” … With the government promising hundreds of thousands of new houses in the next few years, this problem [surface water flooding] is likely to accelerate. At present, housing developers are able to connect new homes to existing sewage and water networks without having to upgrade them, which puts new houses and nearby existing ones at the threat of overload and flooding, and the unpleasant effects that come from sewage outflows.
An amendment to the housing and planning bill, to be discussed in the Lords on Monday, would remove this right and require builders to use “sustainable drainage systems”, which can include incorporating vegetation and other features to allow water to be naturally absorbed.
The government opposes the amendment, but a cross-party group of peers may muster enough votes from rebel Tories to defeat ministers.”
East Devon Watch 