Wiltshire Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Transcription

1 Wiltshire Local Development Framework Wiltshire Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Topic paper three: Water resources and flood risk April 2010

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3 Foreword This topic paper forms part of the evidence base supporting the Wiltshire Council Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report. An overview of the Sustainability Appraisal/SEA process can be found within the main report. Detailed information for each of the Sustainability Appraisal/SEA stages has been separated into topic papers for a series of environmental and sustainability themes. This has been done to assist the reader in accessing information for selected themes without the need to read the entire volume of information. The topics selected for inclusion within the Wiltshire Council Scoping Report are listed below. All are available as individual topic papers. 1. Biodiversity 2. Land and soil resources 3. Water resources and flood risk 4. Air quality and environmental pollution 5. Climatic factors 6. Historic environment 7. Landscapes 8. Population and housing 9. Healthy communities 10. Inclusive communities 11. Education and skills 12. Transport 13. Economy and enterprise

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5 Contents Page List of abbreviations 3.1 Introduction Review of relevant policies, plans and programmes Baseline information Key environmental and sustainability issues Sustainability appraisal framework a) Proposed environmental and sustainability appraisal objective (s) b) Proposed decision aiding questions c) Potential environmental and sustainability indicators Cross cutting matters... 25

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7 List of abbreviations AQMA AMR APA AONB BAP BIP BRE BREEAM CPRE CAMS CAAP CROW DCLG DEFRA DETR DPD FQP GOSW GVA HRA Ha IMD KDC LDD LDF LDS LNR LPA NCA NHS NNR NVQ Air Quality Management Area Annual Monitoring Report Annual Performance Assessment Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Biodiversity Action Plan Biodiversity Implementation Plan Building Research Establishment Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Campaign for the Protection of Rural England Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Central Area Action Plan Countryside and Rights of Way Department for Communities and Local Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Development Plan Document Freight Quality Partnership Government Office for the South West Gross Value Added Habitats Regulations Assessment Hectares Index of Multiple Deprivation Kennet District Council Local Development Document Local Development Framework Local Development Scheme Local Nature Reserve Local Planning Authority National Character Areas National Health Service National Nature Reserve National Vocational Qualification N2K Natura 2000 NWDC North Wiltshire District Council ONS Office of National Statistics ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister PAS Planning Advisory Service PPG Planning Policy Guidance PPS Planning Policy Statement PDL Previously Developed Land PCT Primary Care Trust RFRA Regional Flood Risk Appraisal

8 RPB RPG RSS RSDF RTS RIGS ROW SDC SAM SSSI SNCI SWRA SWRDA SWRSS SAC SLA SPA SAP SEA SFRA SNA SSCT SOA SPD SuDS SBC WWDC WCC WCED YDS YOT Regional Planning Body Regional Planning Guidance Regional Spatial Strategy Regional Sustainable Development Framework Regional Transport Strategy Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites Rights of Way Salisbury District Council Scheduled Ancient Monument Site of Special Scientific Interest Sites of Nature Conservation Importance South West Regional Assembly South West Regional Development Agency South West Regional Spatial Strategy Special Area of Conservation Special Landscape Area Special Protection Area Standard Assessment Procedure Strategic Environmental Assessment Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Strategic Nature Areas Strategically Significant Cities or Towns Super Output Areas Supplementary Planning Document Sustainable Drainage Systems Swindon Borough Council West Wiltshire District Council Wiltshire County Council World Commission on Environment and Development Youth Development Service Youth Offending Team

9 3.1 Introduction The Wiltshire authority area forms part of five main river catchments - the River Thames, the River Kennet, the Bristol Avon, the Hampshire Avon and the River Test. These water courses have helped create the landscape of Wiltshire and support biodiversity in the area. 3.2 Review of existing plans and policies relevant to the water resources (Task A1) One of the requirements of the sustainability appraisal process is to take account of any other policies, plans and programmes which may be relevant to the planning document under consideration. Table 3.1, below, lists the documents that have been reviewed in relation to land and soil resources. It is important to note that the review is in no way an exhaustive list and does not attempt to identify in detail the content of every plan or programme. Following Table 3.1 a brief summary is given of each document, together with any relevant objectives/requirements and how these might be considered within the planning document. Table 3.1: List of documents reviewed for the biodiversity theme International EC Council Directive 2000/60/EC Water Framework Directive (2000) European Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC (1991) National A 50-Year Vision for Wetlands Future water: the Government's water strategy for England (2008) Making Space for Water (2005) Planning a future for the inland waterways (2001) PPS25 Development and Flood Risk (2006) PPS25 Development and Flood Risk Practice Guide (2008) The Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations (2003) Underground, under threat: Groundwater protection policy and practice (2006) Water for People and the Environment (2007) Water Framework Directive Thames River Basin District (2005) Regional Bristol Avon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2006) Dorset Stour Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2004) Dorset Stour Salmon Action Plan Hampshire Avon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2006) Hampshire Avon Catchment Flood Management Plan (2008) Hampshire Avon Salmon Action Plan Housing growth and water supply in the South West of England (2005) Kennet and Avon Waterway Public Transport and Visitor Management Third Draft Strategy (1998) Kennet and Pang Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2004) Test and Itchen Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2006) Test and Itchen Salmon Action Plan The Vale of White Horse Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (2006) Water Resources for the Future a summary of the strategy for Thames region (2001) 1

