A South Essex MP has recently raised his concerns about the impact that major housing developments can have on both fresh water supply and the risk of exceeding capacity in local sewage works – and suggested that water companies be formally consulted, on all new major planning applications.
During a debate on water companies and disruption to supplies, held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026, Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said:
“When there is an application for a large number of houses, the implications can be severe not just for fresh water, but for foul water and in particular for sewage. In my constituency, our sewage capacity is very nearly maxed out, and the implications of getting that wrong are frighteningly obvious. I can see that the Minister is helpfully nodding. Can we please change the law to make water companies statutory consultees, so that they can give expert advice on whether new planning proposals are feasible in reality?”
In responding to Mark, Emma Hardy MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, acknowledged the risks of inadequate water and sewage infrastructure and said that the Government are taking steps to address capacity shortages.
