Extension to sewage plant where waste flooded homes approved

An extension to a sewage treatment plant has been approved in an area where raw waste flooded people's homes.

Severn Trent Water said the project – near the villages of East Leake and West Leake in Nottinghamshire - would meet the demands of a growing population.

However, planners have criticised "appalling communication" by the water company.

At a Nottinghamshire County Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday, the proposal was approved, despite concerns from councillors.

Matt Barney, a Conservative councillor, said the application had caused "significant angst and distress" for West Leake residents.

He said: "The area has had unprecedented housing growth. The sewage works are way, way under capacity.

"However, we had a bad start with Severn Trent, with a complete lack of communication. Hedges and trees were being ripped out."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said there would be 90 lorries travelling to and from the site per day during peak construction periods through the summer - although most days it would be closer to 20.

Sophie Tunnicliff, programme manager at Severn Trent Water, told the committee: "The plant is at its treatment capacity and there has been sewage flooding as a result.

"The proposed work will resolve flooding and pollution issues.

"To meet the deadline set by the Environment Agency on March 31 2025, we had to begin work on a key structure before permission was granted."

She said that the water firm would agree to pay for any damage to roads and verges caused by the construction, and admitted it should have engaged with the community sooner, the LDRS said.

The committee unanimously gave permission to the extension, but said it shared concerns about Severn Trent Water.

Conservative councillor, Gordon Wheeler, said: "I can't imagine how horrible it must have been for residents to have sewage leaking into their homes and porches.

"Given population growth will carry on, it's vital this work goes ahead – but it's not the first time their communication has been appalling."

Labour councillor, Jim Creamer, urged Severn Trent Water to begin planning earlier in future "so it doesn't have to upset local residents".

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