A delegation from New Zealand’s water and infrastructure sector visited a housing development in Kent this month.
The visit, hosted by British Expertise International, took place at The Woodlands development in Broad Oak, Sturry, where delegates toured a purpose-built wastewater treatment facility designed to address nutrient neutrality requirements under the UK’s Habitats Regulations.
Participants included representatives from Infrastructure New Zealand, Wellington Water, Watercare Auckland and Hynds Group.
Nutrient neutrality applies where new housing leads to an overall increase in wastewater, requiring developers to show that protected sites will not be adversely affected. The rules have constrained housing pipelines in parts of England, prompting developers to invest directly in treatment infrastructure.
Officially named The Woodlands Water Recycling Centre, the facility was developed as a joint venture between David Wilson Kent, EPS Water and Icosa Water.
Construction began in March 2023, with operations starting in August 2024. The plant now treats all wastewater flows from the growing development and is operated by Icosa Water, an Ofwat-regulated company, with operational support from EPS Water.
According to Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett, the visit offered practical insight rather than theory. He said:
“Our visit to The Woodlands Water Recycling Centre perfectly summarised our UK-wide delegation. New Zealand faces similar infrastructure delivery challenges to the UK, and we believe the best way through those challenges is to find practical solutions and to share innovative knowledge across our industry. The treatment centre gave us insight into some of the latest nutrient-neutral practices in wastewater treatment. New Zealand can take lessons from the impressive model we saw at The Woodlands.”
William Walsh, managing director at David Wilson Kent, said the facility had become a working reference point for dealing with regulatory constraints. He said:
“The water treatment works has provided an essential benchmark for finding suitable solutions for Nutrient Neutrality and unlock homes in the UK. We are proud to have such a pioneering project here in Kent.”
EPS Water’s UK general manager Shaun Stevens added:
“The treatment works is testament to what can be achieved through innovation and strong partnerships across the water and housing sectors.”
Once complete, The Woodlands will include 15.8 acres of green open space, alongside new tree planting, hedgerows and dedicated wildlife corridors. The development currently offers shared ownership and private homes.