10 Plan/Programme EC Council Directive 2000/60/EC Water Framework Directive European Document date 2000 The purpose of this directive is to introduce legislation that protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems, promotes sustainable consumption of water, provides for the reduction and cessation of discharges and emissions and reduces pollution of groundwater. Prevent deterioration of the status of all bodies of water, Protect, enhance and restore all bodies of water (including artificial bodies) to achieve good ecological potential and good water quality status; Reduce pollution and phasing out unwanted discharges to surface water and groundwater; Measures to be implemented to reverse upward trends in pollutant concentrations. How objectives and/or requirements might be considered in the Local Development Framework (LDF) Plan policies should seek to prevent deterioration of the status of all bodies of water within the county. Consideration should be given to the use of water as a natural resource and to controlling the location of activities and land-uses that may adversely impact on water quality, including unwanted discharges to surface and ground water. Regard should be given to PPS25 and possible liaison with the Environment Agency. Plan/Programme European Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC European Document date 1991 This directive concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater and the treatment and discharge of wastewater from certain industrial sectors. The objective of the directive is to protect the environment from the adverse effects of the above mentioned wastewater discharges. All agglomerations are provided with collecting systems for urban wastewater and shall take into account wastewater treatment requirements Discharge from urban wastewater treatment plants to receiving waters must be readily available for monitoring and evaluation Wastewater collection systems must be of adequate standard as described by the directive Industrial waste water entering collecting systems and urban waste water treatment plants shall be subject to pre-treatment measures Urban wastewater entering collecting systems shall before discharge be subject to secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment. Policies and objectives contained within DPDs should seek to promote the objective contained within the wastewater directive. 2

11 Plan/Programme Document date A 50-year Vision for Wetlands National Document not dated The 50 Year Wetland Vision for England sets out where current wetlands can be restored and where new wetlands could be created, through the targeted funding. A partnership between the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Natural England, the Wetland Vision is designed to make sure future generations enjoy the many benefits wetlands provide. Use the Wetland Vision maps to inform our conservation, restoration and creation work Secure the funding for large-scale wetland habitat creation within a modern landscape Deliver the Wetland Habitat Action Plan target for landscape-scale naturally functioning wetland ecosystems Ensure where we can that these areas provide multiple benefits for recreation, health and the historic environment as well as wildlife. Our policy makers could work with the 50-year vision partnership to help set long-term targets for wetland restoration and creation and to provide valuable ecosystem services for people (e.g. flood defences). Plan/Programme Future water: the Government's water strategy for England National Document date 2008 This water strategy for England sets out the government s plans for water in the future and the practical steps needed to ensure that good clean water is available for people, businesses and nature. It sets out how the government wants the water sector to look by The vision is for sustainable delivery of secure water supplies and an improved and protected water environment This will be achieved through taking action in areas of water demand, water supply, water quality in the natural environment, surface water drainage, river and coastal flooding, greenhouse gas emissions, charging for water and regulatory framework, competition and innovation. Policies should reflect the long term aims of the water strategy, incorporating strategies to promote the protection and enhancement of Wiltshire s water resources and manage them in more sustainable ways. 3

12 Plan/Programme Making Space for Water National Document date 2005 This document outlines a more holistic approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risks over the 20-year lifetime of the strategy. The approach will involve taking account of all sources of flooding, embedding flood and coastal risk management across a range of government policies, and reflecting other relevant government policies in the policies and operations of flood and coastal erosion risk management. Flood risk assessments should be included at all levels of the planning process. A balance between the three pillars of sustainable development should be achieved in flood risk management activities; the environmental pillar of sustainable development should be promoted by making greater use of rural land use solutions such as the creation of wetlands and washlands, and managed realignment of coasts and rivers. Plan/Programme Planning a future for the inland waterways National Document date 2001 Aimed at policy makers involved with waterway projects. Focuses on three key areas, the role of the planning system, how to create successful projects, and how to deliver successful projects. Looks at maximising the economic, social and environmental contribution to urban and rural areas. Introduces the origins and characteristics of waterways and the challenges faced in realising their potential. Examines how they can contribute to sustainable development, urban and rural regeneration, and quality design. Provides practical advice and guidance on how visions can be realised through the planning system and considers the processes involved in implementing waterway projects. Development plans should adopt a holistic approach to the waterways. The local planning authority should incorporate policies that acknowledge and support the potential for multi-use of waterway sites so that their full value can be realised. A range of policy tools can be adopted including specific waterway policies under Special Policy Area designations, waterspace strategies and corridor studies, or the inclusion of waterways in thematic policies or site-specific policies. 4

