ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FOR ECO TOWNS LEAD THE WAY

The Environment Agency has today (Tuesday 4 November) welcomed the high environmental standards proposed in the draft planning guidance for eco town developments.

The draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS), published today for public consultation by Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), includes environmental standards to ensure a variety of water management, flood risk and environmental protection measures are met.

Environment Agency Chief Executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: “We welcome the high environmental standards contained in the Government’s draft planning policy for eco-towns. It sets out clear standards for reducing flood risk, encouraging water efficiency and minimising waste. I believe the planning statement should be a benchmark for all other forms of housing development to help create sustainable communities.”

• Measures included in the draft PPS:
• Prohibiting development in high flood risk areas
• Meeting high water efficiency standards
• Achieving water neutrality in water stressed areas
• Ambitious targets for waste minimisation

Dr Leinster added: “We have worked closely with our partners in developing these standards and will continue to comment to ensure that eco towns meet the required environmental and sustainable standards. Significant challenges still remain and we expect these to be addressed in the planning and design of the eco towns and their associated infrastructure. For example we expect:

• Water cycle studies to be undertaken – that provide a plan for any necessary water services infrastructure improvements
• The master plans to account for climate change adaptation, resource use and environmental protection
• Developers to refer to the guidance on sustainable water management and green infrastructure we have developed with the Town and Country Planning Association.”