Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Development: Water Treatment Infrastructure

Monday 27 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The national planning policy framework directs local authorities to plan for necessary development and infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
  • Local planning authorities are required by statute to consult water and sewerage companies during the preparation of local plans.
  • Developer contributions can be utilized to fund infrastructure improvements, including wastewater management.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Dunne Con
Housing Environment
Context

The issue concerns the potential overloading of existing water treatment infrastructure due to new home and commercial developments.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the development of homes and commercial buildings does not overload existing water treatment infrastructure. I am concerned about the impact of unchecked development on our local water infrastructure, especially in areas where capacity is already stretched.

Answer from Eddie Hughes

The national planning policy framework is clear that, through their local plans, local authorities should make sufficient provision for the development and infrastructure required in their areas to help deliver sustainable development. Water companies are expected to plan their future infrastructure investment to accommodate future growth and ensure that adequate infrastructure provision is not a limiting factor.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps taken by the Department or concrete measures being implemented, only general statements about planning frameworks and expectations for water companies.

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Q2 Philip Dunne Con
Environment
Context

In response to the previous answer, the questioner seeks clarification and further action regarding the role of water companies in consultations before significant developments are approved.

Question

I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that it would be appropriate for water companies to become statutory consultees for local authorities and that their views on water treatment capacity should be sought before local authorities grant consent for significant developments?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

There already is a statutory requirement in place for local planning authorities to consult water and sewerage companies on the preparation of local plans. Developer contributions can also be used to secure infrastructure improvements, including for wastewater. I understand that my right hon. Friend has already been in touch with the office of the Minister for Housing, my right hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), on these matters and that the Minister is happy to meet him to discuss this in greater detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly address whether water companies should become statutory consultees, instead mentioning existing consultation requirements and offering to arrange a meeting for further discussion.

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