For many landowners considering whether their site is suitable for new homes, the concept of water neutrality is either a complex hurdle, or overlooked completely.
But if it’s handled correctly we often find that sites will garner more support from planning authorities and importantly, local communities.
Senior Regional Director, Dean Knight and Technical Director, Stuart Nelmes explain more:
At its core, water neutrality aims to balance water usage to meet local demands and adhere to restrictions. The primary goals are to ensure a consistent water supply for all, protect water sources and the local environment, and enhance the resilience of our water networks, although is fortunately only present within a handful of local authority areas. The approach to achieving water neutrality varies by site and may include measures such as reducing onsite water usage, implementing water reuse strategies, or offsetting an equivalent amount of water usage elsewhere
Navigating regulatory changes
The need for a regulatory overhaul in this area has been long overdue. Some of our team members have played a crucial role in government-led workshops that explore processes, options, and potential pitfalls as water neutrality continues to gain prominence on the environmental agenda.
Political landscape and sustainability
While all major political parties have mentioned housebuilding in their manifestos, only the Green Party has emphasised sustainable development principles. Despite this, we remain vigilant in tracking regulatory changes to stay ahead and advise on best practices. Our goal is to actively deliver and develop sites that meet the needs of all stakeholders, balancing environmental sustainability with practical development.
Challenges and Opportunities
We advocate for the benefits of water neutrality but acknowledge the complexities and challenges it presents for landowners and housebuilders in the way in which it is currently applied. As the new Labour government settles in, our in-house technical team will be closely monitoring any legislative changes related to water usage reduction and reuse.
There are a number of emerging trading platforms currently being developed which we are keenly reviewing with interest the impact that these may have on the industry. Time will tell whether this will provide a permanent or part-time solution, or whether the new Government will take more intervention and empower (or force!?) the regulatory bodies to address these issues directly.
We will also be keeping appraised of other key issues likely to impact on development, such as:
- The ‘neutralities’: Broader considerations beyond water neutrality, including nutrients and energy, impacting on the built environment.
- The NPPF Sequential Test: Any amendments or new focus areas and clarity on the approach to planning for flood risk.
- FWMA schedule 3: Potential implementation of the Flood and Water Management act Schedule 3 relating to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and its compatibility with Labour’s aim to ‘streamline the planning process’
- Manual for streets 3: Updates on its delivery and nationwide implementation.
- Housing delivery plans: Labour’s strategy to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes in the next parliament term.
- Affordable housing policies: The impact on the design and delivery of new housing schemes.
Engaging with Us
We welcome you to reach out with any questions or concerns. The Richborough team is here to help navigate these changes and ensure developments meet regulatory standards and community expectations.
Stuart Nelmes: stuart.nelmes@richborough.co.uk
Dean Knight: dean.knight@richborough.co.uk