In a significant development regarding housing targets in Kent, MP advocates are urging for lower housing projections in the region. This appeals to local authorities to reassess their planning in light of updated water resource management strategies.
Water Resources Management Plan Overview
Nick Price, the head of water resources at SEW, emphasized the importance of the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP). The WRMP is updated every five years, with the next iteration set to be published in 2029. The plan serves as a vital document that guides the sustainable management of water resources in tandem with housing developments.
Current and Future Housing Data
The most recent WRMP, published in 2024, used housing data available from 2023. However, it does not align with the Government’s current housing requirements for Tonbridge and Malling. Price remarked that additional developments could heighten water demand, which is not accounted for in their latest plan.
- Next WRMP publication: 2029
- Current WRMP published: 2024
- Data source: 2023 housing figures
Addressing Water Demand Challenges
Price stated that SEW is not a statutory consultee in planning applications. This limitation means that potential increases in housing do not automatically influence their planning for water resources. He highlighted the company’s core priorities as:
- Reducing water leakage
- Improving water efficiency
- Upgrading to smart meter technology
These initiatives aim to ensure that local water supply can keep pace with the anticipated increase in demand as housing targets are reassessed. The advocacy for lower housing targets aligns with ongoing discussions about sustainable development in Kent.
