The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was scheduled to discuss the integration of housing delivery plans with water infrastructure provision. The committee was also set to receive an update on the South East Water Task and Finish Group and review its future work programme.

Housing Delivery and Water Infrastructure

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation from Carlos Hone, Head of Planning, on how the council's plans for housing delivery could be aligned with water provision and infrastructure. This discussion aimed to ensure that the necessary water resources and infrastructure were in place to support planned housing developments.

South East Water Task and Finish Group Update

A verbal update was scheduled from the South East Water Task and Finish Group. This group has been examining issues related to water supply and infrastructure in the region. The previous meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026 included a detailed question and answer session with representatives from South East Water, addressing concerns about recent water supply outages and the company's investment plans. During that session, it was noted that South East Water planned to spend approximately £2.1 billion over five years, with a significant focus on enhancing resilience in Kent. Projects mentioned included the expansion of Bewl Water Reservoir and upgrades to the treatment works at Pembury.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider its future work programme. The previous meeting's minutes indicated that Councillor Ash Shukla would join the South East Water Task and Finish Group and that Southern Water would be invited to a future committee meeting. A review of the Joint Transportation Board was also requested, particularly in light of local government reorganisation. Suggestions for topics for meetings during the 2026-27 period were to be sent to the Clerk.

The meeting's agenda also included procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, notification of persons registered to speak, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on 15 June 2026. There was also a provision for considering any items that had been Called-In under the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 13. The date of the next meeting was noted as Monday 21 September 2026.