Legal Battle Looms Over New Housing Development In Historic Village Without Sewage

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Legal Battle Looms Over New Housing Development in Historic Village Without Sewage

A proposed housing development in the historic village of Ashton-under-Hill is facing significant opposition and the threat of legal action due to concerns over inadequate sewage infrastructure. The plan, submitted by developer Oakwood Homes, proposes 50 new homes in the picturesque Cotswolds village, a move that has sparked outrage amongst residents and preservationists. The core issue? The village's existing sewage system is already struggling to cope with its current population, raising serious concerns about the environmental impact of adding 50 new homes without significant upgrades.

The lack of adequate sewage infrastructure is a critical point of contention. Residents argue that the development will inevitably lead to sewage overflows, polluting the surrounding environment and potentially impacting the village's iconic River Avon. This fear is fueled by a recent report from the Environment Agency highlighting the existing system's limitations and the potential for increased pollution should the development go ahead. This report, available on the Environment Agency website [link to report here], details the specific risks and potential consequences.

<h3>Residents Unite in Opposition</h3>

Ashton-under-Hill residents have formed a dedicated action group, "Save Our Village," to fight the development. They've gathered over 200 signatures on a petition opposing the plan and are actively seeking legal counsel to challenge the planning permission if granted. Their concerns extend beyond sewage, encompassing potential traffic congestion, increased pressure on local amenities, and the impact on the village's unique character and historic buildings.

“This isn’t just about a few extra houses,” says Sarah Miller, spokesperson for Save Our Village. “This is about protecting our environment, preserving our village’s heritage, and ensuring the well-being of our community. The developer's disregard for the existing sewage limitations is simply unacceptable.”

<h3>Oakwood Homes Responds</h3>

Oakwood Homes, in response to the mounting criticism, maintains that the development will include mitigation measures to address concerns about sewage. They claim to have submitted a detailed plan to upgrade the village's sewage system as part of the overall development proposal. However, details regarding the specifics of this upgrade remain unclear, and residents remain unconvinced. They express doubts about the feasibility and timescale of the proposed upgrade and worry about potential cost overruns and delays.

<h3>Legal Ramifications and Next Steps</h3>

The legal challenge is expected to center on whether the local council adequately assessed the environmental impact of the development, particularly concerning the sewage system. The residents' legal team will argue that the council failed to uphold its duty to protect the environment and the interests of the community. The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for future housing developments in areas with limited infrastructure.

This case highlights the critical need for thorough environmental impact assessments before approving large-scale developments, especially in areas with limited infrastructure. The Ashton-under-Hill case serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the potential consequences of neglecting environmental considerations in urban planning.

Keywords: Ashton-under-Hill, housing development, sewage, legal battle, environmental impact, planning permission, Cotswolds, historic village, community opposition, Oakwood Homes, Save Our Village, River Avon, Environment Agency.

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