Ofwat Abolition and Water Regulation Reform – Implications for Development
Why water regulation is changing Government plans to replace Ofwat with a consolidated water regulator signal tougher oversight of pollution, assets and customer outcomes. For planning, the biggest shift is likely to be closer scrutiny of how developments manage surface water
UK Falling Behind EU Environmental Standards – What It Means for Developers
Environmental standards after Brexit Recent analyses suggest the UK is slipping behind the EU on air, water and chemicals controls. While this doesn’t remove planning obligations, it does create uncertainty for developers trying to predict what evidence LPAs will require. In
SuDS Set to Become Mandatory – What Developers Need to Know
Why SuDS policy is changing Drainage and water management have become headline issues across the UK. Following a landmark review, the Independent Water Commission has recommended making Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) mandatory in England under Schedule 3 of the Flood and
Biodiversity Net Gain Awareness Low – Why It Matters for Developers
BNG is law—but awareness is low Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now applies to most Town and Country Planning Act developments in England, requiring a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity value. Yet surveys show awareness among homeowners and some SME developers
New SuDS Standards Raise Expectations – Evidence You’ll Need
Updated SuDS standards raise expectations National guidance and industry standards for SuDS have been refreshed, placing greater emphasis on water quality, biodiversity and long‑term maintenance. Even where SuDS are not yet mandatory, many LPAs are adopting the updated standards as the
Ecology vs Housing? How to Deliver Both Without Delay
Balancing ecology and delivery Public debate continues around how to accelerate housing while protecting wildlife. For planners, the answer is not to choose one or the other but to require robust evidence that schemes can deliver both. That means earlier ecology
Avoid Greenwashing Claims: Build a Strong Evidence Base
Scrutiny is rising—even if rules soften As national policies shift, public and media scrutiny of environmental performance is intensifying. Developers that under‑document risk or over‑claim benefits face reputational damage alongside planning setbacks. The antidote is transparent, proportionate evidence—from ground risk to
River Health in Focus – Strengthen Water Quality Evidence
Rivers in the spotlight With funds from pollution fines being reinvested into river health projects, expectations on new developments to protect water quality are rising. Planners increasingly ask for demonstrable treatment steps in drainage strategies, along with monitoring or maintenance commitments
Planning for a Nature Levy – Reduce Costs by Designing BNG In
What a nature levy could mean Proposals for a nature restoration levy would increase costs for schemes that do not integrate biodiversity from the outset. While details are evolving, the direction of travel is clear: developments should deliver net benefits for
New Water Standards Put SuDS at the Centre of Planning
Why SuDS keep gaining ground Updated guidance and public pressure to reduce pollution are pushing SuDS to the centre of planning. Multifunctional drainage that slows, stores, and treats water is now widely seen as essential infrastructure rather than a nice‑to‑have. LPAs