§ Mr. SpeedTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account is taken of the shortage of water in the south-east of England in the planning department and inspectorate of his Department.
§ Mr. YeoWater shortage can be a material planning consideration to be taken into account by my right hon. Friend and his inspectors when taking planning decisions. When local planning authorities prepare their development plans, they commonly consult the National Rivers Authority about the water resource implications. Such plans may include policies that planning permission will normally only be granted for development when appropriate infrastructure, including the provision of water, is available.
Water storage can be one of the technical matters to be considered when my right hon. Friend or his inspectors determine applications for orders or appeals under the Water Acts. In such cases, and particularly when surface supplies are in jeopardy, the stored quantity of water is considered against the demands upon it.