform the next steps, whether that be design recommendations, regulatory applications, or additional consultations. This report will accompany any proposals and applications for water connection and Consent to Discharge.
Phase 4 - Planning Consultation & Drainage Design Proposal
Your drainage design proposal and planning consultation are crucial to avoiding delays, enforcement actions, or setbacks in the planning permission process. A common issue is that planning applications and discharge consents are entirely separate processes. Many projects secure planning approval but later face non-compliance issues with NIEA or NI Water standards, preventing implementation. Drainage Design Ltd can, if appointed early in the design process, resolve these scenarios.
- Understanding Your Options Early – By assessing drainage and discharge requirements before submitting a planning application, you can streamline the process and reduce risks of future delays.
- Compliance with NIEA & NI Water – Ensuring your drainage system meets environmental and water authority standards before planning approval.
- Integration with the Planning Process – Aligning drainage designs with local planning policies to prevent complications after approval.
A clear drainage design proposal that ensures compliance, minimizes risks, and integrates seamlessly with the planning process.
Phase 5 - Consent to Discharge Applications
Under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, any discharge of trade or sewage waste to a waterway or underground water source requires consent from DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs).
There are two types of discharge applications:
- Direct discharge to a mapped waterway.
- Discharge to the ground via a percolation system, filter bed, or sand polishing filter (for properties not connected to the public sewer system).
- System Proposal – We assess your site and determine the most suitable wastewater treatment system for compliance.
- Mapping & Documentation – Preparation of site maps and supporting documents for submission.
- Percolation Testing – If the system does not discharge directly to a mapped waterway, percolation testing is required to determine ground suitability.
We prepare and submit a Consent to Discharge Application, ensuring that all regulatory and technical requirements are met for approval.
Phase 6 - Preparation of Schedule of Work & Handover to Contractor
Once the Consent to Discharge has been approved, the next step is to prepare a detailed Schedule of Work that outlines the tasks and requirements for the installation phase. This schedule is a critical document for ensuring the correct implementation of the drainage system and its compliance with all regulatory standards.
- Detailed Breakdown of Tasks – A comprehensive list of tasks involved in the installation of the drainage system, including site preparation, installation of treatment systems, and discharge points.
- Compliance & Standards – Ensuring all aspects of the work align with the approved Consent to Discharge, NIEA, and NI Water standards.
- Materials & Equipment Specifications – Providing clear specifications on materials and equipment that must be used for the project to ensure compliance and functionality.
- Timeline & Milestones – Estimated timeline for completion, including key milestones for work completion, inspections, and approvals.
- Health & Safety Requirements – Outlining any safety considerations and necessary precautions during installation.
The Schedule of Work is handed over to our customer, who can then provide it to their preferred drainage contractor/developer for pricing and installation. Drainage Design Ltd does not carry out installations, but we ensure the schedule is clear, complete, and meets all necessary regulatory and design standards for the contractor to follow.
Contact Us
Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person at your Property!
We prioritize convenience and flexibility for our clients, which is why we’ve shifted our focus to visiting sites instead of requiring people to come to our office. By meeting you where you are, we can gain a better understanding of your site specific needs while saving you the time and effort of travel. This approach allows us to provide personalized support and ensures that our site investigations and proposals are tailored to your unique circumstances.
Message us on WhatsApp
Drainage Design Ltd
24 Ringclare Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1RY, United Kingdom
Emma: 07591966767 Andrew: 07763686619
Hours
Today | Closed |
