Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 2599

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2752
Water efficiency targets should apply to all developments, irrespective of type or size in order to secure the benefits and enable sustainable water supplies in the future.

Comment

Representation ID: 2600

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2753
Yes, but it should also explicitly reference sustainable drainage (not just flood risk) and this should be in line with our earlier comments about water neutrality development, such that the runoff from new development is no greater than that of the previous land use.

Comment

Representation ID: 2601

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2754
Yes but it needs strengthening in respect of hydrogen production to ensure that this does not place adverse effects on water supplies, river and estuary processes and water quality in our rivers, canals and estuaries.  The “water footprint”  of hydrogen generation could be substantial and must not be overlooked in comparison to the “carbon” benefits.

Comment

Representation ID: 2602

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2755
Yes, provided that adequate conditions are included in planning permissions to ensure no adverse effects on groundwater (in particular, including water quality and groundwater levels) and rivers, canals and estuaries from any warm water discharges associated with the heating systems.

Comment

Representation ID: 2603

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2756
Yes but it needs strengthening in respect of hydrogen production to ensure that this does not place adverse effects on water supplies, river and estuary processes and water quality in our rivers, canals and estuaries.  The “water footprint”  of hydrogen generation could be substantial and must not be overlooked in comparison to the “carbon” benefits.

Comment

Representation ID: 2604

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2757
Yes, we broadly agree.

Comment

Representation ID: 2605

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2758
Yes there should be an individual policy and this must include provisions in respect of water management at equestrian sites to reduce river, canal and estuarine pollution.  Equine runoff has a greater impact on ammonia and phosphorus concentrations in receiving watercourses than that from cattle (per head) and is becoming an increasingly issue for river pollution in certain areas with a concentration of horses.