'Not enough water' to supply thousands of planned new homes in Cambridgeshire

In Cambridgeshire, where the River Cam flows, there is not enough water to build new homes. about 4,400 homes, on the grounds that supplying new homes with water would «pose a significant risk» to the local environment.

This is believed to be the first time EA has opposed a water-based planning decision, but has raised fears that its interference could spread.

Water companies in Cambridgeshire rely on groundwater from the area's chalk aquifers, damaging local chalk streams, a rare and important habitat.

A separate organization, Natural England, also objects to developments in West Sussex classified as 'water scarcity' if they cannot make up for the additional use of water elsewhere.

of South Cambridgeshire, will oppose new changes proposed by the government

The Local Government Association estimates that the so-called water neutrality rules affect the construction of about 4,000 houses a year.

Areas managed by 15 different water companies in England are officially considered «water scarcity» including the South, Thames and Wessex.

«This is something other parts of the country will be aware of, especially the South East of England in general, where water problems usually occur,» a local government spokesman said. Association.

“This looks like it will become an even bigger problem.”

Obstruction of government plans

On Monday, Anthony Browne, the Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire, said he would oppose the government's plans for new development in the area, citing the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency had already blocked a major new home development «because we literally ran out of water». analysis network, hold back the construction of tens of thousands of new homes.

The industry claims it is the responsibility of the water companies to create enough infrastructure to supply water to new homes.

No major new reservoir has been built in the country in 30 years, for which the water industry blames planning rules that hinder development.

Cambridge Water said it is working on it. reduce water demand and eliminate leaks, and hopes to pump water from neighboring Anglian Water, which is also experiencing water supply difficulties.

A Water UK spokesperson said: “Population growth, especially in the South East, is increasing the amount of water needed to supply homes, just as climate change is reducing the amount of water available in the environment.

“Water companies have put in place plans to raise £14bn of investment to move water from wetter areas there where it is needed, and storing water in seven new reservoirs, the first of which is already under construction.”