Wychavon Liberal Democrats request action from the government after sewage is allowed to flow in villages

Liberal Democrat councillors have written to government ministers after planning decisions have led to sewage escaping onto roads and gardens in the village of Drakes Broughton.

The letter, written to Minister for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycock MP states, “Over the past few years we have seen a number of decisions made locally to refuse planning applications overturned by inspectors at appeal… the concerns of sewage have been the main reason for refusal. Residents and councillors have been left frustrated when local planners have highlighted the lack of capacity in the system, inspectors have ignored this issue and overturned local decisionmakers, and subsequent construction has led to sewage pouring into the streets.”

Wychavon planning committee meetings in November and January saw residents raising their concerns about the lack of sewage capacity in the village, which was rightly identified by the planners and local councillors. But in January some councillors accepted the option of building large underground storage areas and using tankers to remove the sewage, as an alternative to having a direct connection to the sewers.

Group leader of Wychavon Liberal Democrats, Councillor Dan Boatright-Greene says: “This situation has become unbearable for residents, and we are all frankly fed up with the situation. The government needs to give councils the ability to refuse planning applications when the sewers are over capacity. Drakes Broughton is already in a horrendous situation but recent decisions in Badsey and Crowle mean other villages will likely be next. Bringing tankers into the village to remove the human waste is not good for the community and leaves large pools of waste underground for weeks. How is this acceptable?

Councillor Liz Turier, who represents Drakes Broughton says: “I have spoken to so many residents who are horrified that raw sewage has been left to flow onto our roads. We have video footage, photographs and written statements from residents which have all been brought to the attention of the planning department. But the planning inspectors have said developers can still build. The sewage system in Drakes Broughton needs a massive upgrade. Until then, no houses should be built.”