Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to increase the use of sustainable drainage systems in new developments in West Dorset.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next steps.

Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing Schedule 3.

Water recycling and reuse, including greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting, are essential to improving water efficiency and resilience. Building on our Water Efficiency in Building Regulations consultation, we are exploring options through the Water Bill to encourage non-potable water supplies in large non-household developments, reducing demand for potable water.

Government supports Nature-Based Solution trials where suitable. Trials are intended to address overflows with high spill frequencies caused by surface water infiltration, groundwater infiltration or inflows that cannot be resolved through interventions.