URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1647

Decision Maker: Council, Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: That:  This council acknowledges the acute public concern regarding inadequate wastewater treatment and the negative impact of sewage pollution on local communities.  This Council acknowledges that additional housebuilding will increase the strain on local water infrastructure and wastewater treatment capacity.  This Council will continue to exert pressure on water companies, water regulators, and all other relevant agencies, to help address these concerns.  This Council will also seek actions and potential solutions that it can implement to help tackle the problem.  With this in mind, this Council urges the Cabinet to commission an urgent report into the viability of implementing the so-called Wealden planning condition and other strategy options as tools for tackling the problem of sewage pollution in this district.  This Council further instructs the Leader of the Council to write to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking him to accept Amendment 197 to the Water & Infrastructure Bill. This amendment ends the automatic right of water companies to connect to the foul drainage system and ensures developers must prove to independent Sustainable Drainage Advisory Boards that they have a plan for wastewater drainage. 

Date of Decision: October 30, 2025