“It is completely irresponsible for the Government to pursue the housing target set for the district,”
Currently, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s local plan mandates the construction of 19,746 homes by 2042. However, South East Water has indicated that it can only supply water for a maximum of 6,318 additional homes in the same timeframe. This stark discrepancy raises serious questions about the feasibility of the government’s housing ambitions.
Tugendhat elaborated on the situation, warning that more than 13,000 new homes in Tonbridge and Malling will have no water coming out of their taps, if the government gets its way. This alarming prediction has sparked outrage and concern among constituents who fear the implications of such a crisis.
The housing targets have surged significantly since the last general election, with mandatory targets increasing by 34% in Tonbridge and Malling and by 63% in the neighboring Sevenoaks district. This rapid escalation has led to a moratorium on development in Tonbridge and Malling, as local authorities grapple with the pressing water supply issues.
In a recent statement, Tugendhat urged, “The government clearly needs to sort this out for our community now, and make changes to prevent this from happening elsewhere in the United Kingdom.” His call to action reflects a growing frustration with the government’s perceived inaction regarding the water supply crisis.
Alison Bennett, a representative from South East Water, echoed these concerns, stating, “The lack of water infrastructure is blocking our capacity to deliver more homes and is resulting in water outages such as those in West Kent.” This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address both housing and water supply challenges.
As the situation unfolds, local councils and residents alike are left in a state of uncertainty, grappling with the implications of these housing targets amidst a looming water crisis. Details remain unconfirmed about how the government plans to address these pressing issues, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for housing in Kent.
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