Portsmouth Water is working with the Developer and the Environment Agency to address concerns regarding the Markwell’s Wood planning application.

Rod Porteous, Engineering Director, said “From our review of the initial planning application, we have raised to the South Downs National Park Authority concerns over the potential risk to water contamination. These include issues such as a fuller evaluation of the risks to drinking water supplies. As a result we are working closely with the developer UKOG, their expert consultants, and the Environment Agency to try and resolve these issues. The provision of safe and high quality water is a cornerstone of public health and is our primary duty.”

The Environment Agency is the statutory body responsible for the protection and management of groundwater resources in England. Amongst their many duties, this is achieved through the environmental permitting process and being a statutory consultee on local planning applications concerning housing developments, oil and gas operations etc. The Environment Agency will not grant a permit if they think there is a risk to people or the environment.

We work closely with the Environment Agency and local planning authorities to ensure the water environment is protected and that we are able to deliver safe, high quality water to our customers both in the short and long term.

We continue to take samples every day at all stages of the treatment and delivery process throughout our supply network to ensure the water is safe to drink and of high quality.

For more information regarding the environmental permitting process please visit:

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency</a>

For more information regarding the Markwells Wood planning application please visit:

<a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/markwells-wood/" target="_blank">https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/markwells-wood/</a>

For more information please contact Ian Limb on 02392 499888