Ormesby St. Michael
Policy POORM1: Ormesby waterworks
- Ormesby water treatment works will be protected from development which adversely affects the proper functioning of the waterworks and its contribution to the landscape and visual amenity of the locality.
- Development reasonably required for the operation of the water treatment works, and the operator’s statutory duties as a water supply undertaker, will be supported where:
- it is designed to make a positive contribution to the local landscape or to minimise any negative visual impact, particularly when viewed from Ormesby, Ormesby Little, and Rollesby Broads;
- the tree coverage of the site, which makes an important contribution to the character and appearance of the area, is retained and also protected during construction works;
- it reduces and does not cause light pollution;
- It is appropriate considering the flood risk to the site; and
- it has no adverse effect on the adjacent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Constraints and features
- Site adjacent to and slightly overlapping with, SAC and SSSI.
- Flood risk - zones 1, 2 & 3 by EA mapping and similar for SFRA 2017 mapping, although indicative 3b
- Dark sky zone 2
Reasoned Justification
Ormesby Waterworks, run by Essex & Suffolk Water, provides the public water supply for a large area around Great Yarmouth. The company is also involved in improvements to water quality in the Trinity Broads as part of the Trinity Broads Partnership.
The policy is intended to encourage the continuing maintenance and upgrading of the works, while making sure the sensitivities of the area are fully addressed in any development.
Proposals will need to meet the requirements of policy PODM27 as the Trinity Broads generally has very good dark skies.
Reasonable alternative options
The original policy, with no amendments.
Given the importance of waterworks, not to have a policy is seen as an unreasonable alternative.
Sustainability appraisal summary
The following is a summary of the assessment of the policy and alternative(s).
A: Keep original policy: 6 positives. 0 negatives. 0 ? Overall, positive.
B: Preferred Option - amend policy: 6 positives. 0 negatives. 0 ? Overall, positive.
How has the existing policy been used since adoption in May 2019?
According to recent Annual Monitoring Reports, the policy has not been used.
Why have the alternative options been discounted?
The amendments to the original policy emphasise the importance of addressing light pollution – it strengthens the policy in this regard. Given the rural nature of the area, the impact of light pollution can be significant.