13 Plan/Programme PPS25 Development and Flood Risk National Document date 2006 Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an important role in shaping the natural environment. Climate change is likely to lead to increased and new risks of flooding within the lifetime of planned developments. All forms of flooding and their impact on the natural and built environment are material planning considerations and positive planning has an important role in helping to deliver sustainable development. The aims of planning policy on development and flood risk are to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at all stages in the planning process. Local planning authorities should prepare and implement planning strategies that help deliver sustainable development by: identifying land at risk and the degree of risk of flooding preparing strategic flood risk assessments framing policies for the location of development that avoids flood risk assessing all alternative sites of lower flood risk before permitting development safeguarding land from development that is required for flood management reducing flood risk through location, layout and design of development reducing the causes and impacts of flooding working effectively with the Environment Agency and authorities and stakeholders ensuring spatial planning supports flood risk management policies and plans. LDDs should set out policies for the allocation of sites and the control of development that avoid flood risk to people and property, where possible, and manage it elsewhere. Policies should reflect the approach to managing flood risk in this PPS and in the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) Plan/Programme PPS25 Development and Flood Risk Practice Guide National Document date 2008 This gives guidance on how to implement the policy approach recommended in PPS25, in light of local planning authorities own varying circumstances. The flood risk management hierarchy used in this practice guide further develops the appraise, manage and reduce flood risk approach in PPS25. The guide demonstrates how to: assess risk so it can be avoided and managed by following this sequential process: assess avoid substitute control mitigate manage risks, allowing sustainable development to continue to benefit communities, the economy and the environment. 5

14 RSSs, LDDs, individual planning applications and sustainability appraisal should take flood risk into account in a strategic way through the spatial planning process by following the guidance and assessment hierarchy suggested. The case studies should be used to assist with the management of flood risk, whilst realising the opportunities to improve the quality of the built and natural environment. Plan/Programme Document date 2003 The Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations National In relation to the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and the treatment and discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors, the regulations concern the publicity to be given to decisions taken on the review of sensitive areas and high natural dispersion areas under the principal regulations. Decisions taken on reviews of sensitive areas and high natural dispersion areas should be publicised by: notifying the Environment Agency, detailing it on the website, ensure revised maps reflect the decision and taking any other necessary steps to fully publicise the decision. Following the review of sensitive areas or high natural dispersion areas, decisions made on those reviews must be publicised in the required manner as above. Plan/Programme Underground, under threat: Groundwater protection policy and practice National Document date 2006 Here the Environment Agency (EA) outlines the uses of groundwater as a water resource and look at the risks to this resource from pollution and over exploitation. Finally they discuss how the EA manage groundwater and the challenges that they face. It is split into four parts: overview, technical framework, tools and legislation and policies. The EA aims: to ensure we meet the needs of the environment and people; to manage surface water and groundwater as an integrated whole; to use robust measures to prevent the pollution of groundwater; to achieve the environmental objectives of the water framework directive; to make information on groundwater available and raise the general awareness of groundwater issues; to undertake research, so that we a have a better understanding of groundwater processes; to make sure our policies for managing groundwater support our work in the wider environment. Local planning authorities should refer to the EA s own model planning policies when drawing up their LDDs, in particular for minerals and waste. 6

15 Plan/Programme Document date 2009 Water for people and the environment: Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales National This is the Environment Agency s strategic approach to managing water resources. They stipulate that the EA needs to work with water companies, industry, agriculture and government, as well as individuals, to take action and achieve its aims in relation to climate change, the water environment, water resources and valuing water. Amongst others, they include: protect conservation sites that depend on water so they are sustainable in the long term, taking account of climate change impacts support housing and associated development where the environment can cope with the additional demands placed on it ensure water is used efficiently in homes and buildings, and by industry and agriculture. Local planning authorities are asked to acknowledge their significant role they play in progressing water efficiency where pressure on water resources is greatest; include policies on water efficiency and water resource sustainability, and include targets for per capita consumption. Significant housing developments should produce and implement a water cycle strategy; the water efficiency levels set in The Code for Sustainable Homes should be followed or raised in local plans; follow the EAs intention of new developments working towards water neutrality. Plan/Programme Water Framework Directive Thames River Basin District National (Environment Agency) Document date March 2005 This is a summary report of the characterisation, impacts and economics analyses required by article 5 of the water framework directive. The analysis required by article 5 is in three main parts: an analysis of the characteristics of the district; a review of the impact of human activity on the status of surface waters and groundwaters in that district; and an economic analysis of water use in the district. 7

