The leader of Oxford City Council has blasted Thames Water over what she says is an historic lack of investment in the city’s sewage treatment works.

In a statement issued on August 28, Cllr Susan Brown (pictured) complains the problem is so acute it could now hold up development, including thousands of homes. She argues the problem has been going on for many years with no action.

The council points to the Environment Agency objecting to major planning applications due to additional pressure on Oxford’s sewage treatment works (STW) and says EA has objected to Oxford’s draft Local Plan 2040 on grounds of insufficient sewage capacity.

The council says 4,000 homes and 500,000 sq m of commercial space planned in the city over the next five years could be at risk while more than 10,000 new homes in parts of Cherwell, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse could be delayed.

The full statement by Cllr Brown, who is leader of the Labour group, reads: “We have long been raising the major problems created by the historic lack of investment by Thames Water in the Oxford Sewage Treatment Works, and its subsequent lack of capacity.

“This lack of investment has now led to the Environment Agency (EA) objecting to both the city council’s proposed Local Plan 2040, and to housing and commercial planning applications coming forward in and around the city. This is a very significant environmental and economic issue for both Oxford and Oxfordshire.

“This is all part of a wider range of problems including the quality of water in our rivers and the sewage blockages and spills that have caused so much upset to householders and communities across our city.

“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. 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.

“We have been raising these issues locally for many years but have seen no action. While I am clear this is a failure of the previous Government’s making, I have been greatly encouraged by the engagement shown by the current Government on this issue.

“We are now engaged in active and constructive talks with Thames Water’s new chief executive, the EA, and the Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT). We have also entered a three-way agreement with Thames Water and the EA to work together to help address the planning issue as part of our draft Local Plan.

“It is clear from these discussions that there are shared objectives from all partners to support the sustainable development and growth of Oxford and the surrounding area; to focus on ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to protect and enhance the local environment; and to give assurance to the development community that the works will happen in a timely fashion to ensure we continue to deliver much-needed new homes and jobs.

“We also 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 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, and to grow the UK economy, supported by Oxford’s world-class life science and technology sectors.”

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.”

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