Comment

Representation ID: 29237

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Environment Agency

However, we also recommend the inclusion of additional wording (underlined) within the Water Quality section of the policy so that it reads:

“The Council will work with developers and partner organisations to:
 safeguard ground and surface water resources, including protecting Source Protection Zones from contamination;
 ensure no deterioration in the status of water courses or any water bodies occurs;
 ensure that development does not jeopardise any water body from achieving its Water Framework Directive objective of 'good' status; and
 protect and improve water quality.
Proposals for development will only be acceptable where there is no adverse impact on surface water bodies and groundwater resources, in terms of their quantity, quality and the important ecological features they support.
Proposals for development will be supported where they:
 make positive progress towards achieving 'good status or potential' under the Water Framework Directive for surface and groundwater bodies.
 enhance the natural geomorphology of watercourses, including through the opening up of culverts, and the removal of modifications made as part of past industrial uses (e.g. removal or modification of weirs to address fish passage), or and through the restoration of man-made channels.
 manage water demand and improve water efficiency through the use of appropriate measures including rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling.
 include measures which help to reduce the potential for, or mitigate against water shortages or drought”.