From: North Planning [mailto:
Sent: 01 March 2016 12:59
To: Cynllunio/Planning
Cc:
Subject: C15/1175/30/LL- Land adj Dafarn Dywarch, Rhoshirwaun, Pwllheli - NRW Response NRW:00960503

Dear Medi Emlyn Davies,

Thank you for consulting us on the above application, which we received on the 29th February 2016.
The application in its current form is contradictory. Within the application documentation (application form, and site layout drawing), septic tank, private treatment plant and cesspools are proposed for drainage methods. The foul and surface water drainage ultimately drain into cesspools which will require emptying (for all rainwater from the roofs, and sewage from the dwellings). We therefore request that the applicants confirm the method of foul drainage.

We OBJECT to the use of cesspools on the basis of sustainability. This objection is supported by Welsh Assembly Government planning policy as set out in Welsh Office Circular which recognises that where non-mains sewage systems pose significant risks to the environment which cannot be overcome by a planning condition, this would normally be sufficient to justify refusal of planning permission (paragraph 7).This objection is also supported by Welsh Assembly Government policy as set out in Planning Policy Wales (2002) paragraph 13.12.1 which notes that “The potential for pollution affecting the use of land will be a material consideration in deciding whether to grant planning permission”. The policy also notes at paragraph 12.4 that the use of sites where adequate drainage provision is unlikely to be achieved should be avoided. Cesspools require regular checks, maintenance and emptying, which are more expensive to maintain and empty and may at greater risk of causing pollution due to overtopping than septic tanks. The applicant is therefore advised to investigate the suitability of a septic tank / soak-away system at this location, which would be over 10 metres from any watercourse and over 50 metres away from a well. A percolation test will need to be carried out in accordance with Appendix A of Pollution Prevention Guidance Note 4 “Treatment and disposal of sewage where no foul sewer is available”, copy available from the NetRegs website. The percolation test results should be made available to the Local Planning Authority, and as a result, a review of the foul drainage system should be carried out in line with the Pollution Prevention Guidance Note.
Subject to suitable ground conditions, it would be acceptable for the cesspools on the proposed site layout drawingsto be replaced by appropriately sized soakaways. Separate soakaways should be provided for both foul and surface water drainage for each dwelling.
We recommend that you also consult your Building Control department on the current drainage design.

Kind Regards,
Gareth Thomas

Tîm Cynllunio Datblygu / Development Planning Team

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales
Ffôn / Tel: 0300 065 3786

Gwefan / Website:

Ein diben yw sicrhau bod adnoddau naturiol Cymru yn cael eu cynnal, eu defnyddio a’u gwella mewn modd cynaliadwy, yn awr ac yn y dyfodol.

Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future.