5.42

Support

Representation ID: 31641

Received: 21/08/2017

Respondent: Environment Agency

Outstanding issues: The SPD does not mention provision of potable water supply to the site.

The development lies within the area traditionally supplied by Cambridge Water Company. It is assumed that water will be supplied using existing sources and under existing abstraction licence permissions. The planners should seek advice from the water company to find out whether this is the case, or whether a new source needs to be developed or a new abstraction licence is sought.

We may not be able to recommend a new or increased abstraction licence where water resources are fully committed to existing abstraction and the environment. The location of development should take into consideration the relative availability of existing developed water resources. The timing and cost of infrastructure improvements will be a consideration. This issue should be discussed with the water company.

Every opportunity should be taken to build water efficiency into new developments, and innovative approaches should be encouraged. We support the initiatives mentioned in Section 5.42 which stated that water efficiency and water sensitive design was a key priority for the site.