16 The information in this report summarises the work undertaken which is intended to provide: an overview of the socio-economic importance of water uses in the RBD an assessment of the current level of financial cost recovery for water services together with a first picture of relevant cross subsidies information relevant to the baseline scenarios particularly for the more complex sectors such as public water supply and agriculture information on how the analysis will be improved in the future. Constraints on available information have limited the analysis in many respects (eg. it is not presently possible to report cost recovery accurately on a RBD basis, to estimate the level of environmental and resource costs or to identify cost recovery rates for all sectors). This report provides an analysis of gaps and relevant work plans to close these gaps in future. The future of water resources is a key sustainability issue for the county, with the level of population growth anticipated. Swindon borough is covered by this report and its findings should be taken account of in formulating LDF policies. Plan/Programme Bristol Avon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) Local Wiltshire (Environment Agency) Document date 2006 This document will enable us to manage water resources in a more sustainable way. CAMS is a clear and open process, which will involve the public in managing water abstraction in this area. The vision for the Bristol Avon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy is to manage water resources in a consistent sustainable way, maximising availability and balancing the needs of the environment, public, agriculture and industry The Bristol Avon CAMS also aims to provide a clear and open basis for planning that will involve the public in managing water abstraction. The Bristol Avon CAMS document quantifies the water resources available in the catchment and sets out the Environment Agency s strategies for managing this water now and for the next six years. The DPD and sustainability appraisal/sea processes should seek to reflect the requirements of this document and protect valued habitats and conserve protected species. 8

17 Plan/Programme Document date 2004 Dorset Stour Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Local (Environment Agency) The vision for the Dorset Stour Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) is to ensure that this vital resource is managed in the most sustainable and effective manner possible. The aim of the agency is to identify an acceptable balance between the environmental needs of the river and the needs and requirements of the society that relies upon it. The strategy for the Dorset Stour CAMS identifies the status of the river and its tributaries throughout the catchment and the licensing implications of this status for new licence applicants. The strategy also addresses issues concerning some present licences and the investigations that need to take place before the next CAMS cycle. Ensure indicators are included within DPD s and sustainability appraisal. Plan/Programme Dorset Stour Salmon Action Plan Environment Agency Local south Wiltshire Document date 1997 Optimise the number of salmon returning to home water fisheries Maintain and improve the fitness and diversity of salmon stocks Optimise the total economic value of surplus stocks Meet the necessary costs of managing the resource. Take or drive action to reduce identified constraints on population in areas of water quantity, quality channel morphology and migration in logical sequence and subject to criteria for cost effectiveness and sustainability. Ensure the key targets and indicators are taken into account. 9

18 Plan/Programme Document date March 2006 Hampshire Avon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) Local (Environment Agency) The River Avon is considered to be one of the most biodiversity chalk rivers in Britain, supporting habitats and species that are considered rare or threatened on an international scale. The river and its ecology are currently affected by a number of factors including abstraction. Our vision for the catchment is to ensure that the integrity of the riverine ecosystem is maintained or restored through sustainable water resources management. To achieve this there will be a need to reduce the level and timing of abstraction within the catchment. The Hampshire Avon CAMS will provide a framework for this to happen in conjunction with our obligations under the EU birds and habitats directives. The Environment Agency (along with other competent authorities) needs to establish if any of the activities it permits are harmful to Natura 2000 sites. Existing permissions are being evaluated through the review of consents process. If they are found to have a detrimental impact, then action must be taken to remove the impact or potential risk of impact. Ensure indicators are included within DPDs and sustainability appraisal Plan/Programme Hampshire Avon Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP) Local Document date 2008 The CFMP provides an overview of flood risk management in the Hampshire Avon catchment. It contains policies and guidance that will help the Environment Agency and others to decide the best way to manage flood risk. To reduce flood risk and minimise the resulting harmful impacts on people, and on the natural, historic and built environment To maximise opportunities to work with natural processes, delivering multiple flood risk management benefits and contributing to sustainable development To promote sustainable flood risk management To support environmental legislation and targets, government flood reduction targets, the EA s vision, the implementation of EU directives, and other key targets of the organisations involved in the catchment planning process To provide information to spatial planners to help shape future development in the Hampshire Avon catchment, so that it does not compromise the natural function of the river and floodplain; To support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Decisions must be made during policy selection to decide where further action should be taken to reduce or sustain flood risk, where current management activities need to be changed or reduced, or where little or no action should be taken. 10

