Paved over Gardens could be a thing of the past.
Filed under: Government News Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Home-owners would be discouraged from paving over their gardens, as part of new proposals to save water and reduce the risk of flooding.
Under the suggested new legislation, converting a garden into a driveway will require planning permission if impermeable material, such as asphalt or concrete, is used. Only areas covered by gravel or porous paving — which allow rainwater to soak into the ground, rather than running off into drains — would be exempt.
The new proposal is part of a raft of measures in the Government's new Water Strategy, which aims to secure and maintain water supplies, reduce water pollution and tackle surface water flooding.
It aims to cut water use through a combination of efficient technology, metering and tariffs, improve surface water drainage, and reduce pollution from homes, industry and farming.
Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: 'Climate Change means that we will all have to value water more as we find a fairer way of paying for it. In some areas, current supplies are already unsustainable. These pressures are going to get worse as the climate changes, the economy grows, and population increases.'
The issue is also being addressed at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.
See also Article.
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