(a) Development must have no significant adverse impact on watercourses, above ground, below ground, upstream and/or downstream. This includes impacts on flow rates, flood risk, water quality, biodiversity, landscape, or the trees and woodlands that rely on the watercourses.

(b) In considering adverse impacts on the natural environment in the application of Policy RC1, including impacts on trees and woodlands, regard will be made to impacts on soils and watercourses.

(c) Development adjacent to or containing a watercourse should include a 9 metre ecological buffer from the top of the watercourse bank. Watercourses should not normally be culverted or covered.

(d) Development should take opportunities to enhance the recreational value of watercourse and their corridors in its design, layout and landscaping.

(e) Where necessary, appropriate measures must be taken to mitigate and manage any adverse impact upon watercourses and drainage systems (including land drains, drainage ditches, seasonal ponds and balancing ponds).

For more information, please visit the Sutton Neighbourhood Plan