WEALDEN INQUIRY INTO WATER SUPPLIES

Councillor Mrs Jane Clark, Chairman of Wealden's Select Committee, said: "This is a major issue for Wealden. Not only now when a large amount of rainfall is required to avoid further supply restrictions in the summer, but in the future as well."

"With proposals to allow 400 new homes to be built in Wealden each year, we need to be sure that there will be sufficient water to ensure everyone enjoys a decent supply, and all waste water is properly and safely disposed of.

"Since the hosepipe band was introduced for Wealden homes in July 2005, members of Wealden District Council have raised numerous concerns about the ongoing shortage. The Select Committee, which has powers to look at long term issues facing the district, provides an ideal opportunity to seek answers provide guidance on this vital subject," she said.

The Select Committee was briefed about the current water shortage at its meeting on March 7. It will be holding further meetings over the coming months to take evidence from the Environment Agency, South East Water, which supplies drinking water to Wealden, and Southern Water, which provides wastewater services. It will also be taking evidence from a local house builder and a major developer.

Taking into account the Council's role and the area's short, medium and longer term water needs, the all-party Select Committee will make recommendations to Wealden District Council's Cabinet when the investigation is completed. The Select Committee's findings are expected to be of particular interest to the forthcoming consultations for the Local Development Framework. The Local Development Framework (LDF) is being drawn up to provide a long term sustainable planning policy for the district.