Our responsible business commitment is to play an active role regionally in relation to the impact of housing growth on water.
We will develop a policy together with local stakeholders – appreciating the balance of managing a sustainable water supply, while supporting the economic development of the south east region. We will respond to all national, local and regional authority consultations.
Desired impact – For South East Water to have provided our knowledge and expertise to support sustainable development within the south east region. For stakeholders to understand how we protect water resources for our region.
How have we performed?
Our performance responding to local planning consultations is summarised in the table below.
We have been working closely with the relevant local authorities (through stakeholder meetings and direct regular engagement throughout the year) in regards to our longer term water resources planning proposals to develop our Broad Oak and New Arlington reservoirs. This has ensured that these strategic schemes (and areas of land safeguarded for their development) are included within their latest draft local plans.
We have proactively contacted all planning authorities within our supply area to provide guidance and information on the required approach to the planning and construction of new development within source protection zones.
We have also continued to engage with many other local authorities to discuss and ensure alignment of our long term planning strategies in areas such as infrastructure development, housing growth projections and allocations, water cycle studies and water efficiency principles. Next year, we will undertake appropriate engagement to better understand and reflect the recent government NPPF growth figures within our future planning.
