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What Is Greenfield Runoff Rate — and Why Does It Matter?

Antony Riozzi, flood risk consultant
Written by Antony Riozzi BEng (Hons) — Director & Principal Consultant, Flood Risk Environmental. 17+ years in flood risk & drainage, with experience at a Lead Local Flood Authority, a national housebuilder and in consultancy. About the author →

What Is Greenfield Runoff Rate?

SuDS drainage design on a development site — managing surface water to greenfield runoff rates

Greenfield runoff rate is the rate at which rainwater naturally flows off a site before any development takes place. On undeveloped land, most rainfall infiltrates into the ground or is absorbed by vegetation. Only a proportion — depending on soil type, topography and rainfall intensity — flows off the site as surface water runoff.

When a site is developed with roofs, roads and hardstanding, the proportion of rainfall that runs off increases dramatically. This increased runoff can overwhelm downstream drainage systems and watercourses, increasing flood risk for neighbouring properties and the wider catchment.

National planning policy under the NPPF requires that new development should not increase surface water runoff beyond existing (greenfield) levels. LLFA drainage strategies must demonstrate that post-development runoff rates are controlled to greenfield rates for all storm events.

How Is Greenfield Runoff Rate Calculated?

Greenfield runoff rates are typically calculated using the FEH (Flood Estimation Handbook) methodology or the IH124 method. The key parameters are:

  • QBAR: The mean annual flood for a greenfield site of the given catchment area and soil type
  • 1 in 1 year rate: The runoff rate for a 1 in 1 year return period storm event
  • 1 in 100 year rate: The runoff rate for the critical 1 in 100 year (1% AEP) event
  • SPR (Standard Percentage Runoff): Derived from soil type using HOST classifications

For very small sites (typically under 50m² of additional impermeable area), some LLFAs accept simplified calculations. For larger sites, full FEH/IH124 calculations are required.

What Happens If You Can't Achieve Greenfield Runoff Rates?

Geocellular attenuation crates for surface water storage — used when greenfield runoff rates cannot be achieved through infiltration alone

If a site cannot achieve greenfield runoff rates through infiltration or surface SuDS features, attenuation storage (such as an underground geocellular tank or above-ground pond) must be provided to hold back the excess runoff and release it at the greenfield rate. The volume of storage required depends on the difference between pre- and post-development runoff rates across all storm events.

This is why LLFA drainage strategies require detailed hydraulic calculations — to demonstrate that the proposed attenuation storage is correctly sized for all return periods. If you've received an LLFA objection about runoff rates, contact us and we'll review it and advise on what's needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical greenfield run-off rate?
It varies with soil type, rainfall and site area, but for many small sites in England the QBar rate works out in the low single figures of litres per second per hectare. The exact figure is calculated for each site — never assumed.
Is the rule different for brownfield sites?
On previously developed land the LLFA usually requires a reduction on the existing run-off rate (a percentage betterment) rather than a strict greenfield rate, although some authorities still require greenfield as the target. We check the local policy for every scheme.
Who calculates the greenfield rate?
Your drainage consultant, as part of the surface water drainage strategy. The LLFA checks the method and the inputs, so it needs to be done to the standard (IH124 or FEH) they expect.

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