CC/WE: Water efficiency in new developments
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56504
Received: 10/11/2021
Respondent: Mr Dave Clay
Include a requirement for new buildings to capture and use rainwater for non potable purposes. e.g., at least 10,000 litres per residential housee which would massively reduce the need for water provision.
Include a requirement for new buildings to capture and use rainwater for non potable purposes. e.g., at least 10,000 litres per residential housee which would massively reduce the need for water provision.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56616
Received: 25/11/2021
Respondent: Gamlingay Parish Council
Support
Support
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56740
Received: 03/12/2021
Respondent: Croydon Parish Council
New reservoirs will take some time to construct, so it is not only a question of efficiency but of supply. Is there really enough water to supply so many new homes?
New reservoirs will take some time to construct, so it is not only a question of efficiency but of supply. Is there really enough water to supply so many new homes?
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56741
Received: 03/12/2021
Respondent: Croydon Parish Council
There must be no building in flood prone or potential flood areas.
There must be no building in flood prone or potential flood areas.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56879
Received: 08/12/2021
Respondent: Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth Parish Council
The policy must also consider supply capacity not just water efficiency. Water supply and water efficiency are vital to any new development. New development should only be permitted where adequate water supply can be demonstrated.
Page 26, can the standard be stated rather than cross referencing to BREEAM? Is BREEAM the best tool moving forward?
Elsewhere BREEAM is not a requirement in the report.
The policy must also consider supply capacity not just water efficiency. Water supply and water efficiency are vital to any new development. New development should only be permitted where adequate water supply can be demonstrated.
Page 26, can the standard be stated rather than cross referencing to BREEAM? Is BREEAM the best tool moving forward?
Elsewhere BREEAM is not a requirement in the report.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56888
Received: 08/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Jennifer Prince
The over-exploitation of the chalk stream aquifer is a massive environmental issue – already, even without all this extra development. The Local Plan does explain the issues but I urge you to do everything possible to safeguard this habitat, including informing residents how we can put pressure on government.
“Proposed policy direction” – “unless demonstrated impracticable” is too weak, giving developers a let-out.
The over-exploitation of the chalk stream aquifer is a massive environmental issue – already, even without all this extra development. The Local Plan does explain the issues but I urge you to do everything possible to safeguard this habitat, including informing residents how we can put pressure on government.
“Proposed policy direction” – “unless demonstrated impracticable” is too weak, giving developers a let-out.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56974
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: Trumpington Residents Association
The Trumpington Residents' Association supports the requirements for rainwater harvesting and grey-water harvesting in new developments (possibly only developments over a certain size because of infrastructure requirements?), as this is so hard to retro-fit to existing buildings (page 150).
The Trumpington Residents' Association supports the requirements for rainwater harvesting and grey-water harvesting in new developments (possibly only developments over a certain size because of infrastructure requirements?), as this is so hard to retro-fit to existing buildings (page 150).
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57018
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
The Wildlife Trust strongly supports the inclusion of this policy and the proposed policy direction.
We made similar representations to previous local plans which were ignored and the state of our chalk rivers and wetlands has continued to decline, dramatically in some instances, so this new approach is needed and welcome.
However, we are concerned that no mechanism has been identified to stop or delay building new homes and employment buildings if the proposed short-medium measures to provide new more sustainable water supplies are not delivered in time. This will be the true test of a sustainable Local Plan.
The Wildlife Trust strongly supports the inclusion of this policy and the proposed policy direction.
We made similar representations to previous local plans which were ignored and the state of our chalk rivers and wetlands has continued to decline, dramatically in some instances, so this new approach is needed and welcome.
However, we are concerned that no mechanism has been identified to stop or delay building new homes and employment buildings if the proposed short-medium measures to provide new more sustainable water supplies are not delivered in time. This will be the true test of a sustainable Local Plan.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57040
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: Dr William Harrold
I attended a presentation from Robin Price, CEO of Water Resources East. I learnt that implementation of any plan to fix the water supply will not happen until well into the 2030s and will be extremely expensive. Meanwhile the existing houses are already depleting the chalk aquifer. Solutions to the waste water problem are out of scope for WRE. You have already signed off the 2018 plan which includes all but 11.5K of these new houses. What is your policy to address this train wreck? Just saying that the additional 11.5K houses are conditional on a plan in 2023 is really does not address the problem.
