Households will have to use 20pc less water in the future under tough new planning policies for housing developments - equivalent to about five loo flushes a day.

Officials want to restrict water usage for new builds to 90 litres per day per person, 20 litres less than is currently allowed.

The River Bure at Horning on the Norfolk Broads. (Image: Newsquest)

The Broads Authority (BA) has proposed the measure following lobbying from water companies in the region, who want more done to protect one of the driest regions in England from future water shortages.

Latest predictions for the east of England showed there could be a 730 million litre deficit of water supply by 2050.

However, the new scheme will mean developers will have to pay about £2,000 more to install more water-efficient plumbing systems to avoid breaking the rules.

The new policy forms part of the BA's Local Plan - a key document that defines how new developments should take place in the Broads - which is currently being reviewed.

Minimum water efficiency standards were introduced by the government in 2010 and require that all new homes use no more than 125 litres per person a day.

But planning authorities such as the BA are urged to impose tougher restrictions in areas affected........

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