Richard Foord MP: South West Water must have formal role in planning process

Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth, has argued that the region’s water company should be a formal consultee on all major planning applications.

Such a role would serve to reduce the pressure on local sewage infrastructure, as well as mitigating flood risk and pollution.

Mr Foord made the case during a debate on Wednesday (12 March) at Westminster Hall, about the role of water companies in the planning process.

Currently, it is good practice for local authorities to seek the views of water companies on large-scale planning applications, but it is not a statutory requirement.

This month, a meeting will take place between Mr Foord’s office, Feniton Parish Council, and representatives from South West Water. It follows many years of flooding and sewage problems in the village, which residents fear could get worse, as further development is set to take place.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Foord explained:
“The village’s £6m flood alleviation scheme will be completed later this year. However, residents are concerned it will not resolve the flooding from proposed new development, nor will it resolve the foul smells, or the sewage issues that affect some properties.

“If water companies were legally required to give a view on large-scale applications, it would force developers to consider sewage infrastructure capacity early in the planning process. It would mean that potential pollution issues would have to be addressed upstream.

“Any settlement near a watercourse or the coast would benefit from this law change. It would reduce the damage caused by pollution and storm overflows.

“Growth is vitally important for this country, yet with the significant increase in housing targets, it’s also essential that communities are not sacrificed on the altar of untrammelled development, regardless of the capacity of infrastructure. I hope ministers will take action on this.”