Local Plan Review: Preferred Approach 2016-2035

Policy S31
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker within Chichester District, also supplying water to the northern area of the district, within the South Downs National Park, as well as the north eastern corner of the District outside the National Park.
Through Chichester District Council's (CDC) Water Quality Group, Southern Water has been working with CDC and other stakeholders to help identify and address river and estuarine water quality issues within the District. Southern Water has in recent years invested in solutions that have either been implemented, or are in progress. In tandem with this, an important contribution through the Local Plan will be to ensure that new development does not cause detriment to the existing situation.
By adopting higher water efficiency measures and ensuring that surface water from new development is prevented from discharging to the foul network, Southern Water believes these measures will be effective in helping to mitigate the impact of new development. This approach is supported, in conjunction with a requirement to phase development to align with the delivery of new or improved infrastructure as set out in Policy S12(5). The combination of these measures, together with those submitted for inclusion within individual site allocations which seek to prevent occupation of new development ahead of necessary sewer improvements, will contribute to reducing the risk of sewer flooding that may otherwise have
been exacerbated.

Policy AL1
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Chichester. Taking into account preceding work that has already taken place and existing consent at this site, Southern Water will connect development at Land West of Chichester to Tangmere Wastewater Treatment Works. The necessary infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2020.
The existing provision within Policy AL1 relating to wastewater conveyance and treatment is noted, and was supported by Southern Water during historic consultations on the current Chichester Local Plan Key Policies 2014-2029. However, since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, we have adjusted our approach accordingly. Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of new infrastructure aligns with the occupation of the development, and this is reflected in the proposed amendments below.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL1:
Occupation of development is phased to align with the delivery of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance and treatment to meet strict environmenta standards.

Policy AL2
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Oving Parish. Taking into
account preceding work that has already taken place at this site, Southern Water will
connect development at Land at Shopwyke to Tangmere Wastewater Treatment Works.
The necessary infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2020.
The existing provision within Policy AL2 relating to wastewater conveyance and treatment is noted, and was supported by Southern Water during historic consultations on the current Chichester Local Plan Key Policies 2014-2029. However, since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, we have adjusted our approach accordingly. Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of new infrastructure aligns with the occupation of the development, and this is reflected in the
proposed amendments below.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL2:
Occupation of development is phased to align with the delivery of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance and treatment to meet strict environmental standards.

Policy AL3
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Oving Parish. Taking into
account preceding work that has already taken place at the adjacent Shopwyke site,
Southern Water will connect development at Land East of Chichester to Tangmere
Wastewater Treatment Works. The necessary infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2020.
We note the existing provision within Policy AL3 relating to the need to demonstrate capacity within the sewer network and wastewater treatment works. Southern Water supports this provision, however since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, we also will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of new infrastructure aligns with the occupation of the development. This is reflected in the proposed additional policy provision below.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following additional criterion to Policy AL3:
Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of sewerage infrastructure, in consultation with the service provider.

Policy AL4
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Westhampnett and North East Chichester. Taking into account preceding work that has already taken place at this site, Southern Water will connect development at this site to Tangmere Wastewater Treatment Works. The necessary infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2020.
The existing provision within Policy AL4 relating to wastewater conveyance and treatment is noted, and was supported by Southern Water during historic consultations on the current Chichester Local Plan Key Policies 2014-2029. However, since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, we have adjusted our approach accordingly. Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of new infrastructure aligns with the occupation of the development, and this is reflected in the
proposed amendments below.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL4:
Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance and treatment to meet strict environmental standards.

Policy AL6
Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Apuldram and Donnington
Parishes. In accordance with this, we have undertaken an assessment of the existing
capacity of our infrastructure and its ability to meet the forecast demand for this proposal.

The assessment reveals that local sewerage infrastructure in closest proximity to the site has limited capacity to accommodate the proposed development. Limited capacity is not a constraint to development provided that planning policy and subsequent conditions ensure that occupation of the development is phased to align with the delivery of wastewater infrastructure.

Proposals for 100 dwellings at this site will generate a need for reinforcement of the
wastewater network in order to provide additional capacity to serve the development. Since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, this reinforcement will be provided through the New Infrastructure charge, but Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of network reinforcement aligns with the occupation of the development. Connection of new development at this site ahead of new infrastructure delivery could lead to an increased risk of flooding unless the requisite works are implemented in advance of occupation.

Southern Water has limited powers to prevent connections to the sewerage network, even when capacity is limited. Planning policies and planning conditions, therefore, play an important role in ensuring that development is coordinated with the provision of necessary infrastructure, and does not contribute to pollution of the environment, in line with paragraph
170(e) of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2018).

Proximity to Wastewater Treatment Works

In addition, we note that part of the site is opposite Apuldram Wastewater Treatment Works (WTW), and our concern is that the proximity of any 'sensitive' development to the WTW, such as housing, would have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the site's future occupants arising from the WTW's essential operational activities.

Such impacts may include odour from wastewater processing and noise and vibration from operational vehicles and equipment. Paragraph 6.3.5 of the West Sussex Waste Local Plan 2014 (p42) states that 'existing waste sites and infrastructure will be protected from inappropriate neighbouring developments that may prejudice their continuing efficient operation' and that 'sensitive' uses need to consider a buffer that will depend on 'the nature of the proposed 'sensitive' use and on the specific impacts of the current waste operation'.

