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Written question asked by Ellie Chowns (Green Party) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Recycling

Question

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.

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
24594
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Construction Housing Droughts Floods Recycling Water Herefordshire
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk