Chichester Local Plan 2021-2039 - Main Modifications consultation

Thank you for allowing Thames Water Utilities Ltd (Thames Water) to comment upon the above. Thames Water are the statutory sewerage undertaker for a very small part of the northern area of the District around Haslemere and are hence a "specific consultation body" in accordance with the Town & Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012. Thames Water do not provide water supply services in Chichester as this is provided by Southern Water. We have the following comments:

Mod Ref: MM24 - Policy NE16 Water Management and Water Quality

Policy NE16 has been amended to include new criterion: f) that they will connect to the public foul sewer. Alternatives will only be considered if it is demonstrated that all options for connection to the public foul sewer have been explored and that such connection is not possible.

We do not support this addition as it contradicts the drainage hierarchy as set out below:

Surface water run off should be disposed of as high up the hierarchy as is reasonably practicable :

1) Storing rainwater for later re-use; 2) Use infiltration techniques; 3) Attenuate rainwater in ponds or open water features for later gradual release; 4) Attenuate rainwater by storage for later gradual release; 5) Discharge rainwater directly to a watercourse; 6) Discharge rainwater to a land drain, highway drain or surface water sewer; 7) Discharge rainwater to a combined sewer.

Where a developer proposes to connect surface water to the existing sewer system, they should provide evidence showing how the surface water hierarchy has been applied to the site and why connection to the sewer is the most practical solution.