Having regard to the above, it is important that the layout of any development scheme should be informed by an odour assessment, to ensure there is adequate separation between sensitive new development and the WTW. This approach is further supported by The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) 'Guidance on the assessment of odour for planning', paragraph 2.1 which states that 'the planning system has the task of guiding development to the most appropriate locations: ideally, significant sources of odour should be separated from odour-sensitive users of the surrounding land (sensitive receptors) [...].
New proposals for such developments may require an odour impact assessment to be
submitted'.

Existing infrastructure

We have also made an initial assessment of this site and ascertained that Southern Water's sewerage infrastructure crosses the site, which needs to be taken into account when designing the layout of any proposed development. An easement width of 6 metres or more, depending on pipe size and depth, would be required, which may affect site layout or require diversion. This easement should be clear of all proposed buildings and substantial tree planting.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following additions to Policy AL6:
Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of sewerage infrastructure, in consultation with the service provider.

The development layout must provide sufficient distance between Apuldram Wastewater Treatment Works and sensitive land uses, such as residential units, to allow adequate odour dispersion, on the basis of an odour assessment to be undertaken in consultation with Southern Water.

Layout of the development must be planned to ensure future access to existing sewerage infrastructure for maintenance and upsizing purposes.

Policy AL7

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Bosham Parish. In accordance with this, we have undertaken an assessment of the existing capacity of our infrastructure and its ability to meet the forecast demand for this proposal. The assessment reveals that local sewerage infrastructure in closest proximity to the site has limited capacity to accommodate the proposed development. Limited capacity is not a constraint to development provided that planning policy and subsequent conditions ensure that occupation of the development is phased to align with the delivery of wastewater infrastructure.

Proposals for 250 dwellings at this site will generate a need for reinforcement of the
wastewater network in order to provide additional capacity to serve the development. Since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, this reinforcement will be provided through the New Infrastructure charge, but Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of network reinforcement aligns with the occupation of the development. Connection of new development at this site ahead of new infrastructure delivery could lead to an increased risk of flooding unless the requisite works are implemented in advance of occupation.

Southern Water has limited powers to prevent connections to the sewerage network, even when capacity is limited. Planning policies and planning conditions, therefore, play an important role in ensuring that development is coordinated with the provision of necessary infrastructure, and does not contribute to pollution of the environment, in line with paragraph 170(e) of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2018).

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following addition to Policy AL7
(new text underlined):

Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of sewerage infrastructure, in consultation with the service provider.

Policy AL9

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Fishbourne Parish. We note that the spatial distribution of the allocated 250 dwellings will be determined through a revision of the Fishbourne Neighbourhood Plan. Until sites are determined Southern Water is unable to carry out an assessment of the impact of development on the local sewer network.
However, in order to minimise flood risk and other impacts on the environment, sewer capacity will need to be considered, as well as wastewater treatment capacity.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL9 (new text underlined):

Ensure sufficient capacity within the sewer network and relevant Wastewater Treatment Works before the delivery of development as required.

Policy AL12

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Selsey Parish. In accordance with this, we have undertaken an assessment of the existing capacity of our infrastructure and its ability to meet the forecast demand for this proposal. The assessment reveals that local sewerage infrastructure in closest proximity to the site has limited capacity to accommodate the proposed development. Limited capacity is not a constraint to development provided that planning policy and subsequent conditions ensure that occupation of the development is phased to align with the delivery of wastewater infrastructure.

Proposals for 250 dwellings at this site will generate a need for reinforcement of the
wastewater network in order to provide additional capacity to serve the development. Since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, this reinforcement will be provided through the New Infrastructure charge, but Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of network reinforcement aligns with the occupation of the development. Connection of new development at this site ahead of new infrastructure delivery could lead to an increased risk of flooding unless the requisite works are implemented in advance of occupation.

Southern Water has limited powers to prevent connections to the sewerage network, even when capacity is limited. Planning policies and planning conditions, therefore, play an important role in ensuring that development is coordinated with the provision of necessary infrastructure, and does not contribute to pollution of the environment, in line with paragraph 170(e) of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2018).

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following addition to Policy AL12 (new text underlined):

Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of sewerage infrastructure, in consultation with the service provider.

Policy AL13

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Southbourne Parish. We note that the spatial distribution of the allocated 1,250 dwellings will be determined through a revision of the Southbourne Neighbourhood Plan. Until sites are determined Southern Water is unable to carry out an assessment of the impact of development on the local sewer network, however, in order to minimise flood risk and other impacts on the environment, sewer capacity will need to be considered, as well as wastewater treatment capacity.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL13 (new text underlined):
Ensure sufficient capacity within the sewer network and relevant Wastewater Treatment Works before the delivery of development as required.

Policy AL14

Southern Water is the statutory wastewater undertaker for Tangmere. Taking into account preceding work that has already taken place at this site, Southern Water will connect development at this site to Tangmere Wastewater Treatment Works. The necessary infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2020.

The existing provision within Policy AL14 relating to wastewater conveyance and treatment is noted, and was supported by Southern Water during historic consultations on the current Chichester Local Plan Key Policies 2014-2029. However, since OFWAT's new approach to water and wastewater connections charging was implemented from 1 April 2018, we have adjusted our approach accordingly. Southern Water will need to work with site promoters to understand the development program and to review whether the delivery of new infrastructure aligns with the occupation of the development, and this is reflected in the
proposed amendments below.

Having regard to the above, Southern Water proposes the following amendment to Policy AL14:

Occupation of development will be dependent on the provision phased to align with the delivery of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance and treatment to meet strict environmental standards.