How we will assess applications
The availability of potable water is a material planning consideration. We will continue to determine planning applications in line with the Development Plan, particularly policies SQ5 (Managing Development and the Environment DPD) and CP25 of the Core Strategy in relation to water supplies.
Each application will be considered on its own merits.
Information required with applications
Major development proposals will be asked to submit a Potable Water Demand Technical Note to support the assessment of water supply requirements.
This applies to:
- Residential development of 10 or more dwellings or sites of 0.5 hectares or more
- Non‑residential development of 1,000 sq m of floorspace or sites of 1 hectare or more
As this information is not yet part of the Local Validation Checklist:
- Applications will not be made invalid if the Technical Note is not submitted at validation stage
- Applicants will be requested to provide the Technical Note after validation
- Guidance on the content of the Technical Note will be published on the website
The Local Validation Checklist will be updated following consultation, after which a Technical Note will be required for all major applications.
Non‑major developments (including minor and householder applications) are not required to submit a Technical Note. Water supply matters will still be assessed proportionately by officers.
Consultation with South East Water
South East Water will be consulted on relevant applications. As they are not a statutory consultee, a lack of response will not delay determination.
Use of planning conditions
Where appropriate, TMBC may use Grampian‑style planning conditions to ensure water infrastructure is in place before development proceeds.
- These conditions will normally be applied to:
- Residential development of 30 dwellings or more
- Commercial development of 3,000 sq m or more
- For smaller developments, Grampian conditions will not usually be applied unless site‑specific circumstances justify their use.
- Where relevant developers will be requested to agree the Grampian style condition as this will be a pre-commencement condition in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Section 100ZA).
- Where a request is made to agree a Gramipan style condition, the developer retains the right to refuse to accept the condition. If this is the case, TMBC retain the right to refuse the application on water infrastructure grounds having consideration to all relevant material planning considerations.
The Grampian conditions ensure that development can only proceed once adequate water supply arrangements have been agreed and delivered.
Ongoing approach
- Applications will continue to be progressed and determined
- Water supply issues will be managed through planning conditions where necessary
- Strategic water infrastructure and long‑term capacity are addressed through the Local Plan,
Applicants are encouraged to engage positively and provide the requested information promptly to support timely decision‑making.