Water neutrality condition change sought for 73-home Southwater scheme

The proposal relates to Woodfords in Shipley Road, where outline permission allows for up to 100 per cent affordable housing, retention of the existing farmhouse, public open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

Bellway Homes (Southern Counties) Limited is seeking to replace the existing condition with a requirement for water efficiency measures.

A covering letter from planning agent Savills states: “This application seeks an amendment to omit the requirement to demonstrate water neutrality.”

The existing condition requires an approved water neutrality strategy to be implemented before any homes are occupied, with evidence submitted to and approved by the council.

According to the supporting documents, that strategy includes water efficiency improvements to housing – managed by Saxon Weald and off-site mitigation measures, at Woodsomes Farm and Rudgwick Brickworks. The documents say the off-site measures have been completed, with the required evidence submitted.

The applicant now proposes a replacement condition limiting water use in the new homes to no more than 110 litres per person per day.

Its suggested wording states: “The subsequently installed water limiting measures shall thereafter be retained.”

Savills says the request follows a change in Horsham District Council’s approach to water neutrality requirements. The letter says the council has indicated it will support applications to remove those requirements from existing permissions, replacing them with water efficiency standards under building regulations.

The supporting documents also say a variation to the development’s legal agreement would be undertaken to remove unnecessary water neutrality mitigation requirements.

The application, reference DC/26/1586, has been advertised as a major development.

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