Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of sewage treatment infrastructure capacity when planning authorities consider new housing developments in areas where sewage treatment works have recorded frequent storm overflow discharges.

The Government has recently consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that includes clearer, ‘rules based’ policies for decision-making and plan-making. The consultation included policies that will support the development and operation of energy and water infrastructure that meets the needs of existing and future development.

These policies emphasise the need for early engagement between relevant plan-making authorities, utility providers, regulators, and network operators. This will ensure that development plans align with the capacity and future requirements of water infrastructure, and support the delivery of water supply, drainage, and wastewater infrastructure. The consultation seeking views on a revised version of the NPPF closed on 10 March. Following analysis of the responses received, we will publish the final version in summer 2026.

Shifting the focus towards ‘pre-pipe’ solutions such as rainwater management and tackling sewer misuse will be key to reducing sewage discharges from storm overflows.