Housing Development Faces Nearly £1 Million Cost Increase Due to Water Supply Issue

A local council has reported that a significant housing development’s expenses have escalated by nearly £1 million, attributed to a problem with the primary water supply. This project involves the construction of 763 residences on property situated at Top Wighay Farm, located close to Hucknall in Nottinghamshire. The county council has since indicated that the water provision will need to originate from a distance of 1.5km (1 mile) to meet the “technical requirements” specified by the utility provider, Severn Trent Water. A recent report states that this particular challenge was “not originally anticipated,” and the necessary work to address it is projected to cost the council £997,754. The local authority is legally bound to ensure this supply, as per the conditions of a development agreement executed with housing developers Vistry in August 2023. The sale of the land is expected to generate approximately £40m for the council, an amount that official documents describe as “the largest deal ever for the council in terms of value.” Furthermore, the documents indicate that a failure to fulfill the water supply obligation would “seriously jeopardise” the agreement. Keith Girling, the cabinet member responsible for economic development, commented that while the circumstances were “disappointing,” the council would still have proceeded with the agreement even if the necessary works had been known from the outset. He further stated, “We asked them [Severn Trent] what would be required. They told us what would be required, and it wasn’t what they now want. They brought that late to the table.” Girling concluded, “In the scheme of things, a million pounds to get £39 million isn’t bad. I’d take that deal every day.” A spokesperson for Severn Trent responded, stating: “We understand that this is a major development in the area, which means it requires the right water connection. Our recommendation on what’s required to connect the development hasn’t changed, and we would be happy to discuss any concerns further.” The location also hosts the council’s new main office, Oak House, which is currently undergoing construction. Girling confirmed that the water supply for the headquarters is already established, and the council anticipates holding its inaugural meeting at the new facility in March. The funding for the water supply infrastructure required for the housing development is scheduled for discussion by the council’s cabinet on Thursday.