Christchurch Town Council objects to Wyatt Homes’ sewage treatment plant amendment at Bransgore development off Derritt Lane
FEARS that sewage could spill into the River Avon saw Christchurch Town Council take the “unusual” step of objecting to plans for a treatment plant.
The bid to create a package treatment plant (PTP) and infrastructure at Derritt Lane in Bransgore is an amendment to a previously granted scheme for 100 homes on fields on the outskirts of the village.
The development by Wyatt Homes was given the green light in May 2022, despite strong opposition from Bransgore and Sopley parish councils and more than 140 objectors.
Members of Bransgore Parish Council have also opposed the latest amendments after dozens of worried residents packed a village hall meeting to share their anger over the plans.
The issue was then debated at Christchurch Town Council’s planning committee meeting, when the chair Cllr David Jones explained that it was unusual for the committee to consider applications outside the Christchurch parish boundaries.
However, he said the committee should be aware of the significance of the application due to the direct impact that overflowing sewage pollution would have on Christchurch and other neighbouring towns as it would circulate through the River Avon.
A number of potential risks were identified, including damage to the water course; the smell effecting quality of life to the surrounding neighbourhood; damage to wildlife habitat; flooding of highways and public footpaths; and the impact on surrounding properties.
After discussions, town councillors resolved to object to the application. The minutes of the meeting added: “It was noted that the plans presented were difficult for residents to understand, despite them being significantly affected by the application if it were approved.
“Members also felt that there was very little information about the application and, therefore, echoed the Bransgore Parish Council’s comments on the lack of supportive information.”
A decision on the amendment is yet to be made by New Forest District Council