19 Plan/Programme Hampshire Avon Salmon Action Plan Local Document date 2005 Set spawning targets and fishing effort controls for salmon stocks and fisheries Maintain and improve the fitness and diversity of salmon stocks Optimise the total economic value of surplus stocks Meet the necessary cost of managing the resource. Enhanced level of gravel cleaning and development Landcare Promote fencing out of stock to reduce ingress of silt where significant Optimise flow levels in the lower Avon. Ensure flow levels are optimised Enhance gravel cleaning, landcare, promote fencing. Plan/Programme Document date 2005 Housing Growth and Water Supply in the South West of England Regional This study informs the work of the South West Regional Assembly to develop the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (RSS10). It reviews the impact on public water supplies of accelerating growth over the period up to Maintaining secure water supplies at high rates of household growth requires immediate steps to greatly improve the water efficiency of new homes. In some areas further action may be required to maintain public water supplies, including: further active leakage control auditing and retrofitting more efficient appliances in existing households waste minimisation for industrial and commercial use bringing forward planned options to increase supply and developing new resources. Recommendations and objectives proposed to the RSS will, as a statutory requirement, be included in DPDs. 11

20 Plan/Programme Document date September 1998 Kennet and Avon Waterway Public Transport and Visitor Management, Third Draft Strategy Local The restoration of the waterway has afforded opportunities for provision to be made for land based visitors as well as boaters, in addition to water activities like angling and canoeing and local amenity for walking and informal activities already practised in some sections. The increasing use of the waterway has raised concerns on the potentially detrimental impact on the nature conservation interest of previously little used sections, as well as the impact on local communities. Strategy is to manage the use of the waterway. The aims of the Public Transport and Visitor Management strategy are: to provide for the widest possible range of visitors and activities consistent with the sustaining the environment, communities and economy of the waterway corridor (defined broadly as the area within 15 kilometres of the waterway) to enhance the visitors experience and enjoyment of the waterway and its immediate environs to maintain and increase the benefits to the local economy from the visitor use of the waterway to improve and protect the quality of life for local residents and other waterway users to protect the natural and built environment of the waterway corridor to encourage visitors to access the waterway by environmentally friendly means, and in particular encourage the use of public transport. Consider the impact of development adjacent to the Kennet and Avon Canal on nature conservation and the built environment associated with the canal Consider the tourism potential of the Kennet and Avon Canal and benefits to the local economy Protect the canal. Plan/Programme Kennet and Pang Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Local (Environment Agency) Document date 2004 This sets out the strategy and mechanisms to be used to manage existing pressures on water resources within the catchment and to protect flow requirements of the river environment whilst considering the needs of existing and future abstractors. To make more information on water resources and licensing practice publicly available and allow the balance between the needs of abstractors, other water users and the aquatic environment to be considered in consultation with the local community and interested parties. The most sustainable options for the future management of the catchment including, where necessary, options for recovery of resources, should be planned for. 12

21 Plan/Programme Document date March 2006 Test and Itchen Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) Local (Environment Agency) The Test and Itchen CAMS incorporates the catchments of the River Test and the River Itchen and their tributaries, together with the chalk aquifers that feed them. The rivers are regarded as two of the finest chalk streams in the world with their crystal clear waters supporting a rich diversity of mammal, bird, fish, invertebrate and plant communities. Both are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) throughout their courses, with the Itchen additionally designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (csac). There are major public water supply abstractions at Testwood in the Test catchment and Otterbourne and Gaters Mill in the Itchen catchment. The Testwood abstraction exports to the Isle of Wight a significant proportion of the island s public water requirements. A balance needs to be maintained between the requirements of the environment and that of people Ensure indicators are included within DPDs and sustainability appraisal Plan/Programme Test and Itchen Salmon Action Plan Local Document date 2004 Optimise recruitment Maintain and improve the diversity and fitness of the Test and Itchen Stock Maximise the social and economic values of exploited fish Meet necessary costs of managing resources. Ensure every opportunity is taken to improve fish passage and habitats when works are being proposed on rivers Vital that actions are implemented to ensure that salmon are robustly protected and if possible enhanced according to their conservation designation. Ensure the key targets and indicators are taken into account. Plan/Programme The Vale of White Horse Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Local (Environment Agency) Document date March 2006 This strategy sets out how we will manage water resources in the Vale of White Horse catchment up to 2013, to achieve a balance between protecting the river environment and encouraging sustainable development. 13

