Member

I will first respond to Amendment 115. I am grateful to the noble Baroness for highlighting the vital matter of sustainable water usage in new developments. The Government acknowledge the critical nature of sustainable water management. As recent dry spells have demonstrated, and with further temperature increases expected, this issue is becoming even more pressing. That is why in December 2024 we revisited the National Planning Policy Framework to require the inclusion of sustainable drainage systems in all new developments that pose drainage implications. These systems can incorporate rainwater harvesting, which not only aids water storage but also helps regulate flow rates from sites.