New Homes Approved Despite Sewage Concerns In Historic Village

Michael

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Post on May 29, 2025

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New Homes Approved Despite Sewage Concerns in Historic Village of Ashton

A controversial decision has sparked outrage amongst residents of the historic village of Ashton, with the local council approving plans for 50 new homes despite ongoing concerns about the village's aging sewage system. The development, proposed by Willow Creek Developments, has been met with fierce opposition from residents who fear the added strain on the already struggling infrastructure will lead to widespread sewage overflows and environmental damage.

The Ashton Village Council voted 5-4 in favor of the development, citing the need for affordable housing in the region and the economic benefits the project would bring. However, critics argue that these benefits are overshadowed by the potential environmental consequences and the significant disruption to the village's historic character.

Sewage System at Capacity

Ashton's sewage system, a relic of the Victorian era, is widely acknowledged to be operating at full capacity. Recent heavy rainfall has already resulted in several instances of sewage flooding in lower-lying areas of the village, causing significant disruption and health concerns. Independent reports commissioned by residents highlight the inadequacy of the current system to handle the increased load from the new housing development. One report, obtained by our news team, concludes that "without significant upgrades to the sewage infrastructure, the proposed development poses a significant risk of repeated and widespread sewage overflows."

This concern was echoed by local resident and long-time Ashton resident, Margaret Davies, who stated: "We're not NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard); we're concerned citizens. This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about public health and protecting our environment. The council has ignored our pleas and the expert reports. It's a reckless decision."

Developer's Response

Willow Creek Developments has responded to the criticism by claiming that they will contribute financially towards upgrading the sewage system. However, the details of this contribution remain vague, and there is no guarantee that the proposed upgrades will be sufficient to prevent future sewage problems. A spokesperson for the company stated: "We understand the concerns of the residents and are committed to working collaboratively with the council and the community to mitigate any potential negative impacts." This statement, however, has failed to reassure many anxious residents.

Council's Justification

The Ashton Village Council defended their decision, citing the "urgent need for affordable housing" and the economic benefits of the project, including new jobs and increased tax revenue. Council leader, Councillor David Miller, stated: "We understand the concerns about the sewage system, but we believe that the necessary upgrades can be implemented in a timely manner. This development will bring much-needed affordable housing to the area, and we believe the benefits outweigh the risks."

However, the council has yet to provide a detailed plan outlining how these upgrades will be funded and implemented, leaving many residents unconvinced.

What Happens Next?

The approval of the new homes has prompted a flurry of activity. A petition has been launched calling for a judicial review of the council's decision, with over 1,000 signatures already collected. Local environmental groups are also considering legal action, arguing that the council has failed to adequately assess the environmental impact of the development. The coming weeks will be crucial as the legal challenges unfold and the fight for Ashton’s future continues. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the need for affordable housing and the imperative to protect the environment and the heritage of historic villages.

Keywords: Ashton, sewage, new homes, housing development, historic village, environmental concerns, council approval, affordable housing, sewage system upgrade, legal challenge, petition, community opposition, Willow Creek Developments.