PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) what consideration has been given to the potential merits of requiring rainwater harvesting and attenuation measures in all new developments in Herefordshire and the River Wye catchment and (b) what assessment has been made of the potential contribution such measures in addressing the impacts of both flooding and drought.

Asked by:
Dr Ellie Chowns (Green Party)

The August 2026 update to the National Planning Policy Framework, in Policy F8, requires developments with drainage implications to use Sustainable Drainage Systems. Attenuation of flood risk is a key element of delivering sustainable development.

Herefordshire Council's Core Strategy, adopted in 2015, includes policies that address Sustainable Design (SD1) – including water conservation, and Sustainable Water Management and Water Resources (SD4). A new Local Plan is being prepared.

Rainwater harvesting and other water storage infrastructure play an essential part in both conserving water during dry weather and restricting its impact during flooding. This provides a long-term cumulative benefit.

Answered by:
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