22 To provide information to existing abstractors, and to potential new abstractors, including the main principles of abstraction licensing in the catchment area. To consider the strategy s actions and aims when planning development affecting the Vale of the White Horse catchment area. Plan/Programme Water resources for the future a summary of the strategy for Thames region Regional (Environment Agency) Document date 2001 The Environment Agency has the task of planning our use of water. As part of this process, a new water resources strategy has been developed for the Thames region. This document summarises the strategy for the agency s Thames region. The strategy is flexible and phased, to avoid unnecessary investment while retaining the security of water supply and improving the water environment. No specific objectives, but the strategy has shown that: Water is a precious and limited resource. Further improvements to the water environment are necessary in many places Without further action to manage demand and reduce leakage, we will need new strategic water resources under some scenarios Leakage reduction is crucial to maintain a reliable public water supply Need to enhance public water supplies by 600 Ml/d above present levels Significant uncertainties remain about the extent to which demand in the region can be contained or reduced through further action on leakage and demand management Increased water efficiency and water use minimization should be an important aspect of resource management over the next 25 years. The LDF should take account of this document when considering policies that will affect water resources within and outside of the county. The main considerations will be in the planning of new housing developments, the additional demands that are likely to result from this development and the water infrastructure required to serve this development. 14

23 3.2.2 The key considerations and objectives identified in relation to the water resources and flood risk topic are summarised below. Encourage the sustainable use of our water resources in the South West (Sustainability South West, 2001) Policies should seek to minimise the need to consume new resources over the lifetime of the development by making more efficient use or reuse of existing resources, rather than making new demands on the environment (ODPM, 2005) Using opportunities offered by new development to reduce the causes and impacts of flooding eg surface water management plans; making the most of the benefits of green infrastructure for flood storage, conveyance and SUDS; re-creating functional floodplain; and setting back defences (DCLG, 2006) Planning authorities should take into account the capacity of existing and potential infrastructure (including for water supply, sewage and sewerage) to service the site or area in ways consistent with cutting carbon dioxide emissions and successfully adapting to likely changes in the local climate (DCLG, 2007) Secure new development and shape places that minimise vulnerability, and provide resilience, to climate change (DCLG, 2007) Protect, enhance and restore all bodies of water (including artificial bodies) to achieve good ecological potential and good water quality status (EC, 2000) Identify land at risk and the degree of risk of flooding and prepare Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (DCLG, 2006) Reduce flood risk through location, layout and design of development and reduce the causes and impacts of flooding (DCLG, 2006) Manage water resources, causing no long-term degradation of the environment (Environment Agency, 2001) review The future availability of water resources is a key sustainability issue for the county as the population grows. The LDF and sustainability appraisal objectives need to ensure that future development makes sustainable use of water, providing for the needs of people without causing long-term damage to the environment. There is also a need to reflect the Environment Agency s strategies for managing water abstraction and the consequential effects this can have on existing water ways such as the River Avon The LDF and sustainability appraisal objectives should seek to control development in order to avoid flood risk to people and property. It is also essential that plan policies should seek to prevent deterioration of the status of all bodies of water within the county. The impact of tourism on existing water ways such as the Kennet and Avon Canal should not be overlooked. 15

24 3.3 Baseline information (Task A2) The collection of baseline information ensures that the sustainability appraisal process is based on a sound evidence base and provides the basis for predicting and monitoring any environmental or sustainability effects that may be identified during the sustainability appraisal stages. It is made clear in the sustainability appraisal guidance that a practical approach to the collection of baseline information is essential as there are opportunities to update the sustainability appraisal work in the future. The planning authority is encouraged to use existing data sources rather than to undertake original research. Table 3.2: River quality in Wiltshire Indicator (%) Kennet North West South Salisbury Wiltshire Wilts Wilts West River length assessed as good Bio Q River length assessed as good Chem Q River Water with high phosphate levels River Water with high nitrate levels Source: Environment Agency Large Improvements have been made in terms of chemical river quality between 1995 and 2005 in Wiltshire. However the overall percentage of rivers in Wiltshire that attained good chemical quality is still some way short of south west and national figures and has actually regressed since the year There has also been a regression in the length of rivers in Wiltshire that are in the top overall national percentage in terms of phosphate levels, however both biological quality and nitrate levels have improved in Wiltshire The Wiltshire authority area forms part of four main river catchments - the River Thames, the Bristol Avon, the Hampshire Avon and the River Test. These river catchments contain a number of tributary sub-catchments that drain the area. The settlement pattern within Wiltshire is partly shaped by these watercourses, as many of the area s major towns e.g. Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge, are located on or nearby a river. These are described in greater detail below: River Thames catchment - this drains land within Swindon Borough and the former North Wiltshire and Kennet District councils areas. The Upper Thames and associated tributaries skirt west to east across the north of north Wiltshire Bristol Avon catchment this covers an area of approximately 2,200 km 2 although the area of the catchment lying within the plan area is much less. The Bristol Avon covers the north west of the county encompassing the north of west Wiltshire district, the majority of north Wiltshire district and the western edge of Kennet district. The main 16

