County Council responds to withdrawal of water neutrality restrictions
West Sussex County Council has welcomed the long-awaited decision to withdraw the water neutrality restrictions first introduced in September 2021. The move marks a major turning point for local authorities, developers and infrastructure providers, allowing a range of essential projects that have been on hold for the past four years to finally move forward.
The original restrictions stemmed from Natural England’s Water Neutrality Position Statement, which raised concerns that groundwater abstraction within the Sussex North Water Supply Zone could be adversely affecting the internationally protected habitats of the Arun Valley. While the aim was to safeguard these ecologically sensitive sites, the resulting planning constraints effectively brought much development across parts of West Sussex to a standstill.
During this challenging period, West Sussex County Council worked closely with district and borough authorities, Natural England and the development community to identify practical solutions. Initiatives such as water-efficient design, retrofitting existing buildings, and innovative offsetting schemes have helped some schemes to progress — balancing much-needed growth with environmental responsibility.
With mitigation measures now agreed and the restrictions set to be lifted, County Council Leader Paul Marshall has confirmed that vital social and economic infrastructure — including schools and children’s services — can now advance. This change represents a significant boost for local communities and the regional economy, providing long-delayed certainty for planners and developers alike.
However, the Council has also emphasised that West Sussex remains a water-stressed region, and the principle behind water neutrality — protecting rare species and their habitats — remains as important as ever. As development resumes, continued commitment to water efficiency and sustainable resource management will be essential to protect the unique biodiversity of the Arun Valley and ensure a resilient future for the county.
Read the full press release here: County Council responds to withdrawal of water neutrality restrictions - West Sussex County Council
