We at APT subscribe to a number of newsletters . One recent copy of the CIWEM (see below) electronic newsletter struck a chord this week, since potential sources of water for the all the planned developments have been the subject of much discussion amongst APT members.
The newsletter outlined that:
Communities and Local Government, CIWEM & Defra are holding a one day conference in London on the 8th July for planning professionals from local and regional authorities and water professionals responsible for flooding, water resources, quality, regeneration and development to help develop effective guidance on water and planning. Over 140 delegates from 77 organisations are currently attending this conference.
The aim of this conference is to identify areas where the planning system has a role, and where planners need support on water issues in order to focus clear guidance to planners to ensure that water issues are embedded in regional and local plan making, and in decisions on individual planning applications to further sustainable development.
Planners can’t take water for granted. For years planners have been assured that the Environment Agency and Water Companies would solve all their water issues. This view is changing and fast.
Extreme events and climate change. The release of the new climate change projections and adaptation requirements on public bodies highlight the impact of extreme droughts and flash flooding. They are being recognised as normal and likely to worsen in response to climate change. Responses to these drivers for existing buildings, regeneration and development are likely to be very challenging.
Scottish water are working with Highland Council with respect to development proposals in Highland and currently Scottish Water maintain that water supply was not a constraint on development in the A96 Corridor, where likely new sources were the Ness or the Farigaig (?).
However the availability of precious water resource is clearly an issue that is of concern to many members, as is the issue of flooding, and they are issues which, I am sure, we will continue to take a keen interest in.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is an independent professional body and registered charity, advancing the science and practice of water and environment management for a clean, green and sustainable world. http://www.ciwem.org/
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