The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy aims to reduce flood risk from new development. South Warwickshire has a history of flooding from many sources, and climate change is expected to make floods more frequent and severe. Recent canal failures elsewhere have also highlighted a residual risk of flooding from canals, which should be considered in Flood Risk Assessments where relevant. Flood risk should be avoided where possible and managed effectively where development is needed, using nature-based solutions and green and blue infrastructure. Assessments should follow the latest strategic evidence and advice from the Lead Local Flood Authority.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
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The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Policy Justification
3.4.2 South Warwickshire has a history of flooding from multiple sources, and climate
change is expected to increase both the frequency and severity of flood events. In
addition to these existing risks, recent canal failures, including the Bridgewater Canal &
Llangollen Canal, have highlighted a residual risk of flooding from canals. Where
relevant, this additional risk should be considered within a Flood Risk Assessment.
3.4.3 This policy ensures that flood risk is avoided wherever possible and managed
effectively where development is necessary. It promotes the use of nature-based
solutions and green and blue infrastructure to reduce flood risk while delivering wider
environmental benefits, including improved biodiversity, water quality and amenity.
3.4.4 Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies should be informed by the
latest Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Warwickshire County Council’s Local Flood
Risk Management Strategy, and advice from the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA).
Managing flood risk is therefore a key component of sustainable development and
climate resilience.
Policy ID.10
Water Efficiency
This policy applies to all new development. Minor developments and extensions
must implement water efficiency measures appropriate to the scale of the proposal,
while major developments are expected to fully comply with the standards set out
below.
Water efficiency measures must be implemented alongside sustainable drainage
systems (SuDS) to ensure development contributes to overall sustainable water
management on-site.
A. Residential Development
1. New residential development of one dwelling or more must achieve a water
efficiency standard of 100 litres per person per day (or any future reduction
stated within Building Regulations), using a fittings-based approach.
2. Proposals that exceed this standard, including the use of water-efficient
fittings, appliances or systems will be particularly supported.
3. All dwellings with private garden areas or external amenity space must include
rainwater harvesting water butt(s) of minimum 200 litres capacity, connected
to a downpipe. Dwellings without private external space (e.g. flats) are exempt
from this requirement. (The specified 200l capacity is indicative and may be
varied where site contracts exist).
4. Greywater recycling systems are encouraged for major residential
developments (as identified in the NPPF), particularly where shared or
communal systems are feasible.
B. Non-Residential Development
1. New non-residential development with floorspace greater than 1,000m2 must
achieve the BREEAM “Excellent” standard for water consumption,
representing at least 4 credits under the Wat01 measure.