Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

Response to the Anglian Water Draft Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan

Anglian Water (AW) are carrying out consultation on their draft Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) between 30 June and 16 September 2022.  The DWMP is a 25 year strategic plan covering the period 2025 to 2050, that sets out how wastewater systems, and the drainage networks that impact them, are to be maintained, extended and improved to make sure they’re robust and resilient to future pressures. The plan covers the whole eastern part of England, which is the area covered by AW.

Following consultation, the final DWMP will be published in spring 2023, and will inform AW’s long term delivery strategy in 2024. This is the first DWMP, and it will become a statutory document under the Environment Act.

The plan captures a process of optioneering, identifying risks and problems (such as climate change), to identify a range of solutions based around different catchments. The plan has also been subject to an environment assessment. It sets out that options were considered against a range of criteria, including optimisation and best value planning, and captures the benefits of the choices available.

The plan also forecasts growth, to assist planning to meet the needs of future customers. Whilst it focuses on committed growth it also acknowledges that planning for other development is taking place, and, ‘While many of these schemes are at an early stage and, therefore, not included in adopted Local Plans, it’s important to consider their impact on the long-term strategy, should they come forward’ (Section 8.1).

The plan then shows for the targeted catchments what measures are proposed in the medium and long term to respond to current issues or anticipated growth. This includes plans at Over (the Uttons Drove site) to deliver a range of solutions to accommodate growth and to address concerns of stakeholders regarding flooding. It also reflects their plans for a new treatment works at Cambridge

Response to the consultation

Anglian Water are seeking responses to twelve consultation questions. It is proposed that the response is joint with South Cambridgeshire District Council, which will separately be considering the response.

A draft response to the questions can be found in Appendix 1 of this report.

The proposed consultation response highlights:

·      The importance of investment in drainage infrastructure to address water quality issues, given the poor quality of many of the area’s water bodies.

·      Taking a robust approach to climate change so that risks are properly mitigated.

·      The need for ongoing engagement with the Councils to ensure planned and future developments are served by effective infrastructure.

·      Support for the use of green solutions such as SuDS and wetlands, and the separation of surface water from the sewerage system, but also for seeking opportunities to recycle water to help address water supply issues.

·      In relation to proposed solution such as at Uttons Drove, effective engagement is needed with local communities and stakeholders.

Alternative options

The options available to members are:

·      Agree to submit the response in Appendix 1, with possible minor amendments

·      Agree an alternative response.

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

To confirm that the consultation response set out in Appendix 1 of this decision should be made to the Anglian Water draft DWMP consultation.

Reasons for the decision:

The proposed response addresses issues of importance to the Council in terms of effective and timely delivery of infrastructure and protection of the environment.

Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokespersons of the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted on this matter. 

Report:

Appendix 1 – Draft Response to the Anglian Water Draft DWMP Consultation 2022 can be viewed at the link below:

Document Meeting 04.10.22 - ROD: Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) - Cambridge Council

Conflicts of interest:

None known.

Comments:

No adverse Comments were made.