The National Drought Group is forecasting that in some areas, including parts of the South West, drought conditions could run on into 2023. That is clearly a concern, particularly for residential properties and farms that rely on private water supplies and where a mains water connection is not available. We are not used to having too little rain in the South West and therefore tend not to incorporate water storage into our building designs. The longer periods of below average rainfall in recent years may change that approach and, with some farm buildings, there is often considerable roof area that creates opportunities for rainwater harvesting at a scale that could make a real difference.

Animal welfare considerations and planning applications
The recent High Court case Animal Equality UK v North East Lincolnshire Council & ASL New Clee Limited [2025] EWHC 1331 (Admin)