Policy information sourced from the Hertsmere Local Plan Core Strategy

CS16 Environmental impact of development

The Council will work with key partners, including the Environment Agency and Natural England, to ensure that development proposals do not create an unacceptable level of risk to occupiers of a site, the local community and the wider environment. Development proposals should take account of the policy recommendations of the Councils SFRA and the guidance set out in the jointly produced guidance of the Hertfordshire Planning Authorities ‘Building Futures’ the Hertfordshire Guide to Promoting Sustainability in Development.

Proposals will be required to incorporate sustainability principles, minimising their impact on the environment and ensuring prudent use of natural resources by measures including:

  • avoiding development in the floodplain and close to river corridors unless the requirements of the sequential and exceptions tests have been met and flood prevention/mitigation measures are in place as required by the Environment Agency;
  • improving water efficiency by reducing water consumption through measures such as water saving devices in line with the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM as a minimum requirement;
  • incorporating the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) where appropriate and where required by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to help reduce the risk of flooding;
  • ensuring that pollutants are minimised (including emissions to air, water, soil, light and noise);
  • remediating land affected by instability and contamination, and maintaining appropriate distance from establishments containing hazardous substances;
  • ensuring efficient use is made of natural resources through their layout, design and construction, including locally sourced materials where possible in line with the requirements of BREEAM on sustainable design;
  • achieving reduced levels of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable resources;
  • making provision for waste minimisation and recycling within the development during the construction phase and following occupation; and
  • development proposals must demonstrate that they accord with Policy CS12 and that any adverse effects can be overcome by appropriate alleviation and mitigation, which are capable of being secured through planning conditions or an obligation in accordance with Policy CS21.

For more information please see the Hertsmere Core Strategy