Government asks for views on city sewage plant

A government department has asked for views on plans to relocate a water sewage treatment works.

Anglian Water applied for a Development Consent Order in July 2024 to relocate an existing plant in Cambridge to new site at Honey Hill, near Horningsea, on the outskirts of the city.

In a letter sent to "all interested parties", the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has asked for responses on the project to be submitted before midnight on 3 February.

Anglian Water said the new facility would recycle water and nutrients to produce green energy and unlock the "regeneration potential" of the north of Cambridge.

The Defra letter said: "Nothing in this letter is to be taken to imply what the eventual decision might be or what final conclusions the secretary of state may reach on any particular issue."

It said responses would be published on the Planning Inspectorate's page dedicated to the project "as soon as possible".

A decision on the plans was expected last week, but instead the Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced the deadline had been extended to 14 April.

It is the second time a decision on the facility has been delayed, which was originally given a deadline of October.

Defra said the further delay was necessary for the proposals to be "properly analysed with consideration given the government's updated policies".

Campaigners opposed to the relocation have said it would harm the environment, and create traffic, safety and odour issues.

A spokesperson for Anglian Water said: "We look forward to the decision and remain committed to continuing to update and engage with stakeholders and the community."

"If consent is granted, the decision will enable Anglian Water to deliver a modern low carbon waste water treatment facility, supporting growth across Greater Cambridge."

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