New housing in Polegate

I have, at my request, had two meetings with the developers. I share concerns about the pressure large development will place on our infrastructure. For example, we now have a situation where we have less water per head of population in our area than they do in the Sudan. In general terms, I am concerned that the level of development we in Sussex are being asked to take is putting great strain on our infrastructure.

The shortage of water is actually a matter which I have raised on a number of occasions in the Commons, not least of all in my previous capacity as Lib Dem Shadow Environment Secretary. In my view there needs to be action taken to implement a sensible regional policy, to slow down the drift of people from the North to the South-East, which is happening under this government, with all the pressures that brings on our infrastructure.

If development does occur, we need to ensure that those houses which may be built are of the highest standards environmentally and I have asked the developers to build in, for example, energy efficient standards and separation of grey water.

The plans do envisage the provision of a new railway station (to add to the existing one) which will take some pressure off the town centre's streets, which I welcome.

However, I am most concerned that the development plans envisage excessive road-building to accompany it, which in my view will have a serious effect on our local environment.

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