25 rivers of the Bristol Avon include the River Biss, By Brook, Semington Brook, Brinkworth Brook and the River Marden Hampshire Avon catchment this covers an area of approximately 430 km 2. The Hampshire Avon covers the majority of the south of the county encompassing the whole of Salisbury sistrict and the south of west Wiltshire and Kennet districts. The main rivers of the Hampshire Avon within Wiltshire are the River Nadder, River Wylye, River Till, River Bourne, River Ebble and the Nine Mile River River Test catchment this covers a very small area of the south east of the Salisbury district. The River Dun and its minor tributaries flow south eastwards out of the county to join the River Test. The River Dun has a chalk stream character With a growing population in Wiltshire and drier summers predicted as a result of climate change, pressures on the authority s water resources will increase and need to be carefully managed. In the future, management of Wiltshire s water resources will also need to be aligned to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (EU Directive 2000/60/EC). This establishes a strategic framework for managing the water environment, with a common approach to setting environmental objectives and standards for all groundwater and surface water Policy RE6 in the South West RSS states that planning authorities, through their LDF, must ensure that rates of planned development do not exceed the capacity of existing water supply and wastewater treatment systems, and do not proceed ahead of essential planned improvements to these systems. Water supply issues The Environment Agency is the statutory body with responsibility for the long-term planning for water resources. However, water companies are responsible for planning and managing public water supply. As part of the Environment Agency s role, they seek longterm plans from all water companies. Water resource plans focus on the need to ensure that water companies maintain security of supply to customers in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally sound. These plans show how companies intend to provide sufficient water to meet customers needs while protecting and enhancing the environment Planning for public water supply is based on water resource zones. Water resource zones are areas where all resources can be shared and all customers experience the same risk of supply failure. The distribution network in each zone is inter-connected, allowing water to be supplied from a number of different sources. Seven public water supply companies operate a total of 15 water resource zones covering the south west region. In Wiltshire, the two main suppliers are Thames Water and Wessex Water Thames Water supplies eight million people in London and across the Thames Valley from Kent and Essex to Gloucestershire. Water taken from the River Thames and stored in various bank-side reservoirs is the main supply for the London resource zone and the Swindon, north andsouth Oxfordshire resource zone. The other five resource zones including SWOX are largel(align text) supplied by groundwater sources Wessex Water supplies approximately 1.2 million people in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. It covers a predominantly rural area, but also supplies Bath, Salisbury, Bridgwater and 17

26 Yeovil. Approximately 80 per cent of the company s supply is from groundwater and the remainder is from rivers and reservoirs. Groundwater abstractions from the Hampshire Avon catchment make up a considerable amount of their available resource. These abstractions are currently under review in relation to their impact on the Hampshire Avon Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area Analysis by the Environment Agency has shown that overall future levels of growth can be accommodated in the south west region in terms of water supply, providing measures are put in place to improve the efficiency of homes, by increasing metering and reducing leakage A twin-track approach to water resources is required to manage demand for water, and provide adequate infrastructure to meet the demand. Good long-term planning is essential, as many of the best options to manage future water supplies take many years to implement. Without such planning and appropriate early actions, water companies may be forced to take steps to maintain supplies that are expensive and environmentally damaging Maintaining secure water supplies at high rates of household growth requires steps to greatly improve the water efficiency of new homes. In some areas further action may be required to maintain public water supplies, including: further active leakage control auditing and retrofitting more efficient appliances in existing households waste minimisation for industrial and commercial use bringing forward planned options to increase supply and developing new resources Future sustainability appraisal work will need to consider the inclusion of information on Groundwater Source Protection Zones, to ensure that there is no deterioration of water groundwater quality in these zones The Habitats Regulations (1994) require sites of European conservation interest to achieve favourable condition by Similar targets apply to Sites of Special Scientific Interest. To achieve these aims, abstractions may need to be reduced (these are known as sustainability reductions ). This issue is particularly pressing in the Hampshire Avon catchment and is likely to affect the supply of water to Wessex Water s north, south and east zones; Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water s Bournemouth zone and Thames Water s SWOX zone. Water management and climate change Managing the supply demand balance, in the face of the uncertainty of climate change, whilst maintaining environmental standards, will be a major challenge in water resources management in the future. Climate change presents one of the most significant issues for water resources planning. It will affect the supply demand balance by changing the yield of surface and groundwater resources, altering average and peak demands, and changing the expected yield of new resource development River flows are likely to be lower in summer, but there is currently much uncertainty in quantifying this long-term impact. This is a new area of work and water companies will need to keep their climate change assessments under review. 18

