Water Cycle Studies

Planning for Water

Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) are determining how 3,000,000 planned new homes will be built across the country by 2020. To ensure that growth on this scale can be supplied with sufficient water supply and wastewater treatment facilities, without detrimentally affecting the natural water cycle, it is essential to consider the water infrastructure needs as early in the planning process as possible. A Water Cycle Study (WCS) provides Planning Authorities and development organisations with the necessary planning tool for this purpose.

Scott Wilson has a track record in preparing WCS and has been involved in the consultation for the development of recent WCS guidance produced by the Environment Agency.

Scott Wilson’s service is based on an integrated team of planners, ecologists, water resource specialists, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, water supply and water treatment engineers and sustainability consultants; all experienced in undertaking WCS and water cycle related projects.

What is a Water Cycle Study?

A WCS is a holistic study of capacity in water supply, wastewater infrastructure and the water environment in growth areas. It is undertaken during strategic growth planning to ensure that new development can be supplied with the required water services it needs in a sustainable way.

A WCS acts as a vital evidence base to a Local Authority’s Local Development Framework (LDF), showing how water services and the water environment has been considered during the strategic planning process. It facilitates a water based comparative assessment of development option locations to feed into the core strategy.

A WCS considers when and where new water provision and treatment infrastructure would be required to facilitate new development. It assesses likely environmental and ecological impacts of future growth, to ensure that new development meets with current and future legislative requirements such as the Water Framework Directive.

Why undertake a Water Cycle Study?

There are several advantages to a Local Authority undertaking a WCS:

• It ensures that water related policy and recommendations as set out in the RSS are considered during the preparation of the LDF.
• It provides the required evidence base to demonstrate that water issues have been considered in the strategic planning process.
• It helps to ensure that the natural water environment within a Local Authority’s boundary is protected.

A WCS ensures a joined up approach between land owners, water infrastructure providers and planners

during strategic growth planning; and supports sustainable water policy for development.

Stages of a Water Cycle Study

Scoping Study

Determines the WCS study area; gathers all relevant data and studies; considers the key issues with respect to the water environment and infrastructure and determines key stakeholders.

Outline Study

Determines the environmental capacity for changes to the natural water cycle; determines capacity in water infrastructure; considers outline options for new infrastructure; undertakes initial stages of an Appropriate Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal.

Detailed Study

Assesses requirements of new infrastructure, where and often when it is needed, and how much it will cost to provide; completes an Appropriate Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal; provides guidance on funding and developer contributions and provides evidence for water related policy requirements.

The final outcome of the three stages is provision of a Water Cycle Strategy, where the plan is implemented.

Scott Wilson & Water Cycle Studies

Scott Wilson’s track record includes:

• Greater Norwich WCS
• Milton Keynes WCS
• Thetford WCS
• Boston Borough WCS
• Breckland District WCS
• Boxted Wood Eco-settlement WCS
• Weston Otmoor Eco-town WCS

Scott Wilson have also undertaken related strategic planning studies:

• SFRAs for over 50 Local Authorities
• Green Infrastructure Studies
• Climate Change Adaptation Studies
• SEA / SA / Appropriate Assessment