The new government’s decision to shelve the Chalk Stream Recovery Pack sparked widespread concern. Housing developments, driven by inflated targets, still pose a growing threat to these fragile waterways.

During the National Planning Policy Framework consultation period (July–September 2024), almost 700 people urged the Government to prioritise chalk stream protections in its planning reforms. The MP for NE Hampshire, Alex Brewer, has played a prominent part in urging the government to restore the place of the Recovery Pack in its legislative timetable – thus far with limied success – she sponsored an Early Day Motion in Apr 25 which was supported by over 40 MPs.

But local councillors are unwilling to sit back and await action from Westminster.  

Close to home, and most importantly as far as the Whitewater is concerned, Hart District Council has expressed formal support for the Rights of Rivers movement. In response to public questioning in January 2026, Council Leader David Neighbour stated that the council's position on the matter is "yes".  The council's approach to the Rights of Rivers includes:

• Policy Integration: The council intends to develop supplementary planning advice for a new local plan to protect and enforce the rights of its rivers, specifically the Hart, Whitewater, and Blackwater.

• Riparian Ownership: As a significant owner of riparian rights along these tributaries, the council believes it is in a strong position to help implement these protections.

• Regional Collaboration: The council has been in discussions with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and has consulted with neighbouring councils like Basingstoke and Deane.

• Beyond Symbolic Declarations: Councillor Neighbour emphasised that while a declaration is a "piece of paper," the council expects to be judged by its actions in protecting and enhancing river corridors through its planning and development powers. 

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council formally adopted its 'Declaration on Rights of Rivers' on 10 March 2026 - a powerful contribution to the debate in Hampshire.

Inspired by the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, the charter sets out six fundamental rights for the Borough’s rivers and streams, including its rare chalk streams: the right to flow, to perform essential functions within their ecosystems, to be free from pollution, to connect with sustainable aquifers, to native biodiversity, and to regenerate and be restored.  This declaration begins to put ambition into practice, with river rights now embedded in local decision-making. 

On 2 Apr 2026 the leader of Basingstoke Council pointed out that “Our water supply cannot meet the Government's housing target!  For the first time we have asked the right questions and the evidence we now have says there is not enough water supply to meet the uplift in housing the government are demanding. South East Water, the Environment Agency and Natural England all agree with us that this is a major issue. Infrastructure is over decade late, and will take a decade more to deliver.  We also know we have a major problem with sewage and storm overflows in to the Loddon and Test, Thames Water and Southern Water are poisoning our precious chalk rivers”

Details about the Save our Chalk Streams campaign, led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, can be found here.  (VOW is a supporter of HIWWT’s campaign).