Water Efficiency

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. 2. For non-residential developments over 1000m2, a water reuse assessment must be submitted. The assessment will be required to identify opportunities to use greywater or rainwater harvesting within the building. Where the assessment demonstrates that a system can be practically installed and is cost-effective, it must be implemented. 3. Proposals that achieve higher water efficiency standard than this will be particularly supported. C. Extensions, Redevelopment and Change of Use 1. Development involving extensions, change of use, or redevelopment of a building must demonstrate that water efficiency measures using a fittings- based approach, and rainwater harvesting measures for dwellings with external space have been incorporated to reduce mains water demand. 2. Where water reuse measures (greywater or rainwater) can be incorporated proportionally to the scale of development, they will be required to be included. D. Agricultural / Horticultural Development 1. Proposals for irrigation water storage reservoirs will be supported where necessary to reduce pressure on mains water supply. 2. Design of such proposals should consider landscape and the natural environment, in line with policies in the Natural Environment section. Policy Justification 3.4.5 Water resources in the UK are under significant pressure, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of both drought and rainfall events. South Warwickshire is classified as an area of serious water stress, making it essential that development uses water efficiently and sustainably. 3.4.6 Water supply, heating, treatment and pumping also have a significant carbon impact. Reducing water consumption therefore contributes to both water security and carbon reduction objectives. 3.4.7 This policy implements water efficiency standards for new development: a fittings-based approach for residential development and BREEAM water credits for larger non-residential development. Where practicable, developments should incorporate rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems to reduce mains water demand. 3.4.8 Although the policy primarily targets major development, smaller developments and extensions can cumulatively affect water supply. Applicants for minor development should demonstrate that proportionate water efficiency measures have been incorporated and comply with related Local Plan policies on water supply and wastewater infrastructure, flood risk and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). 3.4.9 Development that exceeds minimum standards through innovative water-saving measures or systems will be supported, contributing to wider sustainability objectives in the Local Plan. 3.4.10 Agricultural and horticultural proposals for irrigation water storage will be supported where necessary to safeguard water res