Newly published Water Cycle Study set to support ‘sustainable development’ in East Devon

East Devon District Council has released a major new Water Cycle Study, alongside the updated Local Plan, to help guide sustainable development across the district.

The study aims to ensure that future development across East Devon can take place sustainably, without compromising drinking water supplies, wastewater management, or the health of local rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.

The work follows serious concerns raised by East Devon District Council with South West Water over wastewater capacity and repeated pollution incidents in Exmouth and the wider area, which led the council to pass a vote of no confidence in South West Water in recent years.

Key findings from the Water Cycle Study:

• While the majority of East Devon can accommodate planned growth, some pressures on drinking water supply are expected in limited areas. These can be managed through a combination of infrastructure upgrades, demand management and reduced leakage.
• Regarding wastewater infrastructure, several Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs), including those serving Colyton, Honiton, Fluxton, Feniton, Otterton, Maer Lane (Exmouth) and Dunkeswell, are projected to approach or exceed their permitted Dry Weather Flow (DWF) limits once new development is built.
• The study recommends that new housing be phased to align with capacity upgrades, ensuring that homes are not occupied before essential infrastructure improvements are complete. The council is working with South West Water to understand the specific implications of this in light of the company’s current investment plans. Consultation will also take place with the Environment Agency.
• In relation to Countess Wear in Exeter, which serves much of the western part of East Devon, including the proposed second new community of Marlcombe, the study confirms that a new and separate sewage treatment works will be required. This project is already included within South West Water’s longer-term investment plans, and we are actively planning for an alternative approach at Marlcombe if that capacity is not forthcoming in time.

Commenting on the publication of the study, Councillor Todd Olive, Portfolio Holder Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, East Devon District Council, said: “This study highlights the challenge of ensuring sustainable growth in East Devon without existing issues in the local sewage network worsening. Our new Local Plan, soon to be open for public consultation, therefore supports an ‘infrastructure-first’ approach to safeguard the natural assets that make East Devon special, including through a specific policy recognising the importance of water quality.

“We are clear that new development must be backed by appropriate wastewater and environmental infrastructure. We are identifying the upgrades needed and will use our planning powers to ensure this infrastructure is in place before any new homes are occupied.”