27 Flood risk Wiltshire is predominantly rural with a number of dispersed urban areas and smaller villages predominantly at risk from river flooding. The risk is partially reduced by either natural or man-made defences. Other risks of flooding derive from surface water, groundwater and sewer flooding. It is expected that these types of flood risks will generally increase with climate change Historic groundwater flooding incidents have been minimal in Wiltshire, although groundwater within the underlying geology plays an important role in the watercourses flow regimes. Flooding from overland flow, generated from rainfall running off from surrounding land, together with flooding from sewers, due to limited capacity issues, has also been experienced. The risks of flooding from these sources are forecast to increase with the predicted effects of climate change. All potential development locations need to be checked to ensure the capacity exists within the drainage networks to reduce the risk of flooding from these sources Climate change is forecasted to result in more frequent flooding and increase the magnitude of flood events. Therefore the effects of climate change on floodplains should be a material consideration in strategic land use planning. Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) requires that flood zones are mapped, allowing for the predicted effects of climate change. Flood zones should be mapped to account for the effects of climate change over the lifetime of any developments that may be granted planning permission within the lifetime of the emerging development document. Table 3.3: Applications objected to by the Environment Agency on grounds of flood risk Indicator Kennet North Wilts Salisbury West Wilts Wiltshire Number of applications Environment Agency objected to in Source: Environment Agency Information on the number of applications objected to by the Environment Agency is only relevant at a local level and needs to monitored over the period of the development document to ensure that it does not direct development to inappropriate places. The data is only published at a local planning authority level. Only piecemeal and patchy data is available for other indicators such as: Number of properties at risk from flooding Number of properties built with sustainable drainage (SUDs) installed % new development incorporating water conservation measures Proportion of households having water meters installed Daily domestic water usage (per capita consumption). New monitoring systems currently in design at Wiltshire Council should capture this data in the future. 19

28 Regional flood risk appraisal (RFRA) The RFRA contains detailed information on Swindon, which is classified as a sub-regional area within the report. However, limited information is provided on the strategically significant towns in Wiltshire - Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge. Flood risk areas outside of these urban settlements are not discussed or identified. Chippenham is highlighted as having flood management infrastructure in the town to mitigate against the risk of flooding. Flood incident management is provided in the form of flood warning to properties Salisbury is highlighted as having flood management infrastructure in the town to mitigate against the risk of flooding. Flood incident management is provided in the form of flood warning to properties. The rivers around Salisbury are slow responding rivers to rainfall, however once river levels have risen Salisbury can experience prolonged flood events Trowbridge is highlighted as having flood management infrastructure in the town to mitigate against the risk of flooding. Flood incident management is provided in the form of flood warning to properties. Strategic flood risk appraisal (SFRA) PPS25 emphasises the active role local authorities should have in ensuring that flood risk is considered in strategic land use planning. It requires local planning authorities to undertake strategic flood risk assessments (SFRAs) and to use the findings to inform land use planning The Wiltshire SFRA High Executive Summary was published in June 2009 and this information should be used to inform the sustainability appraisal process by evaluating the effects of proposed/potential site allocations on flood risk. The summary draws together the information provided in the 1 SFRAs previously produced for the formerdistrict councils The report summarises information on the application of the sequential test, a broad scale assessment of flood risk for the potential strategic developments, flood risk management measures for consideration of new developments, recommendations for flood risk policy and site specific flood risk assessment (FRA) guidance The report states that the Environment Agency has identified that the west of Swindon growth area may require level 2 work to consider other sources of flooding, due to the size of the development. The level 2 requirements for the rest of the Wiltshire Council administrative area will not be understood until the local planning authority has undertaken the sequential test within each of the district administrative boundaries It will be important to mitigate against the anticipated effects of climate change, and further information through additional hydraulic modelling may be required to inform potential flood alleviation options within existing urban areas of Chippenham, Salisbury and Malmesbury Issues with surface water have been identified in Warminster, Bradford on Avon and Britford. Depending on development aspirations, these locations may benefit from a 20