Southbourne Allocation Development Plan Document: Regulation 18 Consultation Assessment Framework

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for the Southbourne area. In relation to the requirements for the reinforcement of Thornham Wastewater Treatment, over the next 5 yearly water industry investment period (2025-30) Southern Water will be increasing the hydraulic and process capacity of the Thornham Wastewater Treatment Works to accommodate the population growth forecast in the Local Plan. Therefore, we recommend the following new wording wording (in brackets) is set out under Utilities in Chapter 3 infrastructure requirements: 'Utilities - Wastewater treatment reinforcement needed' to (Utilities - The increase of the hydraulic and process capacity of the Thornham Wastewater Treatment Works is required to accommodate the population growth forecast in the Local Plan. This is planned for delivery over the next 5 yearly water industry investment period (2025-30).) Over the same 5 year period we will also be undertaking sewer rehabilitation and maintenance to increase the operational resilience of the Thorhnham WwTW sewer catchment, and use SuDs and storage in various locations to reduce storm overflows. You may be aware that Southern Water will assess wastewater sewer capacity in relation to the flows proposed for a development site during the planning process (when consulted), any capacity constraints will be managed through the regulatory funding mechanism for the reinforcement of our network; currently that mechanism is the Infrastructure Charge paid by developers. Whilst assessing capacity during the planning application process, should it be determined that the flows from the development will cause detriment to the operation of the sewer, we will progress the reinforcement work through our capital delivery programme. Note that the catalyst for progression is that the site receives outline planning approval. This is to ensure that there is an element of certainty that the development will progress and therefore funding is being utilised to provide reinforcement of the network in the right locations at the right time. It also ensures that there is not a misuse of funds through us delivering reinforcement work and then the development does not move forward. We have assessed capacity as part of this consultation and determined that there is sufficient capacity to serve the proposed 800 dwellings. However, developers are strongly advised to liaise with Southern Water ahead of submission of any planning application and local authorities should consult with Southern Water on the application. This is to ensure that further capacity checks are undertaken closer to construction, which will provide a more up to date assessment at that time. Therefore, we recommend the following additional wording (in brackets) to be included under Utilities in Chapter 3 infrastructure requirements (Utilities - Developers are strongly advised to liaise with Southern Water ahead of submission of any planning application and local authorities should consult with Southern Water on the application. This is to ensure that capacity checks of the sewer network are undertaken, and that any network reinforcement is delivered aligned to the occupation of the development, if required.)

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