By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are serious concerns that already struggling sewage systems will not be able to cope with the thousands of new homes the Government wants to see built in the Cotswolds.
Cotswold District Council leaders raised concerns earlier this year after their yearly housing target was more than doubled.
The authority’s new target is over more than 1,000 homes a year and has been labelled “unrealistic” by council chiefs.
Concerns were also raised last week about the sewage infrastructure which is struggling with the current amount of homes in some parts of the district.
Councillor Gina Blomefield (C, Campden and Vale) submitted a written question to the meeting on September 24.
“There are many areas across the Cotswold District where the current sewage systems are at or near full capacity,” she said.
“With the likely increase in new development in the coming years, please can you confirm that the concerns of local communities raised during the planning application process will be given due consideration?
“And robust conditions will be applied to ensure local sewage networks are able to cope with the increased demand on their systems?”
Housing and planning cabinet member Juliet Layton (LD, South Cerney Village) said wastewater infrastructure is taken into account and would be fully considered by the planning authority when developments come forward.
She said planning conditions can be implemented to ensure the necessary upgrades are delivered before homes are occupied where there is a potential for foul water to be discharged into watercourses.
“This is generally discussed with the utility provider who will provide details of the existing capacity, and a condition will often be sufficient to ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent pollution and protect water quality,” she said in her written response.
Cllr Blomefield asked a follow-up question and said it was an important issue when considering future house building in the Cotswolds.
“There are many places across the Cotswolds where sewage capacity is very challenged,” she said.
She said residents ask again and again what the best way of sharing their evidence with the planning department.
Cllr Layton suggested pressure groups such as Windrush Against Sewage Pollution report such figures.
She questioned whether the planning department needed to know as it was the responsibility of water firms and the development but agreed to look into it and get back to her.
“If we know there is going to be a real problem, we have to put conditions on,” she said.