Questions submitted to Parliament and Responses

I submitted an email to Edward Morello earlier in the month asking questions in relation to Flood Control and Sewers affecting Yetminster and the Wriggle Valley. 

The questions were submitted by Edward Morello to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

They were answered by Emma Hardy MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Water and Flooding

Question for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Flood Control and Sewers. To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 

1) What steps his Department is taking to reduce the amount of surface water entering combined sewer systems in communities affected by flooding and sewage pollution.
2) What consideration has been given to requiring rainwater harvesting and attenuation measures in new developments in Yetminster and the River Wriggle catchment
3) What steps the Government is taking to increase the use of sustainable drainage systems in new developments in West Dorset.
4) Whether her Department has established a timetable for implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Asked 17 June 2026

Answered 25 June 2026
By Emma Hardy (Labour, Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice)
Flood Control: Dorset

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all development to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where they could have drainage impacts. We have consulted on a revised version of the NPPF and are now in the process of considering next steps.

Better delivery of SuDS may be achieved by continuing to improve the current planning policy-based approach and looking at ways of improving the approach to adoption and maintenance, rather than commencing Schedule 3.

Water recycling and reuse, including greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting, are essential to improving water efficiency and resilience. Building on our Water Efficiency in Building Regulations consultation, we are exploring options through the Water Bill to encourage non-potable water supplies in large non-household developments, reducing demand for potable water.

Government supports Nature-Based Solution trials where suitable. Trials are intended to address overflows with high spill frequencies caused by surface water infiltration, groundwater infiltration or inflows that cannot be resolved through interventions.