Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version

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.

Southern Water is unable to support Hastings Local Plan as sound. We believe that Policy EN4 is not consistent with national planning policy, in particular paragraph 152 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Paragraph 152 suggests that economic, social and environmental consideration should be given in respect of sustainable development.

We are concerned that, in its current form, policy EN4 could unduly restrict development of essential utility infrastructure Hastings District. Whilst we appreciate the desire to conserve the landscape, there are certain limited circumstances when it is necessary to build on such land. For example: when a pumping station would be required to serve new development and there is no other land available. In these circumstances, the benefit of development may outweigh any detriment to the landscape.

Paragraph 152 suggests that mitigation or compensation should be considered where adverse impacts are unavoidable.

Southern Water is unable to support Hastings Local Plan as sound. We believe that Policy EN5 is not consistent with national planning policy, in particular paragraph 152 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Paragraph 152 suggests that economic, social and environmental consideration should be given in respect of sustainable development.

We are concerned that, in its current form, policy EN5 could unduly restrict development of essential utility infrastructure Hastings District. Whilst we appreciate the desire to protect open spaces, there are certain limited circumstances when it is necessary to build on such land. For example: when a pumping station would be required to serve new development and there is no other land available. In these circumstances, the benefit of development may outweigh any detriment to the open space.

Paragraph 152 suggests that mitigation or compensation should be considered where adverse impacts are unavoidable.