Planners in the South-east have warned that new reservoirs must be provided to enable the drought-hit region to support increased housebuilding.

A report presented to the South East England Regional Assembly planning committee this week says four reservoirs must be provided, and the existing facility at Bewl extended within the next 15 years to enable water supplies to meet demand from the 28,000 extra homes a year that are needed.

The report says: "With the twin-track approach of increased demand management and water efficiency combined with timely development of new water resources, the housing proposed in the plan can be accommodated."

Last week a ban on all but essential water use was introduced in parts of Surrey.