Three potential locations for Cambridge’s waste water treatment plant revealed
Three sites have been shortlisted for the proposed relocation of the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant.
The sewage and water works are currently on Cowley Road, but a new site is needed to enable the north-east fringe development.
Anglian Water has now identified the three potential locations, following engagement with local stakeholders.
Two of the possibilities are between the villages of Milton, Impington and Landbeach, and the third option is between the villages of Fen Ditton, Horningsea and Stow-cum-Quy.
The relocation of the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant is being funded through the Housing Infrastructure Programme (HIF), a government capital grant programme awarded by MHCLG and administered by Homes England.
Karen Barclay, head of Cambridge relocation programme for Anglian Water, said: “Since the HIF announcement in March 2019, Anglian Water has been undertaking a detailed site selection study to investigate and assess potential locations for the new plant, which will be relocated in an area around half the size of the existing site and which will deploy the latest technology to deliver a carbon-efficient facility.
“We have been working closely with the local authorities to keep them updated on the findings and the consultation, launching next week, will provide opportunities for the local community to have their say on where the new plant should be relocated and help shape the design as the plans evolve.”
Up to £227million was allocated to Anglian Water and Cambridge City Council for the relocation, to support sustainable economic and housing growth in Cambridge.
It will mean that the large area of brownfield land will make way for 5,600 homes and million square feet of commercial space, subject to plans.
The plans will be outlined in the draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan to be published for consultation by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service later this summer.
The three sites were shortlisted following a detailed iterative site selection study that considered a range of criteria, including the potential impact on local communities, the environment such as protected and sensitive wildlife sites, and technical factors such as the complexity and cost of construction.
Anglian Water is now inviting community views and feedback on the early proposals via a virtual village hall consultation.
“We are keen to hear what people think about our proposals and will be inviting feedback from the community throughout the development of the project,” said Ms Barclay.
“We will be undertaking an open and iterative consultation process to inform the proposals for CWWTPR. This will include three phases of public consultation for the project and will continue until we submit our application to the planning inspectorate."
Phase one of the consultation starts on Wednesday (July 8), and runs for six weeks.
Events will take place online through a virtual exhibition and digital platform because of the pandemic, but printed material will be available for those not able to access the digital format.
Feedback is being sought on all aspects of the potential relocation, including the proposed site areas, the infrastructure connected to it, the short term and temporary impacts of the construction process, and all matters regarding the environment.
For more information, visit cwwtpr.com.
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