Regulation 19 Rutland Local Plan
Water Efficiency
The supply and disposal of water has a significant carbon impact, as well as being a crucial issue for climate change adaptation given the increasing frequency of hotter, drier summers. Whilst the bulk (90%) of water-related carbon emissions come from the heating of water, the process of treating and pumping water to homes also has an impact (10%). Reducing water use (supply and disposal) therefore can have a significant carbon impact, even more so if that water is heated.
What will the policy do?
In recognition of the impact of domestic water usage and that Rutland is a serious water stressed area (as defined in the 2021 classification by the Government), Policy CC6 implements reduced water usage standards for all new homes. It also establishes principles for the sustainable management of surface water and for the provision of rainwater harvesting water butts to address issues associated with hosepipe usage.
Policy CC6 - Water Efficiency and Sustainable Water Management Comment
In order to minimise impact on the water environment, all new developments should demonstrate that they are water efficient, incorporating water efficiency measures where practically viable and feasible. All new dwellings should achieve the Optimal Housing Standard of not exceeding 110 litres per day per for water efficiency as described by Building Regulation G2. Proposals that go further than this (to, for example, 85 litres per day per person or other relevant best practice target set by the building industry such as the RIBA Climate Challenge) will be particularly encouraged.
Water Management
In addition to the wider flood and water related policy requirements (Policy CC14), all development comprising new buildings:
- within their curtilage, outside hard surfacing (such as driveways, parking areas, hardstanding, patios and paths must ensure such surfacing is permeable (unless there are technical and unavoidable reasons for not doing so in certain areas);
- with outside soft landscaping, should consider the incorporation of native drought resistant plants in private gardens, communal areas, and any proposed public green spaces whilst recognising the importance of enhancing biodiversity in accordance with Policies EN3 and EN7;
- should consider the potential to incorporate a green roof and/or walls (for biodiversity, flood risk and water network benefits, and unless such roof space is being utilised for photovoltaic or thermal solar panels in accordance with Policy CC2); and
- which is residential, and which includes a garden area, must include a rain harvesting water butt(s) of minimum capacity of 200l, connected to a downpipe.
Why is this policy needed?
The 2023 climate adaptation progress report from the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change has shown that although plans are in motion in the water supply sector to improve resilience to drought, there has been insufficient progress in reducing water demand and leakage, relative to targets. The same report shows that drought is already affecting water supplies and this risk is likely to worsen due to future climate projections for more frequent and intense dry periods combined with expected population growth.
Even small measures, such as a water butt, can make a difference – each time a 100l water butt is filled with rainwater, and used to water garden plants instead of using mains water, it saves 79g/CO2 (Source: Water UK, which estimates the carbon footprint of 1 litre of domestic water is 0.79g/CO2/l).
Building Regulations require all new residential developments to achieve a mandatory standard of 125 litres per person per day. The optional technical standard for housing allows local authorities to apply a more stringent standard of 110 litres per person per day where there is a clear local need. Rutland is identified as being within an area of serious water stress and Anglian Water Services and Severn Trent Water have provided evidence that this optional standard is required in this area. (Water Stressed Areas – 2021 Final Classification - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-stressed-areas-2021-classification). Improved water efficiency should not be limited to measures within new residential development and so Policy CC6 also covers non-residential development and seeks to reduce water demand for commercial buildings through the BREEAM system of measurements. Non-residential development will be required to achieve full credits for category Wat 01 of BREEAM unless demonstrated impracticable.
Harvesting of rainwater for garden use provides benefits both in terms of water consumption and the associated reduction in carbon impact derived from avoiding the use of mains water.
Supporting Evidence
Climate change evidence base and classification of water stressed areas
Climate change evidence base
Zero Carbon Policy Options for Net Zero Carbon Developments A Climate Change Legislation (July 2023)
Zero Carbon Policy Options for Net Zero Carbon Developments B(i) Carbon Reduction (July 2023)
Zero Carbon Policy Options for Net Zero Carbon Developments B(ii) Risk Matrix (July 2023)
