More houses without more water provision is sheer madness claims councillor

West Sussex County Council has warned that plans for 29,500 houses in the region are 'sheer folly and madness' without new reservoir provision.

The comment came from Cllr Louise Goldsmith (Con), cabinet member for the environment and economy, who had been asked whether there was sufficient water to sustain the new development.

She said she was afraid SEERA may have selective hearing, or selective memory. She was assured the water companies had said they could supply water to the new housing '“ provided the necessary infrastructure was put in.

And with 29,500 houses a year proposed for the region, even if many had to be built at current building standards, there would still be insufficient water supply in the South East.

The problem was extremely serious, as conditions were very, very dry. We had enjoyed a nice September and October, and it was a delight to be in the countryside, but not a delight to look at very dry trees, rivers drying up, and mudflats drying up.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette, October 20.