East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds talks about water supply issues in Alton during a Westminster Hall debate on the National Planning Policy Framework

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds wants a law change to ensure water companies are consulted over proposals to build new housing.
Currently they are not on the list of statutory consultees whose views must be sought when East Hampshire District Council considers planning applications.
But with water supply becoming a major issue as the government demands that thousands of new houses be built in the district, Mr Hinds feels that has to change.
He said: “I put to the housing minister that the government's decision to double East Hampshire's housing target is unrealistic and wrong.
“There are many reasons why the target should be reconsidered, but one of the most fundamental is that the existing water infrastructure is not capable of supporting development on that scale without infrastructure investment which has yet to materialise.
“I am pressing for water companies to become statutory consultees on major housing applications. Given the increasing pressure on water resources and the need to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place, it is increasingly difficult to justify their exclusion from the planning process.
“Planning decisions should not be made in isolation from the realities of water availability and environmental sustainability.”