I attended a presentation from Robin Price, CEO of Water Resources East. I learnt that implementation of any plan to fix the water supply will not happen until well into the 2030s and will be extremely expensive. Meanwhile the existing houses are already depleting the chalk aquifer. Solutions to the waste water problem are out of scope for WRE. You have already signed off the 2018 plan which includes all but 11.5K of these new houses. What is your policy to address this train wreck? Just saying that the additional 11.5K houses are conditional on a plan in 2023 is really does not address the problem.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57093
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Clare King
Agent: Cheffins
What support will be available for developers in seeking to meet the high standards proposed? Will the potential impact on viability be taken into consideration? Regardless of the chosen approach, it would be useful to include further guidance/information in an SPD.
What support will be available for developers in seeking to meet the high standards proposed? Will the potential impact on viability be taken into consideration? Regardless of the chosen approach, it would be useful to include further guidance/information in an SPD.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57133
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: North Newnham Res.Ass
add:
Any development larger than 3 houses must create ponds. Underground tanks should be a last resort.
Full and published mapping survey must be carried out and neighbourhood consulted on full length of watercourses and discharge points to main river point- eg the river Cam.
Analysis and Quality of water (to measure pollutants) as well as analysis of quantity flow must be measured for a period of a year before and evidence given before permits are given to discharge water into open or culverted ditches.
add:
Any development larger than 3 houses must create ponds. Underground tanks should be a last resort.
Full and published mapping survey must be carried out and neighbourhood consulted on full length of watercourses and discharge points to main river point- eg the river Cam.
Analysis and Quality of water (to measure pollutants) as well as analysis of quantity flow must be measured for a period of a year before and evidence given before permits are given to discharge water into open or culverted ditches.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57146
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Oakington & Westwick Parish Council
The Local Plan posits a very significant increase in housing within Greater Cambridge. It assumes that sufficient water will be available to meet housing needs. However, the Greater Cambridge Local Plan strategy (https://www.scambs.gov.uk/local-plan-initial-evidence-findings-published/) states that there is inadequate supply of water for the proposed housing.
No clear proposals are put forward within the strategy documents to resolve this water situation.
The entire housing strategy therefore has no basis in reality!
The Local Plan posits a very significant increase in housing within Greater Cambridge. It assumes that sufficient water will be available to meet housing needs. However, the Greater Cambridge Local Plan strategy (https://www.scambs.gov.uk/local-plan-initial-evidence-findings-published/) states that there is inadequate supply of water for the proposed housing.
No clear proposals are put forward within the strategy documents to resolve this water situation.
The entire housing strategy therefore has no basis in reality!
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57169
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Southern & Regional Developments Ltd
Agent: Claremont Planning Consultancy
It is considered that the proposed requirement for residential developments to be designed to achieve a standard of 80 litres/person/day is too onerous and will not be achievable in all cases. The current Building Regulations standard of 110 litres/person/day is more realistic. It is considered that the Council’s policy on water efficiency should adopt a flexible approach and should encourage the use of rainwater harvesting in new developments.
It is considered that the proposed requirement for residential developments to be designed to achieve a standard of 80 litres/person/day is too onerous and will not be achievable in all cases. The current Building Regulations standard of 110 litres/person/day is more realistic. It is considered that the Council’s policy on water efficiency should adopt a flexible approach and should encourage the use of rainwater harvesting in new developments.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57241
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: European Property Ventures (Cambridgeshire)
Agent: Claremont Planning Consultancy
It is considered that the proposed requirement for residential developments to be designed to achieve a standard of 80 litres/person/day is too onerous and will not be achievable in all cases. The current Building Regulations standard of 110 litres/person/day is more realistic. It is considered that the Council’s policy on water efficiency should adopt a flexible approach and should encourage the use of rainwater harvesting in new developments.
It is considered that the proposed requirement for residential developments to be designed to achieve a standard of 80 litres/person/day is too onerous and will not be achievable in all cases. The current Building Regulations standard of 110 litres/person/day is more realistic. It is considered that the Council’s policy on water efficiency should adopt a flexible approach and should encourage the use of rainwater harvesting in new developments.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57296
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Ms Charlotte Sawyer Nutt
Agent: Cheffins
What support will be available for developers in seeking to meet the high standards proposed? Will the potential impact on viability be taken into consideration? Regardless of the chosen approach, it would be useful to include further guidance/information in a supplementary planning document (SPD).
