Concerns Raised Over Plans For 1,000+ Homes In Frant After Recent Water Supply Failures

Plans for more than 1,000 new homes in an area affected by recent water supply problems have raised concerns from a parish councillor.

An exhibition outlining proposals is being held in Frant, on the Kent/Sussex border, as Wealden District Council consults on changes to its draft local plan.

Frant Parish Council councillor Deborah Park says local infrastructure is already under pressure following a series of water supply failures over the winter.

She also raised concerns that the area is largely designated as a High Weald National Landscape.

Winter water disruption

In January, up to 30,000 homes across Kent and Sussex lost water or experienced low pressure after Storm Goretti caused power cuts and freeze–thaw bursts in pipes.

Thousands more households also faced disruption in November and December when around 24,000 properties lost supply following a plant failure, which led to a boil-water notice lasting several days.

Ms Park said:

“Water is a fundamental need. If you don't have a good, guaranteed supply of water, then you risk public health issues.

“Being without water on and off for weeks on end is just not acceptable in this country in this day and age.”

She added that the parish sits on the edge of protected countryside and warned development could impact the landscape.

Housing targets increasing

The consultation comes after housing targets for the area increased from 1,200 to 1,457 homes a year.

Park said council documents indicate 1,032 homes could be built across several sites around Frant, with two additional locations listed as optional.

In a statement, South East Water said its immediate priority was reducing leakage and improving water efficiency.

The company said work had begun upgrading meters across its network ahead of the introduction of smart meter technology, and it would continue working with councils to assess future housing needs.

Meanwhile, Wealden District Council says exhibitions on the draft local plan have been taking place since February.

The final in-person consultation event is being held at Stables Hall in Frant from 14:00 on Thursday, while an online exhibition will remain available until the consultation closes on 27 March.