EP 119: Fire Concerns, Water Outrage and Planning Battles

Kent Politics Podcast Show Notes Episode Highlights: South East Water Accountability Discussion on the need for government intervention to hold South East Water accountable due to repeated failures in providing reliable water supply. Canterbury City Council Leader Alan Baldock and Maidstone Council leader Stuart Jeffrey express concerns, suggesting nationalisation as a potential solution. Medway Fire Concerns Ongoing issues with fires at the former St. John Fisher School building in Chatham prompt calls from Councillor Harinda Mahil for developer action or demolition. Nine fires since 2022 raise health and safety concerns among residents. Sevenoaks Solar Farm Rejection Local opposition leads to rejection of plans for a large solar farm in New Ash Green by district councillors. Evolution Power may appeal, citing lack of objections from key statutory bodies. Water Supply Issues in Kent Politicians criticise South East Water's handling of recent outages affecting coastal areas like Whitstable and Herne Bay. Calls for improved investment and communication from the company are highlighted by local MPs. Kent County Council Traditions Revived Controversial decision to recite the Lord’s Prayer and sing the national anthem at council meetings is approved despite mixed reactions. Stop The Sprawl Campaign Conservative MP Helen Whately presents a petition against overdevelopment in Kent, highlighting infrastructure strain including water systems. Future Developments & Discussions: Anticipation around upcoming government reforms impacting Sevenoaks District Council. Continued scrutiny on housing developments' impact on local communities and resources. Get Involved: Share your thoughts or questions about local politics via email or voice note at [email protected] Stay updated with political news through our newsletter at kentonline.co.uk/newsletters.  Tune In: Catch up with KMTV's Politics show every Friday at 5 pm or watch on-demand via kmtv.co.uk. Thanks for listening to the Kent Politics Podcast - don't forget to check out stories throughout the week on the politics pages of KentOnline, and you can watch the Kent Politics Show on KMTV every Friday at 5pm or on demand at www.kmtv.co.ukDon't forget to look out for more episodes of the Kent Politics Podcast, along with other shows at kmfm.co.uk or wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.