1. Existing watercourses (inclusive of all ditches and land drains) should remain open, and the land safeguarded for management of existing flood risk.

2. Where practicable, development proposals relating to brownfield sites should remove existing surface water connections to the public foul sewer and all development proposals should pursue sustainable sewerage disposal solutions to dispose of surface water run-off.

3. Development proposals that protect and complement the existing drainage networks (watercourses and land drains specifically as well as highway drainage and storm water drains/public sewers), providing betterment and more robust maintenance of these to improve drainage within the village in the long term, will be supported.

4. Where a development proposal is required to provide Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), this is expected to be provided on site unless there are clear reasons why this is not possible. Such development is encouraged to demonstrate the use of a wide range of creative SuDS solutions, for example through the provision of SuDS as part of green spaces, green roofs, permeable surfaces and rain gardens. The absence of any on-site SuDS provision will only be permissible in such developments where a specific reason can be evidenced that prevents the use of SuDS.

5. SuDS provision must demonstrate how its design will enhance wildlife and biodiversity as well as minimise the impacts of flooding.

6. Applications for major developments, and those in a flood risk area as identified by Central Bedfordshire Council, shall be accompanied by a drainage scheme maintenance and management plan. Other developments shall be accompanied by details that make clear the responsibilities for the long-term management of all surface and land drainage components on the site

For more information, please visit the Totternhoe Neighbourhood Plan