Oxford City Council warns new homes delay for sewage works

A lack of investment in the Oxford Sewage Treatment Works has led to the Environment Agency objecting to the city council's proposed Local Plan for 2040, and to housing and commercial planning applications now coming forward in and around the city.

The council is warning that the lack of sewage capacity could hit the delivery of more than 4,000 homes and over 500,000 sq m of commercial schemes up until March 2028.

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The announcement from the Labour-run council follows the new Labour government's decision to launch a Planning and Infrastructure Bill to "turbocharge" the construction of new homes - the aim is to build a total of 1.5 million new homes across the country in five years.

Ms Brown said the Environment Agency's objections were linked with a wider range of problems, including the quality of water in the rivers and the sewage blockages and spills that have caused upset to householders and communities across the city.  

She added: "Protecting and improving the water quality in our rivers and streams is fundamental, as is having adequate water supply and sewage capacity. We need to have the right infrastructure in place to do this.

(Image: Oxford City Council) "The fact that we do not, and that this is now also preventing or delaying the delivery of much-needed new homes and job opportunities, is a source of huge frustration and anger. "

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The city council is now in 'active and constructive talks' with Thames Water’s new chief executive, the EA, and the Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT).

It has also entered a three-way agreement with Thames Water and the EA to work together to help address the planning issue as part of the draft Local Plan, which looks at the area's housing and employment requirements.

Ms Brown added: "We understand that Thames Water is working at pace with the relevant regulators to develop and put in place solutions that seek to address the situation.   

“We continue to press for an urgent resolution to build the infrastructure necessary to help clean up our rivers and support our local communities.

"Without this, there is a major risk that we negatively impact the Government’s agenda to deliver 1.5m new homes in the next five years, and to grow the UK economy, supported by Oxford’s world-class life science and technology sectors.” 

In March it emerged that plans for a major housing scheme north of Oxford were likely to be delayed after the Environment Agency strongly objected.

Christ Church College and its partner Dorchester Residential Management is planning to build 1,450 new homes at Bayswater Brook to the north of Barton.

(Image: Christ Church/Dorchester Residential Management) But the Environment Agency said Thames Water’s Oxford sewage plant could not cope with more demand.

Agency bosses said planning permission for the development with a new primary school, nursery, shops, a restaurant, café and road network, should be refused.

Developers had intended to begin construction on the site in 2024 with development anticipated to be completed by 2035.

Parts of Cherwell, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are also connected to the sewage treatment works, so this could delay another 6,000 new homes.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We're working closely with Oxford City Council and the Environment Agency to help deliver Oxford's housing needs while protecting the environment.

"It is important to remember that we’re not statutory consultees for individual planning applications, but we do seek to comment with concerns when approached by the local authority.

"We also comment on Local Plans for wider housing needs as they are developed. We're currently finalising plans to upgrade our Oxford Sewage Treatment Works to increase its capacity.

"Due to the size and complexity of the initial upgrade this is expected to be completed in 2027 with a full solution being delivered by 2031. We will continue to engage and keep stakeholders updated on our progress.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We share the council’s aim of wanting Oxford to thrive sustainably. To achieve this, there must be the necessary wastewater infrastructure to ensure the city can grow and have the healthy environment we all want to see.     

"Our legal duty is to provide advice to local planning authorities where development could cause significant risks to the environment. We will object to planning applications where necessary, and offer advice on action to help address these risks.  

 “We continue to advise and support Oxford City Council in considering solutions that will ensure sustainable development in Oxford."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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