SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 104
14.
At an early stage, dialogue should be held with the Lead Local Flood Authority to
ensure developments do not detrimentally impact upon existing and planned flood
risk management schemes including ensuring land identified for flood storage is
safeguarded as well as exploring all opportunities for additional flood risk reductions
and protections that can be delivered as part of the proposals working in partnership
with the Lead Local Flood Authority. Developers are required to contribute towards
the cost of planned flood risk management schemes through Section 106 or
Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedules. All new developments that
benefit from existing flood risk management schemes should contribute towards their
on-going maintenance.
Justification
334.
The European Water Framework Directive became part of UK law in 2003 and requires
improvements to the quality of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and
aquifers. These requirements are reflected in the Environment Agency’s River Basin
Management Plans, with the Humber River Basin Management Plan setting out the Water
Framework Directive target for each water body to achieve ‘good’ status. At March 2016, one
part of the River Blythe was classified ‘bad’, three parts ‘poor’ and one part ‘moderate’. For
the length of the River Cole within the Borough, a decline has been measured from
‘moderate’ status in 2009 to ‘poor’ status in 2015. The Council requires well designed
development in the right locations with appropriate drainage processes that can contribute
towards River Basin Management Plan objectives. Where viable, surface drainage features
shall be deployed in accordance with the Construction Industry Research Information
Association (CIRIA) sustainable drainage systems manual, with approved proprietary
engineered pollution control features used only if surface features are demonstrated not to
be viable.
335.
National planning guidance on water quality and flood risk requires plans to take account of
infrastructure needs such as water resources. The guidance also requires new development
to be directed to areas at the lowest risk of flooding using a sequential, risk-based approach
to the location of new development to avoid and/or manage flood risk.
336.
The Council has undertaken an update to the Water Cycle study for the Borough, in
consultation with the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water. The study demonstrates
that the level of development and the site allocations proposed in the plan are capable of
being delivered without significant water and sewerage infrastructure improvements.
However, the policy requires all new development to contribute to Water Framework
Directive and River Basin Management Plan objectives by protecting and improving the
quality of water bodies through the provision of appropriate sewerage infrastructure and
sustainable drainage techniques. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that they have
thoroughly assessed the impact of their proposals on surface and ground water systems,
and incorporated any necessary sewerage and drainage mitigation measures.
337.
The Council recognises the need for water efficiency in all new development. The Water
Cycle study recommends adoption of the optional higher standard of water efficiency as it
identifies Solihull to be in moderate water stress, due to the economic benefits of reduced
supply, and because of the increased sewer capacity. The policy requires developers to
demonstrate the higher standard through the recycling of potable, grey water and rain water,
and the use of water efficient fittings and appliances, before seeking disposal of surface
water, in accordance with the hierarchy in Part H of the Building Regulations.
338.
Reducing water consumption has the effect of reducing carbon emissions as water
companies use energy to collect, treat and supply water and to treat waste water. Simple
demand management measures, particularly those that reduce hot water use, have
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