Megan Thomas KC Instructed by Utility Company in Drought Matter

Megan Thomas KC sought 12 drought permits in a hearing on behalf of Yorkshire Water. A Planning Inspector is urgently writing up her Recommendation to the Environment Agency, who will decide if more reservoir water can be conserved by reducing compensation flows to other waterbodies.

Given the very dry Spring, the need for water undertakers to seek Drought Orders and Permits is becoming more pressing as resources are under strain. Water companies will have tried demand management, stronger customer messaging, better leakage detection and repair and Temporary Use Bans but more significant measures may be needed in order to save reservoir stocks contrary to the terms of licences and local legislation. Applications for order and permits can involve a hearing or inquiry into any objections and the need to convince the decision-maker that potential environmental harm and harm to biodiversity will be avoided or mitigated is a key factor. Some are decisions for the Environment Agency and some for the Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Megan’s was a hearing into a multi-faceted objection to a permit to reduce compensation flows from a group of reservoirs. A decision is expected urgently.