Consultation on EDDC local plan has just closed. 

There has been a tremendous response. (See EDDC Commonplace pages)

One major concern to emerge is that the current sustainability appraisal in the draft plan does not identify the water quality issues in river catchment areas caused by the combined impact of proposed and existing developments.

Watershed’s new pollution map, referred to in the previous post shows that ALL the main rivers in East Devon are in poor shape. Currently the Axe is so polluted in Somerset, it has been given an emergency level of protection by the Environment Agency. 

Much of the proposed new development will feed into either the Otter or the Clyst.

Ultimately the responsibility lies with the strength of legislation and its enforcement determined by central government. 

The Rivers Trust has this to say about each of the main party commitments made in their manifestos:

Preventing Pollution 

Conservatives

The Rivers Trust is concerned to see that the Conservatives intend to scrap nutrient neutrality rules following widespread outcry [by developers – Owl] against this move last year. These vital environmental laws protect our most sensitive natural sites from additional pollution. The Rivers Trust continues to urge political leaders not to undermine these protections.

Labour

The Rivers Trust is glad to see that Labour is committed to making nutrient neutrality rules work for development as well as nature and will retain these vital environmental protections. Unfortunately, the manifesto does not tackle other sources of pollution, such as agricultural and road run-off, which are causing havoc for our waterways.

Liberal Democrat

The Rivers Trust is glad to see the Liberal Democrat commitment to increasing funding for the Environment Agency and Natural England, and strengthening the role of the Office for Environmental Protection. These environmental agencies play a vital role in holding polluters to account and protecting our natural environment; proper resourcing will enable fair and effective regulation of all kinds of harm including sewage, agricultural, and chemical pollution.