Sussex North Water Certification Scheme - Water Neutrality
How H2Ogeo Can Help You Navigate the Sussex North Water Certification Scheme (SNWCS)
If you’re submitting a planning application in the Sussex North Water Supply Zone (SNWSZ), you’ll already know that water neutrality is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. Natural England’s position statement means Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) cannot grant permission unless your scheme proves it won’t add to existing abstraction pressures.
That’s where the Sussex North Water Certification Scheme (SNWCS) comes in – and where H2Ogeo can help you.
What is the SNWCS?
The SNWCS (formerly SNOWS) provides a formal route for developers to offset their planned water use, ensuring projects remain compliant with Habitats Regulations. If successful, you’ll receive a Final SNWCS Certificate, which can be used to discharge water neutrality conditions on your planning permissionSNWCS-Applicant-User-Guide.
Certification is calculated at £0.80 per litre/day of planned water use – meaning costs are closely linked to your water efficiency strategy.
Who Can Apply?
Not every development is eligible. Key points include:
Applications must be in accordance with an adopted or submitted Local/Neighbourhood Plan.
Outline applications can request access, but allocations are only confirmed at Reserved Matters.
GPDO (permitted development) schemes generally do not qualify.
If you’re unsure whether your scheme qualifies, H2Ogeo can advise and liaise with your Local Planning Authority on your behalf.
The Application Process – Simplified
Planning Application Submission – with a robust Water Neutrality Statement (WNS) indicating SNWCS use.
Appropriate Assessment – your LPA consults Natural England and SNWCS.
Prioritisation & Access Offer – your scheme is scored against criteria such as water efficiency, affordable housing delivery, or provision of community services.
Certification & Payment – once planning permission is granted, you pay the one-off charge to the SNWCS scheme.
Final Certificate Issued – enabling your development to proceed in compliance with Habitats Regulations.
Why Prioritisation Matters
SNWCS operates with limited capacity, applications are scored based on:
Water efficiency performance (e.g. ≤85 L/p/d in homes).
Affordable housing provision.
Community benefit for non-residential schemes.
Alignment with council priorities or legal rulings.
Maximising your score increases your chance of securing certification.
How H2Ogeo Can Help
At H2Ogeo, we:
Prepare water neutrality statements that meet both LPA and SNWCS requirements.
Calculate water demand (internal + external use) in line with Building Regs Part G, BREEAM WAT01, and SNWCS methodology.
Advise on efficiency measures (low-flow fittings, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling) to cut certification costs.
Support prioritisation scoring by highlighting affordable housing contributions and community benefits.
Manage the process – liaising with planning officers, Natural England, and SNWCS to keep your application moving.
Why Act Now?
SNWCS capacity is limited and demand is high. Delays in applying could mean your project is queued or refused access. By engaging H2Ogeo early, you’ll:
Reduce the risk of refusal or delay.
Lower your offsetting costs through efficiency gains.
Secure compliance with confidence.
In Summary
The SNWCS offers a vital pathway for developers in the Sussex North Water Supply Zone – but the process is technical, competitive, and time-sensitive.
H2Ogeo has the hydrogeological expertise, regulatory knowledge, and planning experience to steer your scheme smoothly through. Whether you’re submitting a single dwelling, a care home, or a major employment site, we can ensure your water neutrality case is watertight.
Contact us today at h2ogeo.co.uk to discuss how we can support your planning application under the SNWCS.
