The MP for the Cotswolds has backed Government plans to reduce the impact of new developments.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that new developments will have to include “sustainable drainage” from 2024 in a bid to reduce flooding and overflowing sewers.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown says he has been campaigning for this for several years.
“Coming on top of the range of measures in the recent Environment Act, this new announcement shows the Government’s real determination to reduce sewage pollution in our rivers,” he said.
READ MORE: Raise bills to stop water companies dumping sewage suggests Cotswold MP
The Environment Department (Defra) has said these new mandatory requirements would reduce the risk of surface water flooding and relieve pressure on traditional sewerage systems which can get overwhelmed by heavy rain.
New developments can increase the risk of flooding and sewers being overwhelmed because they cover previously permeable surfaces such as grassland and soil that would have helped water soak away.
This can lead to untreated sewage being released into rivers and the sea through storm overflows designed to stop sewers backing up when lots of rainwater pours into road and building drains that form part of the same system.
Sustainable drainage measures such as 'rain gardens' and water-permeable paving can reduce run-off, slow the passage of water and help it soak away into the ground.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Our traditional drainage systems are under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, urbanisation and a growing population.
“The benefits of sustainable drainage systems are many – from mitigating flood risk by catching and storing surplus water and reducing storm overflow discharges, to enhancing local nature in the heart of our developments and helping with harvesting valuable rainwater.”
Environmental Audit Committee chairman Philip Dunne added: “Our drains and sewers are spilling under significant pressure, exacerbated by new housing developments having the automatic right to connect to the sewerage system.
“It is absolutely right that the Government leaves no stone unturned to address the major and complex challenge of easing pressure on the system.
“Developers must not simply have the right to connect to an overloaded sewerage system and not contribute to improvements.”
A public consultation later this year will help shape new regulations for England, which are expected to be implemented in 2024.
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