Southern Water is unable to support Hastings Local Plan as sound. We believe that Policy SC1 has not fully met the "positively prepared" test and is not consistent with national planning policy.

It is important that existing wastewater facilities are protected, so that they can continue to fulfil their function. Although Southern Water endeavours to operate its wastewater treatment works and pumping stations in accordance with best practice, unpleasant odours inevitably arise from time to time. For this reason, sensitive development such as housing must be adequately separated from such facilities, to safeguard amenity. Although there are not currently any wastewater treatment works within Hasting District there are a number of pumping stations.

Not positively prepared
We have previously made a representation regarding amenity of residents in response to 'Shaping Hastings- Core Strategy Informal Consultation' in August 2011. This representation has not been taken into account in the Local Plan.

Not consistent with national planning policy
Para 17 of NPPF says that plan making should ensure a good standard of amenity for all future occupants of land and buildings. Furthermore, para 120 says that planning policies should ensure that new development is appropriate for its location and that the potential sensitivity of the development to adverse effects from pollution should be taken into account. Failing to include policy text protecting the amenity of residents with respect to unpleasant odours is not consistent with national planning policy.