Southern Water strongly supports the consideration of multi-functional green infrastructure within this policy, in particular the wording:
Design of new open space
Proposals for development which include provision of new on-site open space must ensure that new open spaces meet these quality standards below:
(a) Be designed as part of the green infrastructure network, contributing to local landscape character, connecting with local routes and green corridors for people and wildlife as well as providing multi-functional benefits such as addressing surface water management priorities without compromising access.
Southern Water supports the inclusion of permeable paving in the policy. Southern Water supports all policy requirements which seek to ensure that surface water is appropriately managed, as close to source as possible. This aligns with our own work to address problems caused by excess surface water in our sewerage network in order to protect water quality in rivers and sea. For more information please see –
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-performance/storm-overflows/storm-overflow-task-force and
Stronger integration of sustainable drainage solutions within policy should ensure SuDS are incorporated into new development and public places, whilst also securing truly sustainable development. Please see our policy statement on Sustainable Development here:
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/media/ny0nb3qu/our-policy-statement-on-sustainable-development-a4.pdfhttps://www.southernwater.co.uk/media/7459/stormoverflows_faq.pdf