What support will be available for developers in seeking to meet the high standards proposed? Will the potential impact on viability be taken into consideration? Regardless of the chosen approach, it would be useful to include further guidance/information in a supplementary planning document (SPD).
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57366
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council support the proposed policy CC/WE.
The incorporation of water efficiency measures for new developments could boost the acceptance amongst developers of these approaches and improve market demand for them, hence potentially boosting their viability for application across Huntingdonshire.
Huntingdonshire District Council support the proposed policy CC/WE.
The incorporation of water efficiency measures for new developments could boost the acceptance amongst developers of these approaches and improve market demand for them, hence potentially boosting their viability for application across Huntingdonshire.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57377
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council supports the proposed policy to promote the reuse and/or recycling of materials arising from demolition works on development sites. This policy would provide benefits not just in Greater Cambridge, but to the surrounding district by reducing construction transport and associated emissions.
It is considered that potential contamination from the reuse of materials be considered in the policy to ensure there are no adverse impacts with regards to water pollution downstream.
Huntingdonshire District Council supports the proposed policy to promote the reuse and/or recycling of materials arising from demolition works on development sites. The policy also asks that developments demonstrate “how the proposals design and construction will reduce material demands and enable building materials, components and products to be disassembled and re-used at the end of their useful life”.
This policy would provide benefits not just in Greater Cambridge, but to the surrounding district by reducing construction transport and associated emissions.
It is considered that potential contamination from the reuse of materials be considered in the policy to ensure there are no adverse impacts with regards to water pollution downstream.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57382
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Persimmon Homes East Midlands
The policy requirements of 80 litres per person per day are significantly lower than the current requirements. It would be appropriate to wait until publication of the Water Resource Management Plan in 2022 to assess whether such extreme measures on water consumption reduction is necessary. A goal of 100-110 litres per day would be more appropriate and achievable.
The policy requirements of 80 litres per person per day are significantly lower than the current requirements. It would be appropriate to wait until publication of the Water Resource Management Plan in 2022 to assess whether such extreme measures on water consumption reduction is necessary. A goal of 100-110 litres per day would be more appropriate and achievable.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57770
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Carbon Neutral Cambridge
We strongly support the proposed policy and would like to see it strengthened, so that development could only proceed where there was adequate, proven availability of water, without depleting the aquifer, and without incurring the energy and carbon cost of long distance water transfer.
We strongly support the proposed policy and would like to see it strengthened, so that development could only proceed where there was adequate, proven availability of water, without depleting the aquifer, and without incurring the energy and carbon cost of long distance water transfer.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57807
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Histon & Impington Parish Council
What if 80L per person per day is impractical? More work is needed such as pushing for more grey water systems.
What if 80L per person per day is impractical? More work is needed such as pushing for more grey water systems.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57824
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Daniel Lister
The water supply in our area is clearly limited and has the potential to limit the rate of house building. I would support mandating new developments provide a solution to harvest rainwater and potentially allow grey water reuse.
The water supply in our area is clearly limited and has the potential to limit the rate of house building. I would support mandating new developments provide a solution to harvest rainwater and potentially allow grey water reuse.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57897
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Martin Grant Homes
Agent: Savills
It is unlikely that the 80 litres per person per day target will be achievable through low flow fittings alone. The potential to include rainwater harvesting should therefore be investigated in more detail, and rainwater harvesting systems employed at a building level or used in conjunction with the site-wide Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) features to provide a centralised rainwater collection system to be used in washing machines and toilet flushing.
CC/WE: Water efficiency in new developments
4.15. This policy recognises the increasingly importance of potable water scarcity in the region and sets out measures to reduce potable water consumption in new development as follows:
Residential developments should be designed to achieve a standard of 80 litres/person/ day unless demonstrated impracticable.
Non-residential development will be required to achieve full credits for category Wat 01 of BREEAM unless demonstrated impracticable.
4.16. North Cambourne will therefore aim to reduce potable water consumption to the levels set out above by utilising low flow fixtures and fittings throughout the development.
4.17. It is unlikely that the 80 litres per person per day target will be achievable through low flow fittings alone. The potential to include rainwater harvesting will therefore be investigated in more detail, rainwater harvesting systems could be employed at a building level or used in conjunction with the site-wide Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) features to provide a centralised rainwater collection system to be used in washing machines and toilet flushing.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57953
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Ms Lisa Buchholz
Fully support this policy.
Fully support this policy.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57987
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Cambridge Doughnut Economics Action Group
The policy only sets a water standard per home. This will limit the overall increase in water demand, but the Cambridge area is already in severe water stress. The policy should include a limit based on the absolute water stress of the Cambridge area. If this is intended to be set as a criterion for continued development, this criterion should be included explicitly within this part of the document. Otherwise a developer can claim they have met the standard per home, and that aggregate regional demand is “not their problem”.
The policy only sets a water standard per home. This will limit the overall increase in water demand, but the Cambridge area is already in severe water stress. The policy should include a limit based on the absolute water stress of the Cambridge area. If this is intended to be set as a criterion for continued development, this criterion should be included explicitly within this part of the document. Otherwise a developer can claim they have met the standard per home, and that aggregate regional demand is “not their problem”.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58036
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Mr David Blake
A limit on water consumption must also be applied to commercial and industrial premises. The fabrication plant approved near Sawston will consume vast quantities of water in excess of 80 litres per day for housing development. Commerial use must be considered.
A limit on water consumption must also be applied to commercial and industrial premises. The fabrication plant approved near Sawston will consume vast quantities of water in excess of 80 litres per day for housing development. Commerial use must be considered.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58059
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Bruce Marshall
Designing for 80 litres/person/day is a good policy, but there are better gains by designing for zero people consuming zero litres per day.
With global warming there is not sufficient water supply in the Cambridge area to justify increasing the population.
Designing for 80 litres/person/day is a good policy, but there are better gains by designing for zero people consuming zero litres per day.
With global warming there is not sufficient water supply in the Cambridge area to justify increasing the population.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58203
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Countryside Properties
Agent: Bidwells
Countryside recognise the importance of protecting water resources in Greater Cambridge and support the proposed policy to set standards for water efficiency. Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn can incorporate a range of measures to ensure the delivery of a water efficient development, with homes and buildings using water efficient fixtures and fittings. Water re-use measures will be explored for the site and could include for the implementation of surface water and rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling.
Countryside recognise the importance of protecting water resources in Greater Cambridge and support the proposed policy to set standards for water efficiency. Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn can incorporate a range of measures to ensure the delivery of a water efficient development, with homes and buildings using water efficient fixtures and fittings. Water re-use measures will be explored for the site and could include for the implementation of surface water and rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58308
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Isabela Butnar
Great to see clear thresholds for what the water consumption should be per person per day, in line with current water scarcity in Cambridge. It is nice to see that the policy is as ambitious as possible, making use of all options for smart use of water. However, somehow there should be a legal break to stopping construction if new water provision for the region cannot be ensured.
Great to see clear thresholds for what the water consumption should be per person per day, in line with current water scarcity in Cambridge. It is nice to see that the policy is as ambitious as possible, making use of all options for smart use of water. However, somehow there should be a legal break to stopping construction if new water provision for the region cannot be ensured.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58408
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Linton Parish Council
Strong support, especially need to reduce water use, minimising waste and reuse of grey water
Strong support, especially need to reduce water use, minimising waste and reuse of grey water
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58446
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Marshall Group Properties
Agent: Quod
Marshall recognises the complexities of water scarcity and welcome the weight placed on addressing this critical issue. As the Local Plan suggests, this means focusing development in urban areas and developing policies for water efficiency, along with local strategies for delivery. Water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and greywater harvesting will be intrinsic to the emerging water management strategy at Cambridge East from the outset.
Marshall recognises that additional strategic water strategies will be required to facilitate the wider Local Plan. Cambridge East is keen to liaise with WRE and stakeholders in order to formulate a solution.
In line with the Local Plan, Marshall recognises the complexities of water scarcity and welcome the weight placed on addressing this critical issue. Whilst the Local Plan must promote development, this needs to be sustainable and attainable. As the Local Plan evidence base suggests, this means focusing development in urban areas and developing policies for water efficiency, along with local strategies for delivery.
Water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and greywater harvesting will be intrinsic to the emerging water management strategy at Cambridge East from the outset.
Marshall does, however, recognise that additional strategic water strategies will be required to facilitate the wider Local Plan, with potential solutions such as new reservoirs being considered. Cambridge East is keen to liaise with WRE and stakeholders in order to formulate a solution which gives certainty to communities.