Ceri Metcalfe

I am a Graduate Engineer at Aegaea, and I chose this career because it perfectly merges my love of mathematics and geography. I have a specialised interest in Sustainable Drainage Systems: my MSc dissertation examined the impact of SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs) in Wales and how those lessons can be applied to the implementation of Schedule 3 in England. My goal is to use this academic insight to help clients navigate evolving drainage requirements and technical approval processes with ease.

How I can help you

• Drainage strategy and modelling: comprehensive drainage strategies designed with industry-standard software including InfoDrainage and Causeway Flow.
• SAB application guidance: a strong understanding of the SuDS Approval Body process, keeping your project on the right side of regulatory standards.
• Highway agreement support: design drawings and documentation for Section 38 and Section 278 agreements.
• Sustainable design features: integrating SuDS - soakaways, permeable paving and more - into residential and commercial masterplans to manage surface water effectively.

Expertise in action

• Enabled a new convenience store through S278 design (Harston Tesco): design drawings supporting the planning application, including extended public footways and a new site crossover.
• Designed the roads that unlock a residential development (Lydney): S38 and S278 design drawings for the site entrance and new estate roads.
• Turned an agricultural barn into a compliant home (Ashford): a bespoke soakaway system and SuDS Drainage Strategy focused on pollution prevention and maintenance.
• Met strict local planning requirements with infiltration-led design (Woking): infiltration calculations and a drainage strategy featuring permeable paving and soakaways.

Questions I’m often asked

• What is a SuDS Approval Body (SAB) and do I need approval?: In Wales, construction with drainage implications over a threshold size needs SAB approval before work starts, a separate consent from planning. England’s Schedule 3 is expected to introduce a similar regime, so designing to SAB standards now is sensible future-proofing.
• What’s the difference between a drainage strategy and a drainage design?: A strategy demonstrates the principle (how the site will drain, at planning stage); the detailed design proves it works and is buildable. We handle both, and designing the strategy with the detail in mind avoids costly rework.

A bit about me

When I’m not analysing drainage requirements, I love relaxing with a good book or spending time with friends and family. During the warmer months, you’ll usually find me exploring the Welsh countryside.