Historic Village Residents Fight Back Against Sewage-Strained Housing Development

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 28, 2025

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Historic Village Residents Fight Back Against Sewage-Strained Housing Development

The quaint, historic village of Ashton-under-Lyne is facing a modern-day David and Goliath battle. Residents are fiercely resisting a large-scale housing development, claiming the existing sewage infrastructure is wholly inadequate and will be overwhelmed, leading to environmental damage and a significant decline in their quality of life. This isn't just a NIMBY ("Not In My Backyard") protest; it's a fight for the preservation of their heritage and the protection of their environment.

The proposed development, spearheaded by property developer, Northcrest Homes, plans to construct 250 new homes on the outskirts of the village. While proponents argue it will boost the local economy and provide much-needed housing, residents are voicing serious concerns about the potential consequences of insufficient sewage capacity. For years, Ashton-under-Lyne has struggled with an aging and overburdened sewage system, regularly experiencing flash flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

<h3>Sewage System at Breaking Point</h3>

"It's a ticking time bomb," says Margaret Davies, a lifelong resident and spokesperson for the newly formed "Save Ashton's Heritage" campaign group. "Our current system is already struggling to cope. Adding 250 new homes will inevitably lead to sewage overflows, polluting our rivers and harming wildlife. We simply don't have the infrastructure to support this level of development." The campaign group has presented a comprehensive report detailing their concerns, including data on existing sewage capacity and projected increases in wastewater volume. They've also highlighted the potential impact on property values and the overall aesthetic appeal of the village.

The report cites several instances of recent sewage overflows, causing significant disruption and environmental damage. These incidents, coupled with the projected increase in population, paint a grim picture of the potential consequences of approving the development without significant upgrades to the sewage system. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased traffic congestion and pressure on local amenities.

<h3>Northcrest Homes Responds</h3>

Northcrest Homes has responded to these concerns, stating they are committed to working with the local council to ensure adequate infrastructure is in place before any construction begins. A spokesperson for the company said they have "commissioned a detailed independent assessment of the sewage system" and are "confident that any necessary upgrades can be implemented." However, the Save Ashton's Heritage campaign group remains skeptical, demanding transparency and access to the full report commissioned by Northcrest Homes.

<h3>The Fight for the Future of Ashton-under-Lyne</h3>

The battle between residents and the developer highlights a common struggle in many rapidly developing areas: the tension between economic growth and environmental protection. The Ashton-under-Lyne case underscores the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments and the need for robust infrastructure planning before approving large-scale housing developments.

The Save Ashton's Heritage campaign has launched a petition and is actively seeking support from local councilors and environmental organizations. Their fight is not just about preventing sewage overflows; it’s about protecting the character and heritage of their beloved village for future generations. The outcome of this conflict will serve as a critical case study for similar disputes across the UK and beyond. Will the voice of the community prevail, or will the developer's plans proceed, potentially at the cost of Ashton-under-Lyne’s environment and quality of life? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: Learn more about the Save Ashton's Heritage campaign and how you can support their efforts by visiting their website (link to website if available). You can also follow them on social media (links to social media pages if available).