“It is completely irresponsible for the Government to pursue the housing target set for the district,” stated Tom Tugendhat, the Conservative MP representing Tonbridge. His remarks come amid growing concerns regarding the feasibility of housing targets in Kent, particularly in light of significant water supply issues.

Tugendhat’s call to action highlights a critical situation where 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 support a maximum of 6,318 additional homes by the same year.

In a stark warning, Tugendhat emphasized, “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 statement underscores the potential crisis that could arise if current housing targets are met without adequate water infrastructure.

The situation has been exacerbated by a moratorium on development in Tonbridge and Malling due to ongoing water supply challenges. Tugendhat noted that mandatory housing targets have surged by 34% in Tonbridge and Malling and by 63% in the neighboring Sevenoaks district since the last general election.

Alison Bennett, a representative from South East Water, echoed Tugendhat’s 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.”

The government’s approach to addressing these pressing issues has drawn criticism for its lack of urgency. 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.”

As the debate continues, the implications of these housing targets and water supply limitations remain a focal point for local councils and residents alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any forthcoming government actions to alleviate these concerns.

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