The South East could suffer from worsening pollution levels unless sustainable development policies are put into practice, according to a new report.

A study from the Institute for Public Policy Research predicted that quality of life in and around the region could suffer without moves to encourage resource efficiency and produce less waste and pollution.

The warning came from the think tank's commission on sustainable development in the South East, which was set up to examine future prospects for the area and involved seven key county councils.

Research by the commission found that slowing the rate of economic and population growth in the South East would not address the region's environmental problems and resource shortages.

"Our research demonstrates the need to really engage the public in this debate," said Julie Foley, IPPR senior research fellow.

"It shows that whilst affordable housing is a concern, the growth in congestion and the demand for more space for housing and traffic are viewed by many in the South East as a threat to their quality of life.

"They are concerned about how further development will impact on the countryside, other green spaces and pollution levels."

Setting out three scenarios of high, low and current growth rates up to 2015, the report predicts that on current trends household water consumption will rise by 16 per cent, air emissions by seven per cent and traffic levels by 23 per cent.

Even with a lower growth rate, household water consumption will still increase by 10 per cent and traffic by over 17 per cent over the next decade, according to the study.

"A slower rate of growth on its own will not alleviate these problems," said Foley.

"What is needed are policies and practice aimed at getting more from less by encouraging individuals and firms to change their behaviour and use resources more efficiently."