Water Neutrality
Updated Position as of Early 2026
Here’s the current situation based on the latest council information:
1. Water Neutrality Requirement Has Been Withdrawn
Natural England has withdrawn its 2021 Water Neutrality Position Statement (which previously prevented development unless it could be proven water neutral). This change was confirmed in November 2025 and significantly alters planning policy in the district.
2. Why the Change Happened
Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water agreed a licence amendment on abstraction and other ecological measures. These protections are intended to ensure development does not harm the internationally important wildlife of the Arun Valley, without needing bespoke water neutrality statements for each project.
3. What This Means for Development
- 🏗️ Developments no longer need to provide individual water neutrality statements as part of planning applications.
- 💧 The Sussex North Water Certification Scheme (SNWCS) — previously intended to help developments offset water use — will not now be launched.
- 🧪 Instead, developments must meet high water efficiency standards (e.g., limiting indoor use to 110 liters per person per day under Part G Optional Standards) as required by local planning policy.
4. Local Plan Progress
The council’s Local Plan — previously delayed due to water neutrality constraints — can now progress. Inspectors have agreed that circumstances have materially changed, supporting adjustments to the plan.
What is Water Neutrality?
Water neutrality was a planning approach designed to ensure that new development did not increase overall water use in areas where water supplies and protected habitats were under pressure.
In Horsham District, this approach was introduced in 2021 to protect internationally important wildlife sites in the Arun Valley, which rely on healthy water levels.
Water neutrality is no longer a planning requirement in Horsham District following changes agreed in late 2025.
Timeline
- 2021 – Water neutrality introduced
- 2023–2024 – Development delays and Local Plan impacts
- Nov 2025 – Water neutrality requirement withdrawn
- Early 2026 – New water management arrangements take effect
Why Water Neutrality Was Withdrawn
In November 2025, Natural England formally withdrew its Water Neutrality Position Statement.
This followed:
- Updated environmental evidence
- Changes to water abstraction licences
- Agreement between regulators and water companies to protect habitats through alternative measures
What This Means
- Developers no longer need to submit Water Neutrality Statements
- The proposed Sussex North Water Certification Scheme will not be launched
- Planning decisions can now proceed without the previous water neutrality restriction
Current Approach to Water Use
Although water neutrality is no longer required, water efficiency and environmental protection remain essential.
✔ Still Required
• High water-efficiency standards in new buildings
• Compliance with Part G (110 litres/person/day)
• Habitats Regulations assessment (where relevant)
✖ No Longer Required
• Bespoke water neutrality calculations
• Off-site water offsetting
• Certification schemes for water neutrality)
Why the Arun Valley Matters
The Arun Valley supports internationally protected wetlands and wildlife. Water abstraction and use must be carefully managed to avoid environmental harm.
How It’s Protected Now
- Revised abstraction licences
- Ongoing monitoring by regulators
- Continued assessment of impacts on protected habitats through planning
In Summary
✔ Water neutrality no longer blocks development in Horsham District
✔ Planning can move forward under updated national guidance
✔ Water efficiency standards remain high
✔ Environmental protection is still a priority
This change allows sustainable growth while continuing to protect local water resources and wildlife.