Policy information sourced from the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan

KBR39: SUSTAINABLE WATER

A: All development should minimise water consumption through good design. Such development is encouraged where its design helps to ensure good water quality and minimum water usage in line with good practice, including through the incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling and other measures of water demand management.

B: All major development is encouraged to be accompanied by a Sustainable Drainage Plan which demonstrates how the proposal has been designed to:

  • address clean and dirty water needs locally;
  • minimise surface run-off, including storm water. In particular, development should demonstrate how it has sought to minimise the quantity and rate at which water is discharged directly into the drainage, sewerage and riparian systems, preferably applying principles that go beyond minimum compliance; and
  • ensure that the drainage system will operate sustainably and with sufficient headroom within the capacity of water systems in the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Area, taking into account the cumulative impacts of all other permitted local development (including that occurring outside the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Area boundary).

C: Development which complies with an existing Sustainable Drainage Plan will be encouraged in principle. Control techniques such as green roofs and walls, rain harvesting systems, permeable paving, infiltration trenches and other forms of storm water management will also be encouraged.

D: Where development involves groundworks, developers should demonstrate that the works will not adversely affect groundwater flow in an aquifer or create a damming effect in the water table that could affect adjacent property. Any development proposed within a Source Protection Zone will need to ensure that there is no unacceptable risk to groundwater. Where appropriate, a detailed site investigation should be carried out. Planning permission will be resisted if suitable mitigation measures are not possible within the site.

E: Solutions which prevent the uncontrolled rise of groundwater level will be encouraged especially if the pumped groundwater is used for non-potable uses. Sustainable use of groundwater for heating and cooling will